Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple holds rituals for rain and Sravana Masam

Special religious rituals, including the Varuna Yagam, have commenced at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada. The Varuna Yagam, conducted under the direction of the endowments commissioner, involves Vedic scholars performing chants and rituals while standing waist-deep in the Krishna river to pray for timely rainfall, the replenishment of water bodies, and the welfare of the farming community.

Simultaneously, the temple is observing the Sravana Masam festivities. The first Friday of this holy month drew thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the shrine. Scheduled programs for the month include Varalakshmi Vratam on August 21, Pavitrotsavams from August 27 to 29, and daily special Kumkuma pujas. Temple authorities have implemented various arrangements to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims, including security monitoring and the provision of water and milk for those in queue.