Bhadrachalam gears up for Mukkoti Ekadasi fest

Khammam,Dec 18: As part of Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations,Adyayanoschavalu ritual commenced and the idol of Rama was decorated as Machyavatharam-incarnate on Friday at Sitharama Chandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam.These celebrations will continue till Jan 8,2010 before the commencement of two-day Vilaposchavalu ritual.As part of an annual ritual,a “Teppotsavam” will be organized on the river Godavari on Dec 27.The idols of Rama, Seeta and Laxmana are taken on a ferry boat ritually across the river Godavari.The district administration has evolved an action plan for the pilgrims during the Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations.

The APSRTC has decided to operate special services from across the state to Bhadrachalam celebrations. About 60 additional bus services from Khammam region will be operated to the temple town.APSRTC regional manager Suresh Kumar said additional services from Ellandu, Kothagudem, Manuguru and Khammam depots will be operated for the celebrations.About 150 toilets and urinals have been constructed for the devotees. Sale of meat and liquor has been prohibited at the hotels of Bhadrachalam on Dec 27 and Dec 28 for Mukkoti ritual.