BHADRACHALAM: About one lakh devotees visited Yetapaka on Tuesday to witness Athirathram Yagam, the penultimate day of the 12- day ancient ritual.
Putrakameshti Yagam was performed on the 11th day of Athirathram, which began on April 21.
About 1,000 couples participated in Putrakameshti Yagam seeking divine blessings for children.
About 25 Nambudiris from Kerala, led by Yagam Yajamani Naduvam Narayan Somayajipada, performed special pujas.
The organisers claimed that Garuda Pakshi was spotted twice at Yagasala today.
Revenue minister N Raghuveera Reddy, Bhimili MLA Uttamasetti Srinivas, IAS officer PVRK Prasad and others witnessed Putrakameshti Yagam.
Samatha Lokseva Samithi, which is conducting Athirathram Yagam for universal peace, has made elaborate arrangements for the last day of the ritual.
Special pujas will be performed on the last day from 3 am to 7 pm.
The Yagasala will be set on fire after the end of the Yagam.
It is believed that heavy rain occurs after the end of the Yagam.
The temple town witnessed a heavy rush of devotees as Yetapaka is just 8 km away from Bhadrachalam.
There were huge traffic jams due to devotee rush.
The organisers had failed to make adequate arrangements to supply food and water to the visiting devotees.
Consequently, many devotees experienced severe hardships.
Sri Sitaramachandra Swamivari Devasthanam also witnessed a heavy rush of devotees because of Athirathram Yagam.
A majority of devotees who visited Yetapaka, had a darshan of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
According to Yagam organisers, five lakh devotees visited Yetapaka till Monday