Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Mahashiva Ratri Brahmotsavam Celebrations Lakhs of devotees visited temple for swamy vari and Ammavari darshanam and see annual brahmotsavam. Srisailam Brahmotsavam began in the shrine on grand scale, with priests conducting pooja. On this special occasion temple management performed mahaganapati pooja, Kankana pooja, Rutvigaranam, Akhandastapana, vastu pooja, mandaparadhana and panchavarachana, kalasastapam and rudrahoma programs.
Srisailam MahaShiva Ratri Brahmotsavam Dates
Srisailam Brahmotsavm is one of the most famous festivals celebrated in Srisailam. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to the South Indian calendar. However, according to the North Indian calendar, Masik Shivaratri in the month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. On this special occasion day According to one contradictory opinion, devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana (पारण) i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.
As per another legend behind Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Lord Shiva had appeared as Shivalingam at three places, one of which is Srisailam, while the other two places are Kaleshwaram and Bhimeswaram/Draksharamam. The seven-day long festival, Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam is one of the most popular festivals of the temple. This festival is celebrated in the month of February or March.
The Brahmotsavam begins with Ankurapana religious rituals on the occasion of the festival followed by the Dwajarohana marked with the Nandi symbol is hoisted on Dwajasthambha of the temple. Vahanaseva are another important day festival in brahmotsavam celebrations. On the Mahasivarathri day at Midnight during Lingodbavakalam abhisheka will be performed to God mallikarjuna Swamy in a religious manner.
Srisailam Brahmotsavam Dates:
Feb 14th – Ankurarpanam & Dwajarohanam
Feb 15th – Brungi Vahana Seva
Feb 16th – Hamsa Vahana Seva
Feb 17th – Mayuri Vahana Seva
Feb 18th – Ravana Vahana Seva
Feb 19th – Puspha Pallaki Seva
Feb 0th – Gaja Vahanam
Feb 21st – Mahashivaratri, Prabotsavam, Nandi Vahana Seva
Feb 22nd – Rathosavm, Teppotsavam
Feb 23rd – Purnahuthi, Vasantotosavam, Dwajarohana
Feb 24th – Aswa Vahanam, Sayanotsavam, Phuspotsavam
The Mahasivarathri Utsavams are being celebrated as Brahmothsavams in the month of Magham (the 11th month of Indian Lunar Calendar) which falls usually in the month of February/March. This is a festival of eleven days with Navahaknika Deeksha. The Mahasivarathri day (29th day of Magham) is the most important day of the festival.
