Devotees from far and near throng the banks of Godavari

Processional deities of Lord Sri Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana being taken in Hamsa Vahanam in Bhadrachalam on Friday

A spirit of spiritual ecstasy pervaded along the banks of the Godavari in this temple town as a multitude of devotees watched Teppotsavam, the divine boat ride of the presiding deity of the historical Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple in the river, here late on Friday evening.

Devotees from far and near flocked the river banks to witness the spectacular celestial cruise of the deity held in a majestic manner as a prelude to Vaikunta Ekadasi festival slated for Saturday.

The tastefully decorated utsav idols of Lord Sri Rama, Seetha Devi and Lakshmana were brought to the river banks in an impressive ceremonial procession. Darbar Seva and other special rituals preceded the procession.

Visual treat

FLOATING DIVINE:Fireworks display providing a dazzling spectacle during the procession of deities in a Hamasavahanam on the Godavari as part of the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations in Bhadrachalam on Friday

Ceremonial procession:The processional deities of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana being taken on Hamasavahanam in Bhadrachalam on Friday as part of the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations.

Hamsa Vahanam, the colourfully bedecked swan-shaped boat, carrying the utsav idols of the presiding deity, set sail around 5 p.m. in the backdrop of the breath-taking view of the fading evening sky.

It made five circular rounds in the specified area earmarked for the divine boat ride in the river amid chanting of Vedic hymns by the temple priests on board the Hamsa Vahanam. The dazzling celestial boat ride lasted for more than two hours, leaving the devotees spellbound. The colourful Hamsa Vahanam illuminated with an array of lights sparkled in a glittering glow even as its mirror image in the still waters offered a visual treat to the devotees. The entire river banks glowed in resplendent radiance with impressive fireworks lighting up the sky.

Thanks to the abundant rains in the last monsoon, the water level in the Godavari stood at 8.5 feet on Friday. The adequate water level in the river further enhanced the glory of the celestial boat ride. Six LED screens were set up at various points along the river banks to enable devotees watch the event live.

Collector I Srinivas Sri Naresh, and SP A V Ranganath were among those present at the float festival.

Hamsa Vahanam sets sail around 5 p.m. in the backdrop of the breathtaking view of the fading evening sky