The five-day Varuna Yagam Sahitha Sahasra Ghatabhishekam being conducted by the Srisailam temple management to propitiate the rain god for timely and adequate rainfall, a bountiful harvest and a prosperous, lush-green State entered its third day on Sunday.

As part of the special Sahasra Ghatabhishekam rituals, Srisailam temple Trust Board chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu, Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao and members of the Board of Trustees entered the Yagasala (ritual pavilion) in accordance with traditional customs. They were accompanied by the temple’s chief priests, other priests, Vedic scholars and officials.

The priests and Vedic scholars performed the Sankalpam (solemn resolve) seeking the welfare of the world. They prayed for peace and prosperity in the country, timely and adequate rainfall without natural calamities, abundant livestock and agricultural produce, and the health and longevity of people without untimely deaths. They also sought protection from fire and vehicular accidents and prayed for the general well-being and happiness of all citizens.

A special Maha Ganapati Puja was performed for the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the Sahasra Ghatabhishekam and other rituals. This was followed by a special ritual for Lord Chandishwara, one of the attendant deities of Lord Siva. According to temple tradition, Lord Chandishwara presides over the Sahasra Ghatabhishekam and Varuna Yagam rituals.

In the evening, the Ankurarpana (sowing of sacred seeds) ceremony was performed. Soil was collected from a designated spot on the temple premises and brought to the Yagasala in a traditional manner. The soil was then placed in nine earthen vessels, into which nine varieties of sacred grains were sown to initiate the sprouting process. Water is poured into the vessels daily to facilitate healthy sprouting.

Subsequently, Sahasra Ghata Sthapana (installation of 1,000 sacred pots) was performed along with Ekadasa Rudra and Rishyashringa rituals, Kalasa worship and Rudra Parayanam.

Published - August 09, 2026 06:10 pm IST