The Palamuru region, which includes Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Gadwal, and Narayanpet, was filled with spiritual energy as devotees celebrated Maha Shivaratri on Friday. Many temples were filled with worshippers chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaiah!’ as they paid tribute to Lord Shiva.
In Mahabubnagar, thousands of people observed fasting and Jagaram, visiting Shiva temples and offering special prayers and Abhisekham to seek blessings. Devotees from far and wide embarked on pilgrimages to nearby temples, breaking their fast only after performing rituals and prayers to the Shivalinga, sustaining themselves with fruits and juices.
The festive spirit was at its peak at the Ramalingehswara temple near Raikal village, where thousands gathered for prayers and Abhisekham. More than 35,000 to 40,000 devotees visited the temple on the first day of festivities, patiently waiting in queues for 1-2 hours to offer their prayers.
Legend says that Lord Ramalingeswara was consecrated by Sri Rama himself on the panchamukha hill near Raikal village. The lingam, marked with Rama’s arrow symbol, is a reminder of divine intervention. Believers tell the story of Lord Ram installing the Shivalinga in Rameshwaram during his journey with Sita, leading to the construction of a temple for Mahashivaratri celebrations.
Celebrations also took place at various temples like Saleshwarm temple in Mannanoor, Shiva temple in Jadcherla, Balabrahmehswara temple in Gadwal, Someshwara temple in Somashila Kollapur, and others.
