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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
3.20 lakh devotees take part in Simhachalam ‘Giri Pradakshina'
The 'Giri Pradakshina' festival of the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple witnessed a massive turnout of devotees this year, with people from across Uttarandhra region participating in the circumambulation of the Simhachalam Hill on July 9 and 10. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) officials, who used AI-based tools to estimate the crowd, said that by 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, approximately 3.20 lakh devotees participated in the pilgrimage. The Simhachalam Devasthanam officials and the police said that the crowd surged in the evening on Wednesday. Many began their journey around 8 p.m. from Tholi Pavancha, with the traditional coconut-breaking ritual. Devotees walked through the night along the city lanes, aiming to return to Simhachalam by Thursday morning. While some completed the 32-km trek in 10 to 12 hours, others took longer. The devotees were seen resting along the footpaths, taking brief breaks during the 32-km trek. Vehicular traffic flow was severely affected, particularly on the stretch from Hanumanthawaka Junction to Maddilapalem, late Wednesday night. Vehicles were stuck in long queues, moving at a snail's pace, with the devotees occupying the road. Some citizens complained that they had not seen such heavy congestion in recent times. The police worked tirelessly through the night to manage the crowd and regulate traffic flow, continuing their efforts until early Thursday morning. Sanitation workers played a crucial role in maintaining hygiene after the religious event. Heaps of garbage piled up in colonies. Cleanliness activities began in the early hours, with garbage trucks deployed by 8 a.m. to clear the trash. Bleaching powder was also sprinkled in many areas to maintain the hygiene.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Eight lakh devotees take part in Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina
1 2 3 Visakhapatnam : A staggering 8 lakh devotees participated in the Giri Pradakshina, a 32-kilometer spiritual walk around Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy's temple on Simhachalam Hill in Visakhapatnam. Despite the massive turnout, which doubled compared to previous years, the event proceeded without any untoward incidents. The temple management extended Narasimha Swamy's darshan timing to 10:30 pm on Wednesday and initiated darshan at 3:30 am on Thursday to accommodate the increasing number of devotees. Devotees unable to complete the 32-km trek were offered pradakshina within the temple from early Thursday morning until afternoon. At Tholi Pavancha, lakhs of coconuts were piled up, and the temple management arranged 60 queue lines for devotees to break coconuts before commencing their walk. However, due to the sheer number of devotees, many broke coconuts on the road and proceeded with their Giri Pradakshina. The event was not without its challenges, as traffic congestion became a major issue. Devotees and the general public were trapped in traffic jams at Isukathota, Venkojipalem, Hanumanthawaka junctions, and other areas, leading to vehicles being stuck for two to three hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Traffic restrictions necessitated parking vehicles five to six km away from the temple, increasing the Giri Pradakshina distance to over 40 kilometers for thousands of devotees. Despite the chaos, the temple management and authorities ensured a hassle-free experience for the devotees. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) authorities used artificial intelligence-based facial recognition technology to track the number of devotees accurately. Drones hovered overhead to check for stampedes, and geo-tags were placed on children's hands to prevent them from getting lost. A senior police officer estimated that around 8 lakh devotees took part in the Giri Pradakshina and acknowledged that managing the roads without traffic restrictions would have been impossible. The priests conducted special rituals and offered approximately 125 kilograms of sandalwood mixed with fragrant substances to the deity early on Thursday morning. Executive officer Vendra Trinadharao expressed gratitude to all officials, staff, and contributors for the successful completion of the Giri Pradakshina, which was completed peacefully and incident-free with the deity's blessings.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Lakhs take part in Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina
Visakhapatnam: Lakhs of devotees participated in the Giri Pradakshina of Simhachalam Temple, braving a 32 km journey around the Simhachalam hill on foot, mostly barefoot. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) authorities used artificial intelligence-based facial recognition to count the number of devotees, which crossed two lakhs by late night. 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. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch: 2/3/4 BHK Luxury in Panvel L&T Panvel Enquire Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola 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.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Lakhs of devotees to take part in ‘Giri Pradakshina' today
Visakhapatnam: Devotees believe that circumambulating 'Simhagiri' on the occasion of 'Ashada Pournami' help them overcome obstacles in life and invoke the blessings of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Popularly known as 'Giri Pradakshina', this time, the annual Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina mahotsavam is celebrated on July 9 (Wednesday). Speaking about the festival arrangements, executive officer (EO) of the Devasthanam Vendra Trinadha Rao said that elaborate arrangements have been made in view of the devotees leaving from Simhachalam Tholipavancha on Wednesday for their onward trek. At 2 pm, the Pushparatham with the idol of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will commence from Tholipavancha at the Simhachalam downhill. The chariot will be flagged off by the hereditary trustee of the temple, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Lakhs of devotees will take part in 'Giri Pradakshina' along with the chariot. The 32-km Giri Pradakshina, which starts from Tholipavancha, passes through Old Adivivaram, Arilova, Mudasarlova, Hanumanthawaka, Visalakshi Nagar, Jodugullapalem, Appughar, MVP colony, Venkojipalem, Isukathota, HB Colony, Seethamadhara, Alluri statue, Balayya Sastri Layout, Port Stadium, Kancharapalem, Madhavadhara, Murali Nagar, NAD Junction, Gopalapatnam bunk, Prahladapuram, Old Goshala junction and returns to Tolipavancha. As part of the festival, the last phase of the sandalwood offering will be held on July 10. About 125-kg of 'Srigandham' was prepared by mixing assorted spices to offer to the presiding deity of Simhachalam. An opportunity will be provided for devotees, who cannot take up the 32-km Giri Pradakshina, to circumambulate the temple. As part of it, devotees will be allowed to circumambulate at the temple from 3 am in the morning. According to chief priest G Srinivasacharyulu, circumambulating the temple 108 times gives equal result to trekking 32-km-long route. For the convenience of the devotees, ramps are being set up at the North gopuram and South gopuram. The EO informed that free transport facilities have been provided to the devotees who complete the temple pradakshina on July 10 to help them travel from uphill to downhill. Special measures are taken for sanitation maintenance along the 'metla margam' and at various places on the uphill. The EO said that chairs and carpets will be facilitated for the devotees to take rest in between at special stalls in 29 places all along the Giri Pradakshina route. Meanwhile, GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg informed that helpline and toll-free numbers have been set up by the corporation for the convenience of devotees participating in the Giri Pradakshina. The Commissioner stated that during the Giri Pradakshina of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Simhachalam, lakhs of devotees undertake the 32-km-long trek. For their convenience, GVMC has arranged a helpline number 0891-2507225 and a toll-free number 1800-4250-0009 and festival activities will be monitored from the city operation centre. In addition, GVMC made arrangements, such as drinking water, toilets, lighting, and medical camps along the route. The Commissioner appealed to the devotees to make use of these facilities, and in case of any obstacles in arrangements or emergencies, the devotees are asked to contact the toll-free or helpline numbers for prompt assistance. A number of NGOs teamed up to offer services to the devotees trekking along the 32-km-longstretch.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Officials in Visakhapatnam gear up for Giri Pradakshina of Simhachalam temple on July 9
Officials from the district administration are giving final touches to the arrangements for Giri Pradakshina, the annual pilgrimage of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam, which is set to begin early Wednesday morning. Multiple queue lines have been set up at 'Tholi Pavancha', the foothill of Simhachalam, where devotees begin the 32-km trek after performing the ritual of breaking coconuts. Free drinking water kiosks and bio-toilets are being installed every 200 metres along the route. This year, several rest arenas have also been arranged along the path, each staffed with medical teams to assist devotees. Massive sanitation drive A massive sanitation drive is under way, with nearly 3,000 sanitation workers deployed in shifts under the supervision of sanitary inspectors. Dustbins are being placed at regular intervals to maintain cleanliness throughout the stretch. In several areas including Seethammadhara and Visalakshi Nagar, tree-trimming work is still in progress to clear the path. Appughar Beach At Appughar Beach, where devotees are expected to take a holy dip during the pilgrimage, authorities have set up toilets, rest areas, and stalls offering food and drinking water. A police outpost equipped with a public address system has also been established to caution devotees against venturing into deep waters. About 50 trained swimmers with boats will be stationed at the beach to prevent drowning incidents. Barricades have been erected near Venkojipalem to prevent devotees from entering the service road leading to the National Highway. Special arrangements are being made to facilitate safe crossing across NH-16, especially near the Hanuman statue in the area and also at Hanumanthawaka Junction. To ensure visibility and safety during nighttime, GVMC workers are inspecting and repairing streetlights. Near Tenneti Park, lighting is being adjusted along the hill route to ensure the entire stretch is properly illuminated. As part of the bandobust arrangements, around 2,700 police personnel will be deployed on duty. Commissioner of Police Shankabrata Bagchi has conducted a series of review meetings to finalise security arrangements. Traffic police will be stationed in larger numbers at key junctions where devotees cross NH-16, with congestion expected in these areas from Wednesday afternoon. District Public Transportation Officer B. Appalanaidu stated that 50 buses will shuttle between the Simhachalam foothill and the hilltop. Additionally, 150 special buses will operate from major locations including RK Beach, Kothavalasa, Gajuwaka, and Dwaraka Bus Station between 5 a.m. on July 9 and 5 p.m. on July 10. Based on demand, RTC officials stationed on point duty may recommend additional services. Home Minister V. Anitha visited the Simhachalam Devasthanam on Tuesday to review preparations. Speaking to the media, she said the government is treating the event with utmost seriousness and assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for devotees. Thousands of devotees from across the North Andhra districts and neighbouring States are expected to participate in the Giri Pradakshina. Many believe that performing the 32-km circumambulation with devotion absolves sins and brings divine blessings and prosperity. For those unable to undertake the full trek, circumambulating the main temple is considered spiritually equivalent.
