New flagstaff consecrated at Siddhavateswara Swamy temple in Siddhavatam

A new Dhwajastambham was consecrated at the Sri Kamakshi Sametha Siddhavateswara Swamy temple in Siddhavatam Kshetram on Monday morning at 10.51 a.m., completing three days of preparatory rituals at the temple adopted by Srisailam.

The consecration followed Vedic chanting and japa performed earlier that morning, with the installation carried out in accordance with scriptural injunctions. The Dhwajastambham, or flagstaff, is counted among four vital temple components alongside the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), Mula Murthy (presiding deity) and Bali Peetham (sacrificial altar).

Significance in temple tradition

Agama Shastras attach special significance to these four elements, and Dhwajarohanam, the flag-hoisting ceremony, is required before conducting temple festivals and rituals. This makes the Dhwajastambham an essential feature for maintaining temple operations.

After the consecration, priests performed Baliharana, involving ritual offerings to presiding deities in the eight cardinal directions, followed by Purnahuti, the final offering in the sacred fire.

Development plans announced

Temple Trust Board chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu and Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao attended the ceremony along with other dignitaries. Ramesh Naidu announced that the Siddhavatam and Jyothi temples would be developed in phases, with adequate publicity planned to attract more devotees.

Srinivasa Rao said that since the temples were adopted by the Srisailam temple, all rituals and services had been conducted strictly in accordance with Agama traditions. He assured devotees that basic amenities would also be provided at the site.

Source: The Hindu