Amaravati, February 13, 2026: Temples across Srikakulam district are adorned and ready for Maha Shivaratri on Sunday, February 15.
The spotlight falls on the 8th-century Srimukhalingeswara Swamy temple in Srimukhalingam often called Dakshina Kasi for its Eastern Ganga dynasty heritage. Devotees plan holy dips in the Vamsadhara river before darshan, with expectations of over 50,000 visitors, including many from neighbouring Odisha.
Authorities have stepped up coordination. The district collector reviewed plans to avoid past crowd issues, while APSRTC rolls out 40 special bus services to key Shiva sites like Endala Mallikarjuna Swamy in Ravivalasa, Umarudra Koteswara Alayaram, and Shiva Balaji in Srikakulam city.
Lessons from a recent stampede at another local temple guide smoother arrangements, ensuring safe access for all.
