Raichur: Thousands of devotees from North Karnataka began their annual padayatra to Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh ahead of Ugadi festival, continuing a long-standing tradition observed by pilgrims every year.Groups of devotees from Ballari, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Yadgir and parts of Kalaburagi districts are undertaking the journey on foot, with some covering 350to 400km towards the Lord Mallikarjuna temple, located in the Nallamala forest of Nandyal district. The pilgrims are heading to participate in the annual fair at Srisailam, which begins on Holi Hunnime and continues until Ugadi. “The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Bhramaramba). Srisailam is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva and one of the 18 Mahashakti Peethas,” said Channabasava Kudarimothi, a devotee from Koppal. Large groups of pilgrims can be seen walking both day and night, though the number increases during the early morning and evening hours due to the intense heat. Women and children are also participating in the padayatra, chanting devotional songs and remembering ‘Mallayya’, another name for Lord Shiva. One of the striking features of the pilgrimage is that some devotees walk with wooden sticks tied to their legs throughout the journey. Some also carry kavadi, a cradle-like structure that is offered to Bhramaramba Devi at Srisailam. Pilgrims say they walk at least 20 to 30km every day, while some cover up to 40km. To cope with the scorching heat by placing a wet cloth on their heads while walking. Devotees often halt at temples and villages along the route. Local residents, donors and voluntary organisations set up tents providing shade and drinking water. Pilgrims are also served fruits, sharbat and buttermilk. Medical assistance is also being extended to the pilgrims. A free medical camp, organised in Raichur under the leadership of Veerashaiva Rudra Sena, conducted health check-ups for the devotees and treated those suffering from swolen feet. Shivasharan Reddy, president of Veerashaiva Rudra Sena, said the organisation has been conducting free medical camps for Srisailam pilgrims for the past 12 years with the support of Veerashaiva Lingayat community. Another volunteer, Mallikarjun Patil, said fruits are distributed free daily to 1,000 to 3,000 pilgrims along the route. The flow of padayatra groups is expected to increase in the coming days as more devotees from various parts of North Karnataka set out to Srisailam for Ugadi celebrations. Photos: 11- Srisailam Yatra
