Devotees make a beeline for historic Illandakunta shrine

The celestial wedding of Lord Rama with his consort Sita was performed with great fanfare at the Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy devasthanam in Illandakunta village of Jammikunta mandal on Monday.

The Illandakunta temple has attained importance in the region as it is believed that Lord Rama along with Sita and younger brother Laxmana visited the village during their 14-year vanvas (exile period). It was here that they learnt about the death of Rama’s father, Dasaratha. Lord Rama performed sraadha puja of his father using the seeds of ‘Illanda’ tree. That is how the village got its name.

It is believed that the presiding deities at this ancient shrine were installed by Lord Rama and Sita.

The devotees thronged in large numbers at the Illandakunta temple to witness the celestial wedding. Minister for Finance and Civil Supplies Eatala Rajender along with his wife presented silk vastrams and pearls to the deities.

The district administration had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival.

Zilla Parishad chairperson Tula Uma, MLC Naradasu Laxman Rao, Commissioner of Police VB Kamalasan Reddy and former MP Ponnam Prabhakar also participated in the celebrations.

Local philanthropists had arranged for lunch for the devotees.