KADAPA: Religious fervour and gaiety marked the celebration of Srirama Navami at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple at Vontimitta, which is considered the Ayodhya of the South, in this district on Saturday. The festival was celebrated for the first time officially at Vontimitta after the bifurcation of the state.
Incidentally, the celebtation of Srirama Navami festival coincided with the second day celebration of the nine-day ‘Brahmotsavams’ at the temple, which commenced on Friday.
On the occasion of Srirama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, the idols of Lords Rama and Lakshmana and Goddess Sita were specially decorated. Deputy chief minister KE Krishnamurthy, along with his wife, presented silk robes and ‘Mutyala Talambralu’ (pearls) to the Lord on behalf of the state government. Thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness the celebrations. Special ‘poojas’ were held on the occasion.
At 11.47am, the chosen auspicious time, ‘Dhwajarohanam’ was performed amid chanting of Vedic hymns by Veda pundits who were specially invited for the occasion. Temple authorities made special arrangements for the convenience of the visiting devotees who thronged the temple from the early hours of the day.
The APSRTC operated special bus services between Kadapa and Rajampet for the convenience of the devotees. The district health department set up two health centres and the Rural Water Supply department officials provided drinking water facility.
Rajya Sabha member CM Ramesh, deputy chairman of AP Legislative Council SV Satish Reddy, Health minister Kamineni Srinivas, Rajampet MLA Meda Mallikarjun Reddy, former minister P Ramasubba Reddy, P Brahmaiah, former MLAs M Linga Reddy, N Varadarajulu Reddy and K Vijayamma were among those who participated in the celebrations.