New flagstaff consecrated at Siddhavatam temple in Nandyal district
A new Dhwajastambham was consecrated at Sri Kamakshi Sametha Siddhavateswara Swamy temple in Siddhavatam, following three days of rituals.
The consecration of a new Dhwajastambham (flagstaff) was completed on Monday at the Sri Kamakshi Sametha Siddhavateswara Swamy temple in Siddhavatam Kshetram, located in Nandyal district. The temple is among those adopted by the Srisailam temple.
The ceremony followed three days of preparatory rituals. On Monday morning, Vedic chanting and japa were performed, culminating in the consecration of the flagstaff at the auspicious time of 10:51 a.m., in accordance with scriptural injunctions.
The Dhwajastambham is regarded as one of the four vital components of a temple, alongside the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), Mula Murthy (presiding deity), and Bali Peetham (sacrificial altar). The Agama Shastras accord special significance to these elements. Dhwajarohanam, or flag-hoisting, is a prerequisite for conducting temple festivals and rituals.
Following the consecration, Baliharana — 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. Naidu stated that the Siddhavatam and Jyothi temples would be developed in phases, with adequate publicity to attract more devotees. Srinivasa Rao noted that since the temples were adopted by the Srisailam temple, all rituals and services have been conducted strictly according to Agama traditions, and assured devotees that basic amenities would be provided.