Vijayawada witnessed a massive surge of devotion on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Siva temples to mark Mahasivaratri. From dawn, long lines formed as devotees chanted “Om Namah Siva” while waiting for darshan. Major temples like Sivalayam atop Indrakeeladri, Patha Sivalayam, and Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Yanamalakuduru attracted heavy crowds. Special rituals such as “Mahanyasa Abhishekam”, “Rudra Abhishekam”, and “Rudra Homams” were conducted throughout the day. Celebrations opened with devotees taking a holy dip in the Krishna river, especially at the packed Durga Ghat. Jamgama Devaras blessed the pilgrims at the ghats. Temples adorned themselves with colorful “thoranams”, “mandapams”, and display boards of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati. The Kanaka Durga Temple held special abhishekams by Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy priests, including the Lingodbhava Kala Abhishekam and the Siva-Parvati Kalyanam at night. Descendants of the Siva Bhakta Markandeya lineage offered handloom robes, bangles, and flowers to deities in bamboo plates, honoring tradition. Traffic was diverted by police to manage huge crowds, especially near Yanamalakuduru’s Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy temple. The Prabha Mahotsavam at the temple was a major spiritual highlight, offering a spectacular experience cherished by devotees year after year.