Hyderabad: During the Devi Navaratri festival, devotees from across the Telugu States visit famous temples to seek blessings. Places like Bezawada Kanaka Durga, Warangal Bhadrakali, and Edupayala Vanadurga Bhavani are popular destinations. This year, the Mahashakti temple in Karimnagar has also gained attention, attracting thousands of devotees and becoming a key pilgrimage site.
The temple is bustling with activity. Devotees are coming from all directions—some are followers of Bhavani Deeksha, while others participate in Dandiya celebrations. The sight of the Karimnagar Mahashakti temple during this time is truly a feast for the eyes.
People are lining up from early morning until late at night to see the goddess. Visitors are arriving not only from nearby districts but also from neighboring states, making the temple a grand and lively event.
According to temple authorities, more than 50,000 devotees visit the temple every day during Navaratri. To manage the large crowds, the temple has made all necessary arrangements. Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, is personally overseeing the preparations while also taking part in the Bhavani Diksha. Many locals and political leaders are also meeting him at the temple to share their concerns, which he listens to and tries to resolve.
A major highlight this year has been the decorations of Mahashakti Ammavaru. Unlike other temples in Telangana, Mahashakti Ammavaru is being adorned with flowers specially brought from Karnataka. Every day, the goddess is dressed in a different form, thanks to a team led by Karnataka-based priest Shrivatsa.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar shared that on the second day of the Sri Devi Sharannavaratri celebrations, the goddess appeared in the form of Sri Gayatri Devi (Brahmacharini). On the first day, she was dressed as Bala Tripura Sundari with flowers and fruits, and on the third day, she was beautifully decorated with dry fruits as three goddesses. These decorations are completed early in the morning for devotees to see, and ten types of special Harathis are also being offered. The abhishekams (rituals) performed at midnight have become a special attraction, and at night, the temple shines brightly with electric lights.
This year, the number of devotees taking up Bhavani Deeksha has increased significantly. Nearly 20,000 devotees have taken up the Deeksha in the presence of the Mahashakti temple. To accommodate them, the temple is providing lunch and evening snacks daily. The presence of Bhavani Swamis has brought extra energy to the temple.
The excitement during the evenings is especially notable. Women and children are joyfully playing Dandiya from 9 pm until midnight near the goddess. Thousands of people are gathering at the temple to watch these Dandiya performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
