Indrakeeladri to host mass Varalakshmi Vratham on August 22

Goddess Kanaka Durga, the presiding deity atop Indrakeeladri, was adorned and worshipped as Sri Varalakshmi Devi on the occasion of “Sravana Masam Vara Lakshmi Devi pooja” on Friday (August 8, 2025). The temple priests performed pooja privately within the sanctum sanctorum and later, opened the doors for public darshan.

The temple authorities made all darshan queues free of cost to ensure smooth and hassle-free movement of devotees.

The “Pavitrotsavam” rituals also began with the Executive Officer V.K. Seenanayak and his family offering “Pavitrams” (sacred multi-coloured threads) to the Goddess under the guidance of Sthanacharya V. Shivaprasada Sharma and the Vaidika Committee.

As per tradition, the festival serves as an annual spiritual cleansing, atoning for any lapses in daily rituals and warding off negative energies. “Pavitrams” — woven from black, blue, red, yellow, and green threads — are believed to repel evil forces. The ceremonies include sowing nine sacred seeds, continuous Vedic chanting, and adorning the deities with purified Pavitrams through Mantra Homas and fire rituals.

According to a release issued, the temple will host a mass Varalakshmi Vratham on August 22, 2025, fifth Friday of Sravana, at the 6th floor of Sri Mallikharjuna Maha Mandapam. Vratam with a fee of ₹1,500 would be conducted from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Devotees will also be allowed darshan via a ₹300 special queue (entry for one woman per ticket). Free Session would be conducted from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with applications accepted from August 18 at the temple’s toll-free counter (one woman per application).

All participants will receive prasadam kits containing turmeric (150g), a blouse piece, bangles, laddu, and a sacred Shakti Kankanam. Those performing the vratham will have darshan via ₹100 queue line.