10-07-2025
Guru Purnima, Shakambari festival celebrations attract thousands
Vijayawada:
was celebrated with immense spiritual fervour and devotion across Vijayawada on Thursday. Temples witnessed a massive influx of devotees who participated in special rituals and festivals marking the auspicious occasion.
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The Sai Baba Temple at Mutyalampadu saw thousands of devotees throng its premises in the early hours to take part in the sacred Abhishekam ritual. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual hymns as the faithful paid their respects to Sai Baba, expressing gratitude on this traditional day dedicated to gurus.
Meanwhile, the three-day Shakambari festival concluded at the famed Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam.
On the final day, goddess Kanaka Durga was adorned in Shakambari Devi attire, draped in leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits, symbolising her role as the nurturer of vegetation. Thousands of pilgrims were delighted to witness the goddess in this rare form.
To mark the occasion, the sanctum sanctorum was artistically decorated with farm produce, giving it a vibrant, earthy look. Vedic scholars conducted Satha Chandi Yagam and Poornahuti, invoking blessings for prosperity and good rains.
As part of the celebration, over 12,000 devotees were served 'Kadambham', a special dish prepared with fresh vegetables and dal.
Pilgrims praised the smooth arrangements. "Despite the heavy crowd, I had darshan in just 40 minutes," said K Nagaraju from Paruchuru, Prakasam district.
Durga temple executive officer Seenanayak expressed joy over the festival's success and thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts.
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Special shirga darshan was arranged to manage the heavy footfall, while prasadam counters distributed decorated vegetables to eager devotees.
At the Malleswara Swamy temple (Shivalayam), Rudra Abhishekam and special prayers were conducted as part of Guru Purnima rituals. Meanwhile, the Shakambari festival at Sri Bhramaramba Malleswara Swamy Temple in Srisailam also concluded, with Vedic rituals praying for good rainfall and a bountiful harvest.
