Visakhapatnam, July 21, 2013: Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the Giri Pradakshana, annual event of the Sri Varahalakshmi Nrusimhaswamy temple atop Simhachalam to mark the Ashada Pournima, commencing late on Sunday afternoon. The ritual, covering 32 kms around the Simhachalam hill will continue till Monday afternoon. The devotees will have a darshan of the Lord at the end of the Giri Pradakshana. All arrangements are in place for the annual ritual, both inside and along the route. Tents are being set up at 28 points along the route to supply water, butter milk and Prasadam to the devotees walking along the hill. At a few points, medical teams will be in attendance to treat those falling ill due to exhaustion. Queue lines are being formed for smooth flow of devotees into the temple. Additional quantities of Prasadam like Pulihorda and Chakra Pongali will be prepared to meet the demand during the day. Annadanam is being arranged for 5,000 people on Monday. Many service organisations are also arranging free distribution of water, butter milk, tea and biscuits.

The Giri Pradakshana will have a traditional start with hereditary trustee P. Ananda Gajapathi Raju of the Vizianagaram royal family breaking a coconut at the Toli Pavancha at the foothill. The Nrusimha Ratham, decorated with flowers will lead the Giri Pradakshana with the devotees following it. Since the 108 service staff are on strike, some corporate hospitals have decided to provide ambulances. The fourth instalment of Chandanam (sandalwood paste) would be offered to the deity in the early hours of Monday. The TSR Seva Peetham is arranging medical camps at Appughar, Peda Gadili and NAD junction. The Sagar Walkers Club is setting up stalls near Bank of Baroda branch in MVP Colony to provide water, tea and biscuits to the devotees.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 21, 2013.