Tirupati: With the beginning of Karthika Masam, huge pilgrims’ rush was seen at Lord Shiva temples across Tirupati on Monday. Thousands were seen doing pujas to remove doshas and offering prayers at the Swarna Mukhi river. The day’s rituals ended with Laksha Deepotsavam at Narada Pushkarini.Over 30,000 pilgrims offered prayers at the renowned Srikalahasti temple. Newly-appointed temple executive officer T. Bapi Reddy monitored the queue lines. Pilgrims began their day with a holy dip in the Swarna Mukhi before lighting diyas. Anticipating a large number of devotees, the temple administration deployed scores of volunteers.Local MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy and EO Bapi Reddy attended the ‘Laksha Deepotsavam’ spectacle.According to Puranas, pilgrimages to Shiva temples during Karthika Masam bring divine blessings. Many devotees fast during this period, particularly on full moon and new moon days. Even Mondays are considered auspicious.At the Srikalahasti temple, 4,000 devotees performed the Rahu Ketu pujas, a ritual to bring relief from astrological challenges.Other notable Shiva temples in Tirupati, such as Kapileswara Swamy, experienced a surge in devotees. At these sites, pilgrims performed holy baths in the waterfalls, offered prayers, and lit lamps.Temples like Parasurameswara Swamy in Gudimallam, Pallikondeswara Swamy in Surutapalli, Sri Siddeswara Swamy in Talakona, Kailasanatha Kona, and Parasurameswara Swamy in Yogimallavaram also saw significant gatherings, as worshippers embraced the holy month’s spirit and sought blessings.
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