Magha Masam is considered highly auspicious month in Telugu calendar and it is celebrated as a holy month in Srikalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh.
Since ‘Mahashivaratri’ falls in Magha Masam, it is celebrated with utmost pomp and gaiety. Special pujas are observed on Magha Shudda Saptami, Magha Shuddha Navami, Magha Shuddha Ekadashi, Magha Bahula Ashtami, Magha Bahula Navami, Magha Bahula Dashami, Magha Bahula Ekadashi, Magha Bahula Dwadashi, Magha Bahula Trayodashi, Magha Bahula Chaturdashi and Magha Amavasya.
During these special days, some sevas and abhishekams will be cancelled and some special rituals will be added to the list.
Magha Shuddha Saptami – Ratha Saptami
Common devotees will be allowed for Darshanam from 5.30 in the morning to 9.30 in the night. Abhishekam – 10.30 AM; Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam – 4 PM. Rahu Ketu Puja – 6 AM to 6 PM. Chandi Homam & Rudra Homam – 10 AM; Kalyanotsavam – 11 AM.
Magha Shuddha Navami
Common devotees will be allowed for Darshanam from 5.30 in the morning to 9.30 in the night. Abhishekam – 10.30 AM; Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam – 4 PM. Rahu Ketu Puja – 6 AM to 6 PM. Chandi Homam & Rudra Homam – 10 AM; Kalyanotsavam – 11 AM.
Magha Shuddha Ekadashi – Bhishma Ekadashi
At 9 AM, Sri Swamivaru, Sri Valli Devasena Sametha Sri Subramanya Swamy are taken out in procession to Kumaraswamy Konda and returns back to the temple at 4 PM. Darshanam for common devotees – 6 AM to 9 PM. Chandi Homam & Rudra Homam – 10 AM; Kalyanotsavam – 11 AM.
Magha Bahula Ashtami
Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams begins on this day. Sri Kannappa Dhwajarohanam. At 3 PM, Kannappa takes out Swamyvaru in procession to Sri Bhaktha Kannappa Konda for Dhwajarohanam and takes out a procession in Kalahasti streets. Ankurarpana & Vastu Shanti – 9 PM. Darshanam – 5 AM to 9 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM.
Magha Bahula Navami
Sri Swamivari Dhwajarohanam. Deva Ratri. At 9 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam. 12 PM – Kodi Vasthram, Kodi Daaram Puraveedhula Ooregimpu. 2 PM – Dhwajarohanam. Darshanam for common devotees – 5 AM to 9.30 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM. At 9 PM – Swamivaru Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam and Ahwanam to Nava Sandhi Vinayakas.
Magha Bahula Dashami
2nd Thirunallu. Bhoota Ratri. At 9 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam (Swamivaru on Suryaprabha Vahanam & Ammavaru on Chapramu). Darshanam for common devotees – 5 AM to 9.30 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM. At 9 PM – Procession through town streets – Swamivaru on Bhoota Vahanam and Ammavaru on Chuluka Vahanam.
Magha Bahula Ekadashi
3rd Thirunaallu. Gandharva Ratri. At 9 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam (Swamivaru on Hamsa Vahanam & Ammavaru on Yaali Vahanam). Darshanam for common devotees – 5 AM to 9.30 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM. At 9 PM – Procession through town streets – Swamivaru on Ravana Vahanam and Ammavaru on Nemali Vahanam.
Magha Bahula Dwadashi
4th Thirunaallu. Naaga Ratri. At 9 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam (Swamivaru on Hamsa Vahanam & Ammavaru on Chiluka Vahanam). Darshanam for common devotees – 5 AM to 9.30 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM. At 9 PM – Procession through town streets – Swamivaru on Sesha Vahanam and Ammavaru on Yaali Vahanam.
Magha Bahula Trayodashi
Mahashivaratri. At 11 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam (Swamivaru on Indra Vahanam & Ammavaru on Chapramu). Darshanam for common devotees – 3 AM to 10 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM. At 9.30 PM – Procession through town streets – Swamivaru on Nandi Vahanam and Ammavaru on Simha Vahanam.
Magha Bahula Chaturdashi
Amavasya Rathotsavam. Pagalu (Brahmaratri). Teppotsavam in the night. 2 AM – 10th Abhishekam Shuddhi Abhishekam. 3 AM – 11th Kalabhishekam, Brahmabhishekam, Lingodhbhavam. At 9 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam begins. 10.30 AM – Rathotsavam. 8 PM – Sri Swamivaru Ammavarla Utsavam begins at Neppala Mandapam. 8.30 PM – Teppotsavam at Narada Pushkarini. Darshanam for common devotees – 3 AM to 10 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM.
Magha Amavasya
Sri Swami Ammavarla Kalyanam. Ratri Skandaratri. At 9 AM, Sri Swami Ammavarla Puraveedhula Utsavam (Swamivaru on Adhikara Nandi Vahanam & Ammavaru on Kamadhenu Vahanam). 10 PM – Procession is taken out through town streets towards Pendli Mandapam (Marriage Hall) – Swamivaru on Elephant Vahanam and Ammavaru on Simha Vahanam. At 3 in the night, Kalyanam begins. Darshanam for common devotees – 5 AM to 10 PM. Abhishekams and Sevas are cancelled. Rahu Ketu Pujas – 6 AM to 6 PM.