Vijayawada, October 12, 2013: The stage is been set for ‘Teppotsavam’ on a decorated ‘Hamsavahanam’ (special boat built in the shape of the mythical Hamsa), for taking the Utsav Vigrahams (processional idols) of goddess Durga and lord Mallikarjuna Swamy for 'Nadi Viharam' (celestial boat ride) in the river Krishna on the occasion of Vijayadasami on Sunday.

Sri Durga Malleswaraswamivarla Devasthanam has made elaborate arrangements for the ‘Teppotsavam’ on the final day of Dasara. The temple priests adorn the goddess as ‘Rajarajeswari Devi'. Besides the regular vedic rituals, ‘Purnahuthi’ will be performed in the temple in the afternoon on ‘Vijayadasami’.

Grand finale

Dasara Navaratri celebrations at Kanakadurga temple on Indrakeeladri will conclude with the colourful ‘Teppotsavam’. Thousands of devotees are expected to swarm Prakasam Barrage and the bathing ghat to have a glimpse of the once-a-year event. On Friday too several people watched the trial run from Prakasam Barrage.

Trial run

The officials conducted a trial run of the ‘hamsa vahanam’ on Friday. District Collector M. Buddha Prakash Jyothi, City Police Commissioner B. Srinivasulu, Sub Collector Dasari Harichandana, Temple EE Murali Balakrishna, irrigation, revenue, fire and other department officials were present.

The ‘hamsavahanam’, a VIP boat, a media boat and a rescue boat, made three trials runs on the Krishna. The district Collector asked the officials to be cautious as heavy rain is expected in the next two days.

He advised them to take necessary precautions.

Source: The Hindu, October 12, 2013