VIJAYAWADA: The three-day sacred Maha Kumbhabhisheka Mahotsavam in Sri Durga Malleswara Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) atop Indrakeeladri concluded in a grand manner on Sunday.
The rituals began early Sunday morning at the yagashala with mandapa pujas and special homams performed with Vedic chanting.
The yagam concluded with Poornahuti at around 9 am marking the completion of the sacred fire rituals conducted for universal welfare and world peace.
Later, during the auspicious Mesha Lagna Pushkara Muhurtham at 9:34 am the sacred Kumbhabhishekam was performed on the main temple tower (Vimana Gopuram) by the Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati, pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
Holy waters collected from several sacred rivers and the sea were used for the ceremonial Samprokshanam. Several dignitaries attended the historic ceremony and offered prayers to the presiding deity Goddess Kanaka Durga.
Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Endowments department Principal Secretary Dr M Hari Jawahar Lal, and Endowments commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan took part in the ritual.
Durga Temple trust board chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) and Executive Officer VK Seena Naik personally supervised the arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The temple’s chief priests, deputy priests, members of the Vedic committee and several Vedic scholars performed the rituals strictly in accordance with scriptural traditions.
Following the Kumbhabhishekam, Jagadguru Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati delivered a spiritual discourse at the cultural stage near the Rajagopuram premises.
He explained the significance of the ritual, noting that the Maha Kumbhabhishekam is performed once every 12 years to rejuvenate the spiritual energy and sanctity of the temple.
Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy attended as a chief guest for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam and stated that all arrangements have been made to ensure devotees face no inconvenience.
He further stated that elaborate arrangements were made keeping the devotee influx in consideration.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy expressed hope that Goddess Kanaka Durga’s blessings would always remain with the people of the state and said the Maha Kumbhabhishekam had further enhanced the temple’s spiritual glory.
The minister said he was happy to take part in the sacred ceremony held on Indrakeeladri. He stated that the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, which began on March 6 and 7, was conducted as per traditions.
He noted that the temple’s Vimana Gopuram was ceremonially anointed with holy waters as part of the final rituals. The ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati, head of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.