Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Varuna Yagam rituals at Srisailam continue with Vedic ceremonies
At a big, special temple called Srisailam, grown-ups are doing a very old prayer ceremony called Varuna Yagam.
The ceremony lasts five days, from August 7 to August 11.
People are praying to the lord of rains because their farms really need rain.
If the farms get rain, crops can grow big and everyone can have enough food.
Priests read holy words and chant special prayers during the ceremony.
Some priests even stood with water up to their necks while praying.
Important temple leaders came dressed in traditional clothes for the prayers.
They are also preparing to pour holy water over the temple's main god in a special ceremony.
The people doing this hope the rain will come and everyone in the state will be happy and prosperous.
The five-day Varuna Yagam and Sahasra Ghatabhishekam at Srisailam temple continued through the third day on Sunday, with full Vedic ceremonies.
The rituals, held August 7-11, seek timely monsoon rains, bumper agricultural yields, drought mitigation, and state-wide prosperity.
On the second day, priests performed Rishyashrunga Japa and Varuna Japa standing neck-deep in a water body to appease the Lord of Rains.
On the third day, Temple Trust Board Chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu, Executive Officer M Srinivasa Rao, and other leaders led morning proceedings in traditional attire.
Monday, August 10, rituals feature Sahasra Ghatarchana, Rudra Homam, river worship, and the grand Sahasra Ghatabhishekam to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Remaining rituals are scheduled to conclude on August 11.
- Who
- Vedic priests, scholars, and temple authorities at the Srisailam temple, including Temple Trust Board Chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu and Executive Officer M Srinivasa Rao
- What
- The five-day Varuna Yagam and Sahasra Ghatabhishekam Vedic rituals seeking timely rainfall, agricultural prosperity, and state-wide welfare
- When
- August 7 to 11, with the second day on Saturday, the third day on Sunday, and rituals continuing on Monday, August 10
- Where
- Srisailam temple (Srisaila Devasthanam)
- Why
- To invoke divine blessings for good monsoon rains, drought mitigation, bumper agricultural yields, and the welfare of the farming community
- Ritual
- Varuna Yagam and Sahasra Ghatabhishekam
- Duration
- Five days, August 7 to 11
- Location
- Srisailam temple (Srisaila Devasthanam)
- Purpose
- Timely monsoon rains, agricultural prosperity, drought mitigation, and state-wide welfare
- Key participants
- Chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu, Executive Officer M Srinivasa Rao, temple board members, Sthanacharyas, and chief Archakas
- Notable ritual
- Varuna Japa performed by scholars standing neck-deep in a water body
- Monday, August 10 events
- Ekadasha Rudra Rishyasrunga Sahita Sahasra Ghatarchana, Rudra Homam, Chandi Parayanam, river worship, and Sahasra Ghatabhishekam to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy
