KEEPING FAITH: Devotees taking part in the car festival at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in connection with 335th Aradhanotsavam at Mantralayam on Saturday. — Photo U. Subramanyam

KURNOOL: Maharathotsavam, an important event of the weeklong 335th Aradhanotsavam of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, was celebrated at Mantralayam in Kurnool district on Saturday. Thousands of devotees witnessed the car festival in which the idol of Sri Prahladarayudu was taken out for a ride.

One lakh devotees were expected to have congregated on Saturday at Mantralayam while the total turnout during the week is expected to be over five lakhs.

The temple authorities deployed a new chariot this year, built at a cost of Rs. 10 lakhs.

On Saturday, the rituals started with anointing of Brindavan. Pontiff Sushameendra Teertha and Uttaradhikari Suyameendratheertha gave discourse before the car festival.

Cultural programmes were planned on all the seven days.

Film music composer M.M. Keeravani and his team rendered devotional songs on Thursday.

Noted artistes in classical music will give performances during the Arodhanotsavam.

The mutt plans to construct branch mutts at Badrinath, Haridwar and open offices at Mahabubnagar and Tirupati. Construction of a bathing ghat at the Tungabhadra is also on the cards.

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