In an effort to enhance the sacredness of the event and impart Kumbha Mela stature to the Godavari Pushkaralu, Telangana government is inviting huge number of Sadhus from Himalayas to state during Pushkaralu that are set to commence from July 14. It is for the first time that the Sadhus are participating en masse in Pushkaralu. Normally, they are seen only at Kumbha Mela.
State government is making elaborate arrangements to make Godavari another ritual destination for the Sadhus, who live in Himalayan shrines and caves. These Sadhus are invited to take a holy dip in River Godavari at Bhadrachalam, Khammam district.
The state government is expecting about 1500 Sadhus to visit Pushkara Ghat at Bhadrachalam. According to N Sivasankar, Endowments Secretary, the Telangana government has released Rs 1.50 crore to provide amenities to Sadhus. Government is making special arrangements for their stay in the outskirts of temple-town Bhadrachalam.
If the Sadhus feel happy, they spread the word among other Sadhus and their visit to Godavari would be a regular pilgrimage.
Endowments minister Allola Indrakaran Reddy said Naga Sadhus had already met him and R& B minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, who is from Khammam district discussed about their participation. He said Sadhus would partake in Pushkaralu and perform special pujas.
Few words about Naga Sadhus: Incidentally, the Naga Sadhus are Shaivite saints and reside in Himalayas. Except on the occasions like Kumbha Mela, they seldom visit world outside. Godavari Pushkaralu is going to be their second occasion to present themselves to people of India. Holding trishul (trident), the Sadhus smear their bodies with vibhudhi (ash) and sport thick coils of matted hair like Lord Shiva. Even in Himalayan winter, they live naked.
It is not yet known yet what rituals they are going to perform at Bhadrachalam ghat. Their activities are set to become special attraction of T-Godavari Pushkaralu
