Kurnool: Kicking off the Mahashivaratri Brahmostavams on Monday, the Srisailam temple in Kurnool district was decked up with all the preparations on a grand scale.

The 11-day festivities began with the priests conducting Ankurarpana and Dhwajarohana poojas in the morning. Special poojas were conducted to Lord Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and his consort Bramarambha Devi. Late in the evening, the priests hoisted the Dwajapatam, a signal letter to invite all Gods to attend this festival in the temple premises.

During the 11-day festival which ends on March 7, special poojas and various Vahasevas to the deities will be performed every day.

Temple executive officer A. Srirama Chandra Murthy informed that elaborate arrangements have been made to provide all facilities to devotees who will be attending the Mahashivaratri Brahmotsavams in Srisailam.

The arrangements include sanitation, providing drinking water and queue lines. The EO stated that special arrangements have been put in place for the devotees who come from far places on foot.

Appealing to the devotees to co-operate with the temple administration, the EO also added that 50 lakh laddus will be distributed among the devotees.

Schedule for the 11-day Mahashivaratri Brahmotsavams -

Festival begins with Ankurarpana and Dhwajarohana poojas - Feb 25

Hamsa Vahana Seva - Feb 26

Mayura Vahana Seva - Feb 27

Bhrungi Vahana Seva - Feb 28

Ravana Vahana Seva - March 1 (On this day, the TTD officials and AP government offer silk cloths to the deity separately.)

Pushpa Pallaki Seva - March 2

Gaja Vahana Seva - March 3

Maha Shiva Ratri, Prabhotsahams, Nandivahana Seva, Lingodbhavakalam, Mahabhisekham, Pagalankarana, and Kalyanotsaham - March 4

Rathotsavam - March 5

Purnahuti and Dwajarohana - March 6