Hyderabad: The Telangana government conducted a Maha Varuna Yagam at Nagarjunasagar on the banks of the Krishna River, seeking abundant rainfall across the State.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his wife participated in the rituals at Vijay Vihar. Under the guidance of ritwiks, they performed the prescribed ceremonies and offered the Purnahuti.
Priests and Vedic scholars from the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Yadagirigutta led the proceedings. A total of 108 ritwiks conducted the rituals around 11 homa kundas according to Vedic traditions.
Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and his wife also participated in the ceremony. Vedic chants and traditional rituals marked the proceedings.
Revanth Reddy prayed for plentiful rainfall in the Krishna and Godavari river basins. He said the government had organised the Maha Varuna Yagam for the welfare and prosperity of people across Telangana.
According to the Chief Minister, prayers and rituals for rainfall form part of India’s long-standing spiritual traditions. At the same time, he said the government would continue relying on scientific forecasts and planning.
He added that the government respected cultural practices reflecting the relationship between rainfall, agriculture, nature and human life.
Maha Varuna Yagam seeks rainfall, full reservoirs and farm prosperity
The government conducted the ritual amid weather department forecasts indicating a possibility of below-normal rainfall in the State due to El Nino.
During the ceremony, Revanth Reddy sought widespread rainfall across Telangana. He also prayed for the Krishna and Godavari rivers to flow at full strength.
The Chief Minister sought sufficient water in Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar and all other projects. He also prayed for every tank and pond in the State to receive adequate water.
“May the State receive abundant rainfall; may the Krishna and Godavari rivers flow to their full capacity; may Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar and all other projects be filled with water; may every tank and pond in the State brim with water; may groundwater levels rise and crops flourish; may farmers see smiles on their faces; may the State remain green and prosperous, and may all people enjoy good health, happiness and well-being,” the Chief Minister prayed.
Furthermore, Revanth Reddy sought rising groundwater levels and plentiful crops across the State. He also wished for farmers to prosper and people to enjoy good health and happiness.
Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy attended the ceremony. Ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Konda Surekha also participated.
Government Advisors K. Keshava Rao and P. Sudarshan Reddy joined the programme. Former minister K. Jana Reddy and other public representatives were also present.