Andhra Pradesh

Government to present ‘pattu vastrams’

Srikakulam: For the first time, the Endowments Department would present ‘pattu vastrams’ to Lord Sri Suryanarayna Swamy and consorts on behalf of the Government on the occasion of Surya Jayanti on Wednesday, according to Regional Joint Commissioner (Endowments), S. Kondala Rao. This practice has been prevalent only in some temples like Tirupati.

Mr. Kondala Rao, who came here to oversee the arrangements for Rathasaptami, said this practice would continue at Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple from next year. He said 25,000 laddus and 30,000 tamarind rice packets had also been kept ready for distribution to devotees. A special feature of Surya Jayanthi this year was the change from Makara raasi to Kumbha raasi which occurred once in 50 years. This was supposed to be very auspicious, he said.

Meanwhile, all is set for the celebrations of Ratha Saptami at the temple at Arasavilli. According to the Executive Officer of the temple K.Ramachandra Raju, about 1.50 lakh devotees are expected to turn up for darshan and arrangements were in place. Separate queues were provided for Ministers, MLAs, MPs other VIPs and senior officers. Two persons would be permitted entry for offering ‘ksheerabhishekam’.

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