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Time of India
7 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
09-07-2025
- 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.
