'Chandanotsavam' at AP temple

Visakhapatnam, Apr 20 (UNI) The'Chandanotsavam' of Sri Varahanrusimha Swamy Temple atop Simhachalam was held today.

On this day of 'Vaisakha Suddhatadiya' (a particular date in the Hindu calendar), the devotees witness 'nijarupa darshanam' (true form of the Lord) of the lord whose idol is covered by thick coat of sandalwood paste during the rest of the year.

The ritual commenced early today with the priests removing the sandalwood paste during the two-hour ceremony after which devotees were allowed for darshan.

According to tradition, the Vizianagaram Royal Family had the first darshan with Mr P Anand Gajapathi Raju and his wife entering the sanctum sanctorum carrying sandalwood.

He was followed by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister J C Diwakara Reddy who presented silk vastram (cloth) to the Lord on behalf of the state goverenment.As many as 300 volunteers distributed prasad, buttermilk and water sachets to devotees.

The APSRTC operated as many as 120 special services in north coastal districts of Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam.

According to State Endowment Commissioner K Sundar Kumar, tight security arrangements were made to prevent any untoward incident at the hill shrine.

UNI