Nothing Stops Faith: Despite Harsh Weather, Sea Of Devotees Take Darshan At Bhadrachalam On Vaikuntha Ekadasi

Thousands of devotees from across the country braved harsh weather to take part in the Vaikuntha (Uttara) Dwara Darsanam ritual at the historical and religiously significant Hindu temple town of Bhadrachalam, reports The Hindu.

In the month of Dhanu/Margazhi, the Vaishnavites sect (Vishnu followers) believe in the opening of ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the Lord's Inner Sanctum’. Bhadrachalam, also called Bhadradri is home to the temple of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

So on 18 December, devotees from far and wide soaked into the spiritual bliss and gathered at the beautifully decorated Uttara Dwaram (north entrance) of the temple in the early hours of the day.

With the recital of Vedic hymns, the flower-bedecked Uttara Dwaram was opened by the priests just before the dawn. The devotees offered prayers at the idols of Lord Rama, his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana. The entire shrine echoed with “Jai Sri Rama” slogans.

Prominent personalities present at the holy event included Hyderabad High Court judge Justice B Siva Sankara Rao and Principal District and Sessions judge of Khammam, M Lakshman.