Devanga in the Sacred Mahashivaratri Utsavams at Srisailam

 

Every year, the Srisailam temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas in India, comes alive with a grand celebration known as the Mahashivaratri Utsavams. Held in the month of Magham (the 11th month of the Indian lunar calendar, generally February or March), this seven-day festival, also called Brahmotsavams, is a spiritual and cultural spectacle that attracts more than 500,000 pilgrims from across the country.

The celebration combines intricate rituals, timeless traditions, and deep-rooted community participation, particularly highlighting the unique bond between the temple and the Devanga weaver community. This article delves into the rich customs of the Mahashivaratri Utsavams, the critical role of the Devanga community, and the significance of the Pagalankarana ceremony—a ritual exclusive to the Srisailam temple.

Ritual Beginnings: Ankurarpana and Dhwajarohana

The Mahashivaratri Utsavams begin with the Ankurarpana ritual, where seeds are planted as a symbolic gesture to start the festivities, representing growth and spiritual renewal. Following this, the Dhwajarohana ritual is performed, during which a white flag bearing the emblem of Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull) is hoisted on the temple’s Dhwajasthambha (flagstaff). This ceremony serves as an invitation to the gods, invoking their divine presence for the festival. Dhwajarohana is an essential step that officially marks the beginning of the Brahmotsavams and sanctifies the atmosphere for the days ahead. ​

Vahana Sevas: Divine Processions of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba

One of the most visually captivating aspects of the Mahashivaratri Utsavams is the Vahana Sevas or the divine processions of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (an incarnation of Shiva) and Goddess Bhramaramba. Each evening, the deities are paraded around the temple premises on different vahanas (vehicles) that hold symbolic meaning in Hindu mythology. These include:

• Seshavahanam (serpent vehicle) symbolizes cosmic energy.
• Mayuravahanam (peacock vehicle) represents grace and beauty.
• Nandivahanam (bull vehicle) signifies strength and righteousness.
• Aswavahanam (horse vehicle) embodies speed and power.

These processions are accompanied by temple music, traditional dance performances, and thousands of devotees, transforming the temple into a vibrant hub of faith and celebration. The Vahana Sevas brings the deities closer to the people, fostering a deep spiritual connection and filling the atmosphere with devotion. 

Midnight Abhishekam on Mahashivaratri Day

The 29th day of Magham is the most important day of the festival, marking Mahashivaratri itself. At midnight, during the sacred Lingodbhava Kala, a special Abhishekam (ritualistic bath) is performed for Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy. According to legend, this is when Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light, symbolizing his boundless, eternal nature. During the Abhishekam, the deity is bathed with milk, honey, and sandalwood paste, and Vedic hymns and Shiva mantras are chanted in the background. This midnight ritual holds a deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the dissolution of darkness and ignorance in the presence of Shiva’s divine light​.

The Unique Pagalankarana Ceremony: Devanga Community’s Sacred Offering

A central highlight of the Mahashivaratri Utsavams is the Pagalankarana ritual, a rare and exclusive custom performed only at the Srisailam temple. The ritual involves the Devanga weaver community, who have a longstanding cultural and spiritual connection to the temple. For generations, the Devangas have been the designated weavers of the Paga—a lengthy white cloth or turban—that plays a central role in this ritual. Woven is an offering throughout the year, and the Paga represents purity, devotion, and the enduring bond between the Devanga community and Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.

On the night of Mahashivaratri, in total darkness with all temple lights turned off, a Devanga weaver ascends to the top of the Vimana Gopuram (temple tower) and drapes the Paga from the tower down to the Mukhamandapam, where it winds around Nandi idols. The weaver performs this sacred task with a bare torso, symbolizing humility and surrender to the divine. The use of darkness is significant, highlighting an act of pure devotion that transcends the physical world, focusing instead on the unseen connection between the Devangas and the divine. The Pagalankarana ritual, entrusted exclusively to the Devanga community, reflects the temple’s respect for this community as integral custodians of its cultural heritage. 

Kalyanotsavam and Radhotsavam: Celebrating Divine Union

After Pagalankarana, the temple hosts the Kalyanotsavam, a divine wedding ceremony symbolizing the union of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba. This ritual signifies the merging of cosmic energies and blessings for all devotees. The following day, the Radhotsavam (chariot festival) takes place, with the deities placed on ornately decorated chariots drawn through the temple grounds in a grand procession. More than 100,000 devotees gather to witness this beautiful event, participating with fervor and chanting prayers. The procession is a spectacular sight, encapsulating the joy and vibrancy of the festival. 

Concluding Ritual: Dhwajavarohana and the End of the Brahmotsavams

The final ritual of the Mahashivaratri Utsavams is Dhwajavarohana, in which the temple flag is ceremonially lowered, marking the end of the Brahmotsavams. This act signifies the end of the celebrations, as the deities symbolically bid farewell. The temple is restored to its routine, and pilgrims carry home memories of a spiritually enriching experience. During the festival, specific services, such as Sparsa Darshanam (touching the deity) and Arjitha Sevas (paid services), are temporarily suspended to manage the influx of visitors and ensure the smooth execution of rituals.​

The Devanga Community: Custodians of Tradition

The Mahashivaratri Utsavams at Srisailam beautifully exemplifies the Devanga community’s dedication to preserving this temple's unique cultural and spiritual heritage. The Pagalankarana ritual is a testament to their deep-seated faith and showcases the community’s role as artisans and custodians of tradition. For the Devanga community, weaving the Paga is not just a craft but a year-long devotional activity woven with prayers and reverence. Their commitment to the festival cemented their identity within the temple’s history and inspired future generations.

Conclusion

The Mahashivaratri Utsavams at Srisailam offer a glimpse into India’s rich tapestry of spiritual heritage, interwoven with unique rituals like Pagalankarana. The festival brings together thousands of devotees and celebrates the timeless bond between the Devanga weavers and Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy. It is an experience that captures the essence of devotion, community, and cultural continuity—making Srisailam a beacon of faith and tradition.