TIRUPATI, Tirupati: The annual Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam (Brahmotsavam) celebrations at the Sri Kalahastheeswara Swamy Temple began on Tuesday with the traditional Ankurarpana ceremony, which included the ceremonial flag hoisting of Bhakta Kannappa.
These sacred rituals were performed in the presence of a large crowd of devotees on Magha Shuddha Ashtami. According to the temple’s age-old traditions, Bhakta Kannappa, considered the greatest devotee of Lord Vayu Linga, was offered the first puja, marking the formal beginning of the Mahashivratri festival in Srikalahasti. The flag hoisting ceremony took place in the evening amid a devotional atmosphere. According to the ritual, this ceremony symbolized a formal invitation to the eight Dikpalakas, deities, and sages to witness and bless the Brahmotsavam.
The festival idol of Bhakta Kannappa was first decorated in the Alankara Mandapam, where temple priests and Vedic scholars offered special prayers. The idol was then taken to the Bhakta Kannappa Temple atop the Kailashgiri hill in a traditional procession. Temple officials, priests, and Vedic scholars carried sacred materials and silk cloth as the procession moved forward amid the sound of auspicious instruments and chants of “Om Namah Shivaya.” At the Bhakta Kannappa Temple, a Kalash installation and special puja were performed, followed by the ceremonial hoisting of the flag on the Dhwajsthamabh (dhwajsthamabh) amid chanting of Vedic mantras. This ritual formally marked the beginning of the Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam, which was attended by a large number of devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Venkat Sudheer Reddy said that the Brahmotsavam was being celebrated in full accordance with tradition and expressed hope that with the blessings of Lord Shiva, the festival would conclude smoothly. He said that all arrangements have been made for a hassle-free darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika during the festival.
Temple Chairman Kotte Sai Prasad, BJP State Vice President Kola Anand Kumar, Executive Officer T. Bapi Reddy, temple board members, officials, and devotees were present.
