Officials in Visakhapatnam gear up for Giri Pradakshina of Simhachalam temple on July 9-OxBig News Network

Officials from the district administration are giving final touches to the arrangements for Giri Pradakshina, the annual pilgrimage of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam, which is set to begin early Wednesday morning.

Drinking water cans were arranged at Lumbini Park gate near Appughar, on Tuesday, where GVMC has set up a free water supply kiosk for devotees participating in the Giri Pradakshina, the annual festival of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, scheduled for July 9 in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. DEEPAK

Multiple queue lines have been set up at ‘Tholi Pavancha’, the foothill of Simhachalam, where devotees begin the 32-km trek after performing the ritual of breaking coconuts. Free drinking water kiosks and bio-toilets are being installed every 200 metres along the route. This year, several rest arenas have also been arranged along the path, each staffed with medical teams to assist devotees.

Massive sanitation drive

A massive sanitation drive is under way, with nearly 3,000 sanitation workers deployed in shifts under the supervision of sanitary inspectors. Dustbins are being placed at regular intervals to maintain cleanliness throughout the stretch. In several areas including Seethammadhara and Visalakshi Nagar, tree-trimming work is still in progress to clear the path.

Appughar Beach

At Appughar Beach, where devotees are expected to take a holy dip during the pilgrimage, authorities have set up toilets, rest areas, and stalls offering food and drinking water. A police outpost equipped with a public address system has also been established to caution devotees against venturing into deep waters. About 50 trained swimmers with boats will be stationed at the beach to prevent drowning incidents.

Barricades have been erected near Venkojipalem to prevent devotees from entering the service road leading to the National Highway. Special arrangements are being made to facilitate safe crossing across NH-16, especially near the Hanuman statue in the area and also at Hanumanthawaka Junction.

To ensure visibility and safety during nighttime, GVMC workers are inspecting and repairing streetlights. Near Tenneti Park, lighting is being adjusted along the hill route to ensure the entire stretch is properly illuminated.

As part of the bandobust arrangements, around 2,700 police personnel will be deployed on duty. Commissioner of Police Shankabrata Bagchi has conducted a series of review meetings to finalise security arrangements. Traffic police will be stationed in larger numbers at key junctions where devotees cross NH-16, with congestion expected in these areas from Wednesday afternoon.

District Public Transportation Officer B. Appalanaidu stated that 50 buses will shuttle between the Simhachalam foothill and the hilltop. Additionally, 150 special buses will operate from major locations including RK Beach, Kothavalasa, Gajuwaka, and Dwaraka Bus Station between 5 a.m. on July 9 and 5 p.m. on July 10. Based on demand, RTC officials stationed on point duty may recommend additional services.

Home Minister V. Anitha visited the Simhachalam Devasthanam on Tuesday to review preparations. Speaking to the media, she said the government is treating the event with utmost seriousness and assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for devotees.

Thousands of devotees from across the North Andhra districts and neighbouring States are expected to participate in the Giri Pradakshina. Many believe that performing the 32-km circumambulation with devotion absolves sins and brings divine blessings and prosperity. For those unable to undertake the full trek, circumambulating the main temple is considered spiritually equivalent.