Mon Sep 22 12:52:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Veerabhadra Swamy temple in Lepakshi, Sri Sathya Sai district, and the Sri Boyakonda Gangamma shrine in Chowdepalle, Chittoor district, are prepared for the 11-day and nine-day “Sharannavaratri” celebrations, respectively, starting September 22, 2025. Both temples anticipate a large influx of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Festivities include daily rituals, floral decorations, cultural programs, and special pujas. The Veerabhadra Swamy temple’s arrangements are being overseen by actor and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna. Special transportation arrangements are being made by APSRTC for devotees visiting the Sri Boyakonda Gangamma shrine.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Temples Gear Up for Grand Navaratri Celebrations**

**HINDUPUR/CHITTOOR, September 22, 2025 (The Hindu) –** Two prominent temples in Andhra Pradesh, the Veerabhadra Swamy temple at Lepakshi in Sri Sathya Sai district and the Sri Boyakonda Gangamma shrine in Chowdepalle, Chittoor district, are set to host elaborate “Sharannavaratri” celebrations commencing today.

The Veerabhadra Swamy temple is preparing for an 11-day festival, while the Sri Boyakonda Gangamma shrine will hold nine days of festivities. Officials expect a significant increase in devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Karnataka at both locations.

At the Veerabhadra Swamy temple, the celebrations will feature daily rituals, elaborate floral decorations for the deity, and cultural performances as a key highlight. Special pujas dedicated to Goddess Durga are scheduled daily, and “Annadanam” (food distribution) has already begun. The temple committee chairman, Karanam Rama Nandan, noted that the arrangements are being closely monitored by Hindupur MLA and popular actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Police have implemented a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety of devotees.

Meanwhile, the Sri Boyakonda Gangamma shrine is also prepared to welcome an estimated 300,000 devotees, many of whom will be travelling from Karnataka. Festivities commenced with special “alankarams” (decorations) of the presiding deity in various forms, including Sakambari, Saraswati, and Annapurna. Priests performed special “homams” (fire rituals) and other rituals on the first day of the festival. The APSRTC has announced the operation of special bus services from Madanapalle, Chittoor, Tirupati, and Bengaluru to facilitate travel for devotees during the Navaratri period.

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