Daijiworld Media Network – Vijayawada
Vijayawada, Mar 5: The district administration has stepped up elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamivarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri, scheduled to be held from March 6 to 8.
The grand ritual, performed once every 12 years as per temple tradition, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
A team of officials, including District Collector G Lakshmisha, Temple Chairman Borra Radhakrishna, NTR District Commissioner of Police S V Rajashekhar Babu, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dhyanachandra H M and Temple Executive Officer V K Seena Nayak, conducted a field-level inspection of the arrangements.
The team reviewed the works at the Vimana Gopuram, assessed quality standards and directed engineering officials to complete the final touches within the stipulated timeline. Facilities along the ghat road, yagashala and prasadam counters were also inspected.
Speaking to the media, the Collector said elaborate measures are being made in view of the proposed visit of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and other ministers and judges.
He assured that priority would be given to common devotees and that adequate arrangements for prasadam distribution, parking and luggage counters are being put in place. “Drones and artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems will be deployed for effective crowd management,” he said.
Police Commissioner Rajashekhar Babu stated that around 1,500 police personnel will be deployed during the three-day event. The expected daily footfall is estimated between one lakh and 1.5 lakh devotees. The Integrated Command Control Centre will be operational from March 5 to ensure seamless coordination among departments.
Temple Chairman Radhakrishna informed that the rituals will be conducted under the guidance of Shankara Vijayendra Saraswati of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. He added that arrangements for drinking water, milk, buttermilk and biscuits are being made for devotees and that preparations are in the final stage.
Executive Officer Seena Nayak announced that arjitha sevas have been cancelled and Antaralayam darshan will be suspended on the third day to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbhabhishekam rituals.