Sri Rama taken in a boatride for Mukkoti Ekadasi

Khammam,Dec. 28: Thousands of pilgrims offered prayers and had a darshan of Lord Rama at Bhadrachalam to mark the “Mukkoti Ekadasi” in the wee hours of Monday.Pilgrims had their eyes set on the “Uttara Dwara Darshanam” which is opened only once a year on this day. The devotees had a holy dip in the river Godavari and offered prayers to Lord Rama. Earlier, a well-decorated boat called “Hamsa Vahanam” was set on sail in river Godavari for the presiding deities Lord Rama, his consort Sita and Lakshmana.A colorful display of fireworks lit up the skies as the float moved on majestically into the river with the temple priest and a select few onboard.The Hamsa Vahanam colourfully illuminated with gleaming lights,turned into a stunning delight.

Thousands of devotees captured the celestial feat in their video cameras and mobile phones.A festive atmosphere was created in the temple town.The arrangements were made by the district administration and the temple authorities.Lord Rama is worshiped as an incarnation of Vishnu during the 10-day festival. Legislators Kunja Satyavathi and Kantha Rao, District collector Usha Rani, District Judge Jaiswal and  Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar participated in the festival.Special bandobust was arranged by the police department for the occasion.