VISAKHAPATNAM: Lakhs of devotees undertaking the annual Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina, a 32-km pilgrimage circuit around the Simhachalam Hill in Andhra Pradesh, received extensive support from various voluntary organisations and community groups. The pilgrimage, which commenced on Tuesday, saw volunteers offering essential services such as refreshments, first aid, and other forms of assistance along the arduous route.
Extensive Volunteer Support Along the Pilgrimage Route
CREDAI Visakhapatnam, as part of its corporate social responsibility, distributed over 10,000 packets of buttermilk and fruits. Volunteers were strategically positioned at multiple points, providing much-needed refreshments and free first-aid to the pilgrims. This initiative highlighted the association’s dedication to community welfare.
The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Visakhapatnam district, conducted round-the-clock service activities from July 28 to the morning of July 29. Their volunteers served breakfast, pulihora (a rice dish), boiled chickpeas, biscuits, buttermilk, and tea. They also distributed pain-relief balms and continued their tradition of massaging the feet of tired pilgrims with a specially prepared herbal sesame oil, offering much-needed relief during the long walk.
The Tamil Kalai Mandram, Seethammadhara, also organised a service programme, distributing prasadam, drinking water, and energy drinks to thousands of pilgrims. Office-bearers expressed gratitude to donors, volunteers, and the Tamil community in Visakhapatnam for their contributions, stating their commitment to continuing similar humanitarian efforts.
The Mudusarlova Walkers Association facilitated the distribution of prasadam to devotees. Former Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari Srinivas participated in the programme, underscoring the significance of the annual Giri Pradakshina, which draws hundreds of thousands of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina Significance
The Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina is a significant annual religious event in Andhra Pradesh, attracting devotees from across the state and beyond. The pilgrimage circumambulates the Simhachalam Hill, where the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located. The 32-km trek is undertaken by lakhs of devotees who believe that completing the circumambulation with faith fulfills their wishes and brings peace and prosperity.
The event officially commenced with the Pushpa Ratham procession, a replica of the deity’s chariot, from Tholi Pavancha. While some devotees begin their trek in the early hours, many traditionally start after participating in the ceremonial chariot procession of the presiding deity. Volunteers’ stalls are a crucial part of the pilgrimage, offering vital amenities like water, buttermilk, tea, snacks, and even foot massages to ease the physical strain on pilgrims.
The scale of participation was evident, with over two lakh devotees having embarked on the pilgrimage by Tuesday evening. A significant portion, approximately 1.35 lakh, began their trek within a single hour following the deity’s chariot procession. The numbers had steadily increased from the early morning, with thousands commencing by mid-morning and tens of thousands by noon, according to officials managing the event.
Preparations and Community Involvement
Temple authorities and various government departments, including the police, municipal corporation, and health services, worked in coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Arrangements for drinking water, medical aid, sanitation, and security were put in place to cater to the large influx of pilgrims. The active involvement of NGOs and community groups underscores the collaborative spirit in supporting this major religious undertaking.
The Giri Pradakshina has grown over the years to become one of the most important religious gatherings in the region, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and devotion of the people. The collective effort of volunteers and authorities ensures that the spiritual journey is both safe and well-supported for all participants.
The Chenab Times News Desk