Srisailam temple sees surge of devotees on Day 2 of Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams

Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam witnessed a surge of devotees and Siva Swamis on the second day of the Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams on Monday. The temple town was packed with pilgrims and mild tension prevailed for some time when a few Siva Swamis jumped over barricades in the queue lines and attempted to force their way into the temple.

According to temple officials, thousands of devotees, particularly those who had taken Siva Deeksha, arrived in the temple town from early morning. Some devotees, especially Siva Swamis who had to offer their jyothirmudis, grew restless after waiting for long hours in the queue lines and raised slogans against the temple management. A few of them jumped over the barricades and tried to rush towards the temple gates.

Police personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The Siva Swamis alleged that they were made to wait for hours while priority was being given to VIPs. Srisailam temple Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao reached the queue lines and pacified the agitated devotees.

Temple authorities clarified that only Siva Deeksha devotees would be allowed Sparsha Darshan during the first five days of the 11 day Brahmotsavams in fixed time slots. The Siva Deeksha devotees would be halted for about two hours at intervals to facilitate darshan for other devotees as well. Some devotees became impatient during this process and raised a hue and cry, officials said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said five separate queue lines had been arranged, including one exclusively for Siva Swamis. Devotees waiting in the queue complexes were provided snacks, biscuits and drinking water continuously, and emergency exits were also kept ready. Special arrangements had been made for Siva Deeksha devotees, he added.

He appealed to devotees to cooperate with the temple management and remain patient in view of the heavy rush. In response to the situation, special duties were assigned to temple officials at the queue lines, compartments, laddu counters and other key locations.