Karthika Somavaaram: The Last Monday of Karthika Month

Today marks the last Monday of the Karthika month, and Shaivite shrines are filled with the chants of devotees praising Lord Shiva. Across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people have flocked to these sacred temples since early morning.

Devotees participated in rituals such as taking holy dips in the Godavari and Krishna rivers and lighting Karthika lamps. Many performed abhishekams andspecial pujas at various Shiva temples. In Telangana, notable temples like Yadagiri Gutta, Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy, and Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy saw a significant influx of devotees. Customs included river bathing, lighting lamps, and conducting special prayers.

At the renowned Srisailam Shiva temple in Andhra Pradesh, devotees are partaking in spiritually cleansing baths in the Patal Ganga. Due to the high turnout for the last Monday of Karthika, long lines have formed for darshan (viewing) of the deity, which has led authorities to cancel direct touch darshan. Instead, all visitors are being offered a decorative darshan experience.

There is also a large gathering of devotees at the Pancharama temples, including Draksharamam, Kumararamam, Ksheeraramam, Bhimaramam, and Amararamam. Special pujas are being conducted at pilgrimage sites like Tripurantakam, Bhairavakona, Srikalahasti, and Kapilatheertham. The atmosphere in all these temples is alive with the resonant chanting of Shiva’s name.