Khammam, April 03: Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam is making elaborate arrangements for Sri Rama Navami and Pushkara Pattabhishekam to be celebrated in Bhadrachalam on April 12 and 13.
In an interview to Express yesterday, temple executive officer Chandrasekhar Azad said the Devasthanam allocated Rs 75 lakh for arrangements for the two-day festival.
How many pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year? Over 2 lakh pilgrims are expected to watch the divine wedding and the coronation of Lord Rama which is celebrated once in 12 years.
What are the special arrangements being made for the festival? Temporary sheds and pandals covering 1 lakh square metres area will be erected at the temple and bathing ghats to protect pilgrims from the summer heat.
Water and buttermilk packets will be supplied to pilgrims. About 2 lakh laddus will be prepared for the two-day festival. In all, 14 counters will be set up at important places in the town to distribute Talambralu to devotees.
For the first time, the Devasthanam will be organising Sri Rama Krathuvu from April 4 to 13 at Midhula Stadium under the aegis of Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Chinna Jeeyar Swamy.
Are free passes for VVIPs allowed? No free passes will be allowed this time. All VVIPs should purchase tickets to witness the divine wedding.
The tickets are priced at Rs 3,116, Rs 2,000, Rs 1,116, Rs 500, Rs 200 and Rs100. Tickets will be sold from April 5 through bank counters.
What is the status of development works taken up by the Devasthanam? The installation of lift and construction of a bridge, 20-room choultry and sheds at Parnasala and Ramalayam at Purushothapatnam will be completed by April 10.
–Agencies