Hyderabad, Feb 15 (NationPress) A significant influx of devotees visited Shiva temples throughout Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday as the Maha Shivaratri festivities began in both Telugu states with grandeur.

Before dawn, devotees flocked to Shiva temples in both regions. The sanctuaries were filled with devotional hymns and mantras as special rituals were conducted.

Participants engaged in 'Rudrabhishekha' and took part in the distinctive puja ceremonies. Many also took holy dips in nearby rivers and ponds.

Long lines of devotees were visible at major temples, eagerly offering their prayers and seeking divine blessings.

A large crowd paid their respects at the Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple located in Telangana's Rajanna Sircilla district.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and MLA Aadi Srinivas presented silk garments to the deity on behalf of the state administration.

Devotees began lining up at the Komuravelli Mallanna temple in Siddipet district early in the morning, and a vibrant procession was organized in celebration. Celebrations for Mahashivaratri also took place at the Keesara temple in Medchal Malkajgiri.

Spiritual enthusiasm was palpable at Shivaite sites in Khammam, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Sangareddy, Adilabad, and Warangal.

In Andhra Pradesh, the most significant celebration occurred at the Srisailam temple in Kurnool district, with thousands of devotees queuing at the hill shrine since the early hours of Sunday.

Devotees stood in extensive lines for darshan at the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple.

Comprehensive arrangements were made by all departments at the temple. Senior officials monitored the situation from a command control center through CCTV cameras.

Mahashivaratri celebrations also unfolded joyously at Srikalahasti, which houses one of the nation's renowned Shiva temples.

Large-scale festivities were observed at Bhimeswara Swamy temple in Samalkot, Draksharamam, and Kotappakonda.

Special pujas took place at Amaralingeshwara Swamy temple in Amaravati, Durga Nageshwaraswamy in Krishna district, and numerous other Shiva temples across Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Andhra Pradesh counterpart S. Abdul Nazeer, along with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, extended their greetings to the public on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

The Telangana Chief Minister, in his message, prayed to Lord Shiva to bless Telangana with prosperity and grant the populace happiness, peace, longevity, and good health. He expressed hope that Lord Shiva's divine blessings would be with all devotees observing Maha Shivaratri fasting and performing special prayers with deep reverence.

Chandrababu Naidu stated in his message that Andhra Pradesh is the sacred land where the holy 'Jyotirlinga' of Srisailam is enshrined. He prayed for Lord Shiva to bless the state and its people with prosperity.

"The Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated by millions of devotees worldwide with immense devotion as it offers an opportunity for spiritual awakening. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as devotees worship Lord Shiva by lighting lamps, fasting, and chanting prayers. May this auspicious occasion inspire noble thoughts of love, affection, amity, and brotherhood among us all," remarked Governor Abdul Nazeer in his message.