Srishailam January 17^th, 2014: Authorities of Sree Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Devasthanam, Srisailam, in consultation with several spiritual leaders, ‘peetadhipatis’ and pundits, has decided to conduct the conclusion of ‘Siva Deeksha’ on the last day of Brahmotsavams this year, instead of on the day of Maha Sivaratri.

Executive Officers of Srisailam Devasthanam S.S. Chandrasekhar Azad said on Thursday that in the absence of any mention of time about the commencement of ‘Siva Deeksha’ in the Puranas , most of the devotees had been taking it up 40 days before Maha Sivaratri and ending it on Maha Sivaratri.

However, several spiritual leaders had suggested that ending ‘Siva Deeksha’ in the mid-way of Brahmotsavams, as Maha Sivaratri would fall on the eighth day of the annual celebrations, would not augur well and it should be concluded at the end of annual fete on the ‘Purnahuti day’.

Accordingly, the devotees should take up Siva Mandala Deeksha on January 20 and conclude it on March 1. The Brahmotsavams would be held from February 20 to March 2, the EO said.