Lakhs take part in Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina
The annual festival of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy started after 2 pm, but devotees began their spiritual walk much before the god's chariot started its journey.
The hereditary trustee, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, started the Giri Pradakshina chariot along with Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Visakha West MLA Ganababu, and MPs M Sribharat, Kalisetti Appala Naidu. Around 125 kilos of Srigandham were offered to Lord Narasimha Swamy.
For those unable to complete the 32 km Giri Pradakshina, the temple authorities provided Alaya Pradakshina at 3 am.
The devotees, including the elderly, children, and women in large numbers, were seen taking part in the Pradakshina, chanting "Govinda" and filling the air with spiritual fervor. Many voluntary organizations extended their services by providing Anna Prasadam and snacks to thousands of devotees along the 32 km stretch.
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The Sri Satya Sai Seva organisation provided massages to relieve leg pains and offered milk, prasadam, and snacks to the devotees.
The authorities made extensive arrangements, including 40 counters with 100 iron girders, 400 temporary toilets, and 120 permanent toilets. Lighting was provided in 32 dark places on the route with 750 lights. Medical camps, ambulances, and super-specialty medical teams were stationed along the stretch.
Drinking water points, public address systems, control rooms, and other facilities were also arranged.
However, traffic restrictions caused discomfort to commuters in the city, with many internal roads close to the Giri Pradakshina route closed. People in MVP Colony, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, and Seetammadhara area expressed anger due to the road closures.
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