Students Experience Democracy Firsthand at AP Assembly

Feb 18, 2026 | 656 Views

Approximately 300 students visited the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Amaravati on Tuesday as part of an educational initiative aimed at promoting awareness about the functioning of democratic institutions. Over the past five days, nearly 1,100 students have taken part in the program, gaining firsthand exposure to legislative proceedings. The visit provided valuable insights into how public issues are debated and how laws are formulated within the Assembly. During the session break, Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, Deputy Speaker Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, and several Members of the Legislative Assembly interacted warmly with the students, answering their questions and encouraging them to pursue higher goals. The leaders emphasized the importance of education and active participation in nation-building. Students expressed enthusiasm about witnessing the legislative environment in person, stating that the experience deepened their understanding of democracy and inspired them to contribute meaningfully to society.

Lord Kapileswara Blesses Devotees on Nandi Vahana During Maha Shivaratri in Tirupati

Feb 16, 2026 | 417 Views

As part of the annual Brahmotsavams, the Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati were marked by the grand Nandi Vahana Seva on Sunday evening. Sri Kapileswara Swamy, along with Goddess Kamakshi, blessed devotees while seated on the sacred Nandi vehicle. The procession began around 6 PM and moved through the temple streets amid devotional singing, kolatam performances, bhajans, and traditional musical instruments. Large numbers of devotees participated in the vahana seva, offering camphor harati and prayers. Just as Garuda is revered as the divine mount of Lord Vishnu, Nandi holds special spiritual significance for Lord Shiva. On Monday, February 16, the sacred Lingodbhava Abhishekam will be conducted from 12 midnight to 4 AM, marking one of the most important rituals of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees will be allowed for Sarva Darshan from 8 AM onwards. Senior officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, including CVSO K.V. Muralikrishna, Temple Special Officer D. Phanikumar Naidu, Superintendent Chandrasekhar, temple priests, and a large gathering of devotees, took part in the celebrations.

“AP to Emerge as Spiritual and Global Hub,” Says CM Chandrababu at Shivoham Event

Feb 16, 2026 | 295 Views

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that with the blessings of Lord Shiva, the state should progress towards prosperity and spiritual growth. Speaking at the “Shivoham” program organized by Maha TV in Amaravati, he emphasized that the NDA government is giving special priority to temple protection, management, and the promotion of temple tourism. He said the government’s vision includes ensuring daily rituals such as Deeparadhana and Naivedyam in every temple, strengthening devotees’ faith, and respecting religious sentiments. He added that Amaravati, envisioned as both a people’s capital and a spiritual center, should gain global recognition and serve as a model city for future generations. The Chief Minister outlined the broader “Swarna Andhra 2047” vision focused on poverty eradication, equal opportunities, and improved living standards. He highlighted major development goals including completion of the Polavaram project, river interlinking, irrigation for every acre, and wealth creation through technology-driven sectors such as AI, Quantum Valley, data centers, green hydrogen, and renewable energy. He also reaffirmed efforts to develop Andhra Pradesh as a major spiritual destination, noting the presence of renowned pilgrimage sites such as Srisailam Temple. The event was attended by several dignitaries, reflecting the government’s combined focus on spiritual awakening and comprehensive development.

Lakhs Flock to Mallanna Temples; Minister Walks 3 Km and Announces Development Funds

Feb 16, 2026 | 305 Views

During Maha Shivaratri, thousands of devotees from Telangana and Maharashtra thronged the renowned Vellala Gattu Mallanna Temple in Jaipur mandal and Katterasala Mallanna Temple in Chennur mandal of Mancherial district. Devotees performed holy dips in the Godavari River and trekked up the hill shrine to offer prayers to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy. The temple premises were packed with worshippers seeking blessings on the auspicious occasion. Temple priests accorded a traditional Purna Kumbha welcome to the visiting dignitaries, accompanied by cultural drum performances, and presented sacred offerings and ceremonial shawls. State Minister for Labour and Mining, Vivek Venkataswamy, along with his wife Saroja, offered special prayers at both temples. Choosing to avoid inconvenience to devotees, the minister walked nearly three kilometers from the base of the hill like a common pilgrim. Extending Shivaratri greetings to the people, he prayed for prosperity and abundant harvests across the state. He stated that efforts are underway to secure forest permissions for improving road connectivity to Vellala temple and assured enhanced facilities including traffic management, drinking water, and amenities for devotees. He also announced the initiation of monthly Giripradakshina and sanctioned ₹20 lakh for the development of Katterasala Mallanna Temple.

Sacred Waters from 1008 Rivers Used in Grand Maha Shivaratri Ritual in Sangareddy

Feb 16, 2026 | 301 Views

On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, Telangana’s Minister for Medical, Health, and Welfare, Damodar Rajanarsimha, participated in a spiritually significant Jalalinga Abhishekam ceremony held at Faselwadi village in Sangareddy district. The event was organized under the guidance of Sri Jyothir Vastu Vidyapeetham, where sacred waters collected from 1008 rivers across India were brought together for the special ritual, symbolizing unity and devotion. Under the leadership of Brahmashri Dr. Maheshwara Sharma Siddhanti, the minister personally carried a ceremonial pot filled with the sacred river waters on his head, circumambulated the sacred premises, and performed the Jalalinga Abhishekam. He later offered special prayers at the shrine. Thousands of Shiva devotees attended the grand spiritual gathering, making it a remarkable and devotional celebration of Maha Shivaratri.