A view of the main entrance of the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri Hill during Sravana Sukravaram celebrations in Vijayawada on Friday.

| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO

Thousands of devotees thronged the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri on Friday, on the occasion of Sravana Pournami, as the annual Pavithrotsavams and the traditional Giri Pradakshina added to the spiritual fervour.The temple premises were decorated with colourful flowers and illuminated with decorative lighting for Sravana Pournami, also observed as Rakhi Pournami. Devotees from across the Telugu States began arriving at the shrine early in the morning, leading to heavy pilgrim movement on the hill.The second day of the annual Pavithrotsavams was marked by special Vedic rituals under the supervision of the temple’s Vedic committee, chief priests and scholars. Homams, special pujas to the presiding deity and other rituals were performed at the Yagasala and the main temple.Earlier in the day, the traditional Giri Pradakshina began from the Sri Kamadhenu Ammavari shrine near the Ghat Road entrance. Temple Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik performed special pujas and formally flagged off the religious procession.Accompanied by traditional drum performances, kolatam dances, bhajans, mangala vadyams and Vedic chanting, the procession passed through several localities before returning to Indrakeeladri. Women at various points along the route welcomed the procession with haratis and coconuts and raised devotional slogans. The temple authorities distributed kumkum and prasadam to devotees along the Giri Pradakshina route.With the influx of pilgrims, Mr. Seena Naik conducted an extensive inspection of facilities at the temple, sub-shrines, Ghat Road and Durga Ghat. He reviewed queue lines, drinking water facilities, battery vehicles, parking, traffic regulation, security and cloakroom services.He directed officials and staff to ensure uninterrupted services, proper sanitation and adequate facilities for devotees. Free prasadam was distributed to pilgrims, while fresh annaprasadam was served continuously at the temple’s dining facility. Published - August 28, 2026 08:49 pm IST