Andhra Pradesh   

All roads lead to Bhadrachalam

Photo: G.N.Rao

Grand finale: Idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana being taken in Hamsavahanam in Bhadrachalam on Wednesday night. —

BHADRACHALAM: A large number of devotees descended on the banks of Godavari for Teppotsavam, the annual float festival at the Bhadradri temple on Wednesday.

The pilgrim centre echoed to the Vedic hymns as the flower decked Hamsa Vahanam set on sail in the river with the impressively decorated festive idols of the presiding deities.

The devotees vied for space and hung out of the enclosures on the river bank for a glimpse of Lord Rama, His Consort Sita and brother Lakshmana seated in the float in all their majesty and splendour.

As the devotees engrossed in the Ramanama Smaranam, a colourful display of fireworks lit up the skies thus forming magnificent backdrop for the dazzling sight. The float with its flickering lights turned into a dazzling delight as it moved slowly away from the shore on a hour long cruise with the temple priests and a selective dignitaries on board.

The enthralling event signified the culmination of ten-day long Mukkoti at the shrine. Piety and devotion marked the occasion.

Earlier the processional deities were brought in a ritual procession from the main temple. Accompanied by the Veda pandits, devotees and temple authorities, the procession passed through the Chappidi Diguva locality.

They residents spruced up the surroundings and welcomed the deities as the idols were brought out initially for the Tiruveediseva.

They had their streets decorated with masses of flowers and silken buntings and earthen lamps lit for the occasion.

Lord Rama was worshipped in all the incarnations of Vishnu during the ten-day long festival.

Minister for Vaidya Vidhana Parishad Vanama Venkateswar Rao and Zilla Parishad chairperson G. Vijayalakshmi were among those who took part.

The district officials, including Collector Sashibusan Kumar and Superintendent of Police D. S. Chouhan, who were camping in the town- joined the rituals of the festival.

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