Thousands Gather for Teppotsavam Festival in Bhadrachalam
Thousands of devotees came together on the banks of the Godavari River in Bhadrachalam on Thursday evening to celebrate the Teppotsavam (Float Festival). This grand event was part of the Mukkoti Ekadasi festival, which is an important occasion for devotees of Lord Rama.
Amidst the chanting of sacred Vedic mantras, Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana, was taken on a special ride in the Godavari River. They were placed on a beautifully decorated Hamsa Vahanam, a swan-shaped float, which captivated the attention of the gathered crowd.
The evening sky was lit up with colorful firecrackers, making the occasion even more festive. Devotees, who had traveled from different regions, including neighboring states, enthusiastically chanted “Jai Sri Ram… Jai Sri Ram,” creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
The procession of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana began at 4:30 pm, accompanied by the traditional Kolatam dance performed by devotees. Vedic priests led the ritual with continuous mantra chanting and special prayers until 6:00 pm, during which the skies dazzled with fireworks.
The Teppotsavam officially started at 6:07 pm and ended at 7:07 pm. During this time, the float circled the river five times, symbolizing the completion of the ritual. This annual tradition, which began in 1971, is a key part of the Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations at the historic Lord Rama temple.
Once the Teppotsavam ended, the deities were carried back to the main temple with great reverence. The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including MLA Dr. Tellam Venkat Rao, Forest Development Authority Chairman Podem Veeraiah, District Collector Jitesh V Patil, SP Rohith Raju, and ITDA Project Officer B Rahul, along with other officials and many devotees.
On Friday morning, devotees also participated in the Uttaradwara Darshan, an important ritual where devotees believe Lord Rama appears in the form of Maha Vishnu. The streets leading to the temple and the surrounding areas were packed with pilgrims eager to witness this divine moment.
The Teppotsavam and related festivities brought a sense of devotion and joy to all those who attended, making it a memorable celebration for the temple town of Bhadrachalam.
