Navaratri festivities begin at temples in Nandyal district

Dasara and Navaratri festivities began on October 11 at major temples in India’s Nandyal district, with opening rituals held in Ahobilam and Srisailam.

At the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Ahobilam, priests performed Thirumanjana Seva, a ceremonial bath with sacred water accompanied by Vedic chanting. Visitors joined prayers for health and wellbeing.

At the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna temple in Srisailam, temple leaders and priests brought turmeric, vermilion, fruit and flowers. Opening ceremonies included entry into the ritual pavilion, worship of Ganapathi, vows of observance and the tying of sacred wristbands.

The Hindu reported that the festival is featuring the combined Sahasra Chandi Parayana-sahita Shata Chandi Maha Rudra Yagam ritual for the first time this year. Participants dedicate the ceremony to the welfare of the world.

Temple officials also announced daily Kumari Puja, in which a girl aged between 2 and 10 receives offerings of flowers, fruit and new clothes. On the opening evening, the deity was adorned as Shailaputri, followed at night by the Bhringi Vahana Seva procession.