Srisailam introduces ‘Arjita Abhishekas’ at ‘Pancha Mathas’ during Kartika Masam

The management of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam is making arrangements to perform ‘Arjita Abhishekas’ at the ‘Pancha Mathas’ (five monasteries) during the auspicious month of Kartika as part of Kartika Masa Utsavams.

Srisailam temple Trust Board chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu and executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao on Tuesday said that the Kartika month festivities will be held from November 10 to December 9 at the famous Jyothirlinga temple.

Due to the high influx of devotees and in keeping with the practices of the previous years, the ‘Garbhalaya Abhishekas’ (anointing rituals inside the main sanctum sanctorum) and ‘Samuhika Abhishekas’ (collective anointing rituals) usually held in the main temple will be suspended during this period.

The Arjita Abhisheka has been introduced at the Pancha Mathas to enable devotees visiting the temple to perform ‘Abhishekas’ to the god during the month of Kartika. A nominal fee of ₹216 has been set for the ritual, specifically to make it accessible to the common devotees, the chairman and executive officer said.

A couple or an individual can participate on a ticket for the Abhishekam ceremony. The Arjita Abhishekam tickets can be obtained through ‘Manamitra’ WhatsApp number 9552300009 or through the official APTS website (www.tms.ap.gov.in).

Devotees can choose to perform the Abhishekam at any one of the five mathas — Ghanta Matha, Bhimashankara Matha, Vibhuti Matha, Rudraksha Matha, and Sarangadhara Matha.

According to the temple management, these Pancha Mathas have played a significant role in the culture of Srisailam for a long time. Although referred to as Mathas, it is noteworthy that each of these five centres possesses the architectural features of a temple, including a Garbhalayam (sanctum sanctorum), Antaralayam (inner chamber), and Mukhamandapam (front hall).

For centuries, these Mathas have played a pivotal role in maintaining the serenity of the sacred site, assisting in temple administration, and fostering spiritual growth. These Pancha Mathas have gained renown as centres for meditation.

The chairman and the executive officer urged the devotees to utilise the opportunity provided by the temple management and perform Abhishekams during the auspicious month.