Mahashivaratri Celebrated with Devotion Across Telugu States

Shaivite temples across the two Telugu states were thronged by devotees on the occasion of Mahashivaratri . From the early hours of Sunday, devotees took holy dips in sacred rivers and reverberated temple premises with the chanting of the Panchakshari mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya.” Special abhishekams and pujas were performed with grandeur for Lord Shiva in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and across the country.

At Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple , one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the shrine echoed with Shiva chants as thousands of devotees arrived early in the morning for darshan. Devotees lit lamps in the temple premises and offered prayers, expressing faith that wishes made on Mahashivaratri would be fulfilled. Many said they had been visiting the temple for years wearing the sacred Shiva mala.

At Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Rajanna Sircilla district, celebrations were held with great fervour. Devotees offered the traditional “kode mokkulu” at the Bhimeshwara Swamy temple, an associated shrine. At 8 am on Sunday, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar presented silk robes to the deity on behalf of the State government.

Large numbers of devotees also gathered at Kaleshwaram Mukteswara Swamy Temple in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Pilgrims from neighbouring Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh took holy dips at the Triveni Sangamam in the Godavari river before standing in queues for darshan. Abhishekams were performed to Lord Mukteswara with maredu leaves inside the sanctum. Other prominent temples, including Srikalahasteeswara Temple , Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple , Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple , Bhimeswara Swamy Temple , and Keesaragutta Temple , witnessed heavy footfall . Authorities made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of festivities.

Conveying greetings on the occasion, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy extended wishes to the people of the State, expressing hope that the festival would bring light, love, harmony, and spiritual awakening. Governor Abdul Nazeer described Mahashivaratri as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness .

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also conveyed his greetings, stating that Lord Shiva embodies knowledge, courage, and compassion. He said the ancient Shiva temples of Telangana symbolise the State’s spiritual heritage and prayed for the well-being and prosperity of its people.

In Sangareddy district, State Minister for Medical, Health and Welfare Damodar Rajanarsimha participated in a Jalalinga Abhishekam programme at Fasalwadi village. Organised under the aegis of Sri Jyotir Vastu Vidyapeetham, the ritual was performed using sacred waters collected from 1,008 rivers across the country.

Under the guidance of Brahmashri Dr Maheshwara Sharma Siddhanti, the minister carried a pot filled with river water on his head, circumambulated the temple, and performed abhishekam to the Jalalinga, followed by special prayers. Thousands of devotees took part in the spiritual event.

In Vijayawada, large crowds gathered at the Krishna river ghats from early morning for holy dips before proceeding to Shiva temples for special prayers. Temples in the city witnessed heavy footfall, with Rudrabhishekams and night-long vigils conducted. Police, temple authorities, and district officials coordinated security arrangements. The celebrations concluded with the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at 1.30 am on Monday .

Across the country, Mahashivaratri was celebrated with devotion. Aarti ceremonies were held at the Mini Somnath temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwar Nath temple in Ayodhya.