Authorities at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Varla temple are making last minute preparations to ensure that the huge number of devotees expected for the conclusion of the Bhavani Deeksha season are not put to any hardship.
According to the temple's executive Officer Vijay Kumar, authorities expect more than 5 lakh devotees to turn up for the conclusion of the Deeksha. The Deeksha is observed for either 41 or 21 days, and its conclusion is based on the muhurtham or auspicious day, on which the standard mandala or ardha mandala deeksha is completed.
The conferment of the ardha mandala deeksha would commence in December, and the relinquishing (viramana) would be between December 27 and 31. The Bhavani Maala began on November 17, with the temple priests giving deeksha from that day. The process continued till November 21.
Vijay Kumar revealed that temple officials have erected water-proof shamiyanas, barricades for queues, and temporary prasadam counters.
Stating that the number of devotees is expected to cross last year's turnout of 5 lakh who thronged Indrakeeladri, the EO said the Devasthanam has made arrangements to supply 4 laddus to each devotee this time considering the past events.
Bhavani Deeksha begins on Kartika Pournami or Utthana Ekadasi in Kartika Masam.