The temple of Rama on the banks of river Godavari here has been spruced up for the nine-day ''Srirama Navami'' festival beginning March 24.
The temple has been decked up for the nine-day fete and non-stop recitals of bhajans are reverberating the air. Security has been beefed up at the Kalyanamandapam and temple complex for the visit of Chief MInister K Rosaiah. The kalyanamandapam is expected to accommodate about 50,000 pilgrims.
The hoardes of Rama devotees have started arriving from different parts of the country. The congregation of pilgrims here may cross one lakh by March 24. Some of the pilgrims who have already reached the temple town are taking shelter in make-shift tents on the river bank.
According to legends, Lord Rama during his ''Aranyavasam'' is supposed to have lived at Bhadrachalam jungles before Ravana abducted Sita.
Bhadrachalam is also associated with Maharishi Bhadra, who is believed to have performed penance at the bank of Godavari. Lord Rama is also believed to have appeared in a vision before Bhadra.
The State Government, as per tradition, would present silk robes and pearls on the occasion to the deity. Chief MInister K Rosaiah, accompanied by Endowments Minister Gade Venkata Reddy would attend the celestial wedding of the royal couple of the Tretha era.
A giant screen has been arranged to enable the devotees to watch the ritual proceedings. The police has decided not to entertain entry of pilgrims to the Kalyanamantapam without valid tickets or passes. Collector Usha Rani and Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar are personally monitoring the arrangements for the nine-day festival.