Sat Nov 02 01:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Devotees Flock to Temples as Karthika Masam Begins
**Guntur, Andhra Pradesh:** The auspicious month of Karthika Masam commenced today, attracting thousands of devotees to prominent Shiva temples across the district. Temples have been adorned with festive decorations and special pujas, archanas, and abhishekas are being conducted throughout the month.
**Sri Sailam:** The Sri Sailam Mahākṣetra is hosting Karthika Masotsavams from today until December 1st. The temple authorities have meticulously decorated the shrines of Sri Mallikarjuna Swami and Bhramaramamba Ammavari for the occasion. To manage the anticipated influx of devotees, the temple has suspended special abhishekas, with an increased crowd expected on Karthika Somwar, Ekadashi, and public holidays. To ensure smooth darshan for the general public, all garbha layam arjita abhishekas have been cancelled throughout the month. The temple will offer only alankara darshan for the next 16 days, covering holidays and peak days. Regular darshan will be offered in three slots: from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, and 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Devotees must acquire darshan tickets online via the temple website: http://www.srisailamdevasthanam.org. The first day of Karthika Masam witnessed a surge in devotees seeking blessings at Sri Sailam, with darshan lines stretching for over three hours.
**Bhimavaram:** The Uma Someshwara Janardhana Swami Temple in Bhimavaram, a prominent Pancharamas Kshetram, is witnessing a large influx of devotees. The temple priests are conducting special abhishekas and devotees are lighting Karthika Deepas.
**Palakollu:** The Ksheera Ramalingeshwara Swami Temple in Palakollu has conducted a special abhishekam to the Moola Virat for the first Saturday of Karthika Masam. The temple has received a significant number of devotees.
**Narsapur:** A large number of devotees are participating in punya sthana rituals on the banks of the Vasishta Godavari River in Narsapur, marking the start of Karthika Masam. Devotees are performing pujas and offering Karthika Deepas in the river.
**Kovvur:** Devotees have flocked to the Goshapad Kshetram in Kovvur in East Godavari district for the first day of Karthika Masam. The Sri Bala Tripura Sundara Sametha Sundareshwara Swami temple echoes with chants of Shiva mantras. Authorities have made all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for the devotees.
**Kakinada:** The Pithapuram Padagaya Kshetram has been overflowing with devotees for Karthika Masam. Devotees have been participating in punya snanam in the Padagaya Pushkarini since early morning. Women are offering special pujas, lighting Paadyami Deepas on banana stems. Devotees are performing special pujas, abhishekas, and kumkuma pujas for Kukuteshwara Swami and Puruhutika Ammavari. Temple authorities have put in place special arrangements to manage the large crowds.
First Piper 