Date:04/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/04/stories/2008020451290200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Bhakti Chaitanya Yatra rolls on

Staff Reporter

Clothes offered to the deity auctioned

Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

Devotees worshipping Lord Venkateswara during the Bhakti Chaitanya Yatra in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: Devotees thronged to witness Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s sevas at the TTD Kalyanamantapam here that were performed as part of the “Chaturyaga Bandham-Bhakti Chaitanya Yatra” on Sunday morning.

Suprabhata, Thomala and Archana were performed to the deity at the MVP Colony Kalyanamantapam. Elaborate arrangements were made in view of devotees turning up in large number. The police made it a smooth affair.

Prasadam and booklets were distributed among the devotees.

‘Kolatam’

Women and children were present in large number. Schoolchildren presented an impressive ‘kolatam’ after the sevas.

MLA S. Ranga Raju was among the devotees. Clothes that were offered to the deity were auctioned and corporator Ch.V. Pattabhiram clinched the bid for some Rs.25,000.

The ratham then proceeded to Simhachalam via the Bhoosametha Venakteswara Swamy temple at R&B Junction. Morning sevas and ‘Kalyanotsavam’ will be celebrated at Sri Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy’s temple on Monday.

The yatra entered the city at Gajuwaka on Saturday after covering various parts of the district since its arrival on November 30.

Mr. Ranga Raju and others welcomed the yatra on the Beach Road. A large number of devotees gathered on the Beach Road to welcome the “Nrusimha ratham.” The colourfully decorated ratham with the deities on it and priests from the TTD and artistes captivated the attention of devotees.

On Saturday night, devotional programmes were arranged on the Beach Road at the Annamayya statue. “Srivari Kalyanavedika” carrying the processional deities for kalyanotsavam accompanied the “Nrusimha ratham.”