New Dhwajastambham consecrated at Siddhavatam temple in Nandyal district

The consecration ceremony of a new Dhwajastambham (flagstaff) was performed at Sri Kamakshi Sametha Siddhavateswara Swamy temple at Siddhavatam Kshetram, a temple adopted by the Srisailam temple, on Monday.

The consecration ceremony of a new Dhwajastambham (flagstaff) being held at Sri Kamakshi Sametha Siddhavateswara Swamy temple in Siddhavatam on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
U. Subramanyam

The rituals associated with the consecration had been conducted for the past three days. On Monday morning, Vedic chanting and japa (mantra recitation) were performed, followed by the consecration of the new Dhwajastambham in accordance with scriptural injunctions at the auspicious time of 10.51 a.m.

The Dhwajastambham is a prominent feature of temples and is considered one of their four vital components, the others being the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), Mula Murthy (presiding deity) and Bali Peetham (sacrificial altar). The Agama Shastras attach special significance to these four elements.

Dhwajarohanam (flag-hoisting) is a prerequisite for conducting temple festivals and rituals, making the Dhwajastambham an essential feature of a temple.

Following the consecration, Baliharana, involving ritual offerings to the presiding deities in the eight cardinal directions, and Purnahuti, the final offering in the sacred fire, were performed.

Temple Trust Board chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu, Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

Mr. Ramesh Naidu said the Siddhavatam and Jyothi temples would be developed in phases and adequate publicity would be given to attract more devotees. Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that since the temples were adopted by the Srisailam temple, all rituals and services had been conducted strictly in accordance with Agama traditions. He assured devotees that basic amenities would also be provided.