Mon Nov 17 15:20:03 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
Headline: Lakhs of Devotees Throng Srisailam Temple on Auspicious Karthika Masam
NANDYAL, November 17, 2025 – Srisailam, a major pilgrimage site housing the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, witnessed a massive influx of devotees on the last Monday of the auspicious ‘Karthika Masam.’ Hundreds of thousands flocked to the temple and other Lord Shiva temples across the Kurnool and Nandyal districts to offer prayers.
Devotees took holy dips in the Krishna River at Patalaganga, and women participated in the tradition of lighting and floating ‘Karthika Deepams’ in the river.
Temple authorities made extensive arrangements to manage the crowds and ensure smooth access for pilgrims. Certain rituals were streamlined to expedite darshan (viewing of the deity), and complimentary snacks were distributed in the queue lines. Special areas were designated for lighting Karthika Deepams. Free meals (‘Annaprasadam’) and snacks were provided at designated locations, and ‘laddus’ (sweets) were sold at multiple counters.
The evening was marked by the vibrant ‘Pushkarini Harathi’ (a ritual of offering light) and ‘Lakshadeepotsavam’ (lighting of a lakh lamps) which illuminated the temple town, with devotees participating enthusiastically.
First Piper 