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The Hindu
09-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Car festival held at Soundararaja Perumal temple
As part of the week-long Adi celebrations, the administration of the famous Soundararaja Perumal temple in Thadicombu here conducted the Car festival on Saturday. Chanting 'Govinda Govinda' the devotees witnessed the Car, proceeding with the presiding deities decorated with illuminated lights. The celebrations commenced last week with Angurarpanam, followed by vaasthu shanthi and garuda pradishtai ceremonies. On August 1, the holy flag was hoisted and the presiding deity Sri Sundararaja Perumal was flanked by Sri Devi and Boo Devi. As a part of the Adi celebrations, processions were held daily and two days ago, the celestial wedding was performed. The Car festival drew large crowd from far and wide and the temple administration had made elaborate arrangements.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- The Hindu
Sea of Humanity circumambulates Simhachalam in a grand spiritual sojourn
Thousands of devotees from across North Andhra took part in the revered 'Giri Pradakshina'—the circumambulation of the sacred Simhachalam hill housing the ancient Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple—on Wednesday. Pilgrims began the spiritual journey as early as 3 a.m., breaking coconuts at 'Tholi Pavancha', the foothills of Simhachalam, before setting off on the approximately 32-km-long trek. Braving the intense heat, devotees continued their ritual with undeterred faith. While initial turnout appeared slightly lower compared to previous years, the crowd steadily increased after the temple chariot carrying the deity was ceremonially flagged off. By 6 p.m., hundreds of devotees gathered at Tholi Pavancha, with many beginning the trek after completing their day's work, conscious of avoiding the peak afternoon heat. The event drew participation from people of all ages and backgrounds—youth, elderly, and children—chanting 'Govinda Govinda' and 'Jai Shri Ram' as they made their way around the hill in a spirited show of devotion and unity. At Appughar Beach, a customary site for the holy dip, authorities took precautionary steps to ensure public safety. With high tide approaching in the evening, volunteers provided water in buckets and discouraged direct sea entry. Ropes were set up to restrict access to deeper waters, preventing mishaps. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) facilitated the pilgrimage by installing drinking water kiosks at every 200 metres along the route. Bio-toilets with gender-specific access and stationed sanitation workers ensured hygienic conditions throughout the event. Support poured in from NGOs, resident welfare associations, political party volunteers, and individuals, who distributed refreshments such as buttermilk, pulihora, vegetable pulao, halwa, biscuits, and water bottles. GVMC also set up 'Rest Arenas' with medical staff for tired pilgrims. Pain-relief sprays, basic medicines, and even oil massages were offered by volunteers and devotees to ease physical strain. Public address systems at key junctions helped manage the crowd and facilitate smooth traffic regulation. At busy spots like Hanumanthawaka, traffic police diverted vehicles headed to Health City via Adarsh Nagar Road, as the Hanumanthawaka–Adavivaram route was reserved for pilgrims. 'I have been participating in the circumambulation for the past nine years, seeking blessings for my family. My wishes have always come true. It's heartening to see young people joining in,' said Mr. Kameswara Rao from Tuni, appreciating the arrangements. Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Mallesh, who undertook the trek with his 14-year-old daughter, praised the accessibility of water and sanitation facilities along the way, available every 100 to 200 metres. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, along with officials from various departments, was on the ground supervising the arrangements. Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi also personally monitored the situation to ensure safety and order. The well-decorated temple chariot, carrying the main deity, was ceremoniously flagged off at around 2 p.m. by hereditary trustee P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Dignitaries including MPs M. Sribharat and K. Appalanaidu, MLAs Ganta Srinivasa Rao and P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), and Simhachalam Devasthanam officials also offered prayers during the occasion.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Brahmotasavam: Lord Govindaraja rides the Sun and the Moon on the seventh day
The processional deity of Lord Govindaraja was carried around the temple in Tirupati on 'Surya Prabha Vahanam' and 'Chandra Prabha Vahanam' in the morning and evening respectively on Sunday, June 8, 2025s part of the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams. On a bright sunny day, the Surya Prabha Vahanam started as per schedule, while the sun's rays touched the dazzling deity while the procession reached Gandhi Road. The mesmerised crowd of devotees gathered on the side of the road chanted 'Govinda Govinda'. Similarly, the resplendent deity shone under the milky white radiance emitted by the moon during the 'Chandra Prabha Vahanam' taken out in the evening. According to scriptures, the above two processions taken out on the seventh day of the nine-day fete are meant to establish the Lord's supremacy over the celestial beings and to show that the entire universe is in His control. Tirumala Tirupati Pedda Jeeyangar, Chinna Jeeyangar and the TTD's Deputy Executive Officer K. Shanti led the processions.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cool Suresh backs Santhanam amid 'DD Next Level' row, says, 'I'm ready to fall at Pawan Kalyan's feet"
Santhanam 's horror-comedy ' DD Next Level ,' directed by Prem Anand , is gearing up for a global theatrical release on May 16. Featuring a star-studded cast including Gautham Menon, Selvaraghavan, Keerthi Pandian, Yashika Anand, and others, the film blends satire and supernatural elements. However, controversy has clouded the excitement after the song 'Kissa' drew accusations of disrespecting Lord Perumal from members of the Jana Sena Party . Jana Sena Party demands ₹100 crore compensation over 'Govinda Govinda' lyrics. The dispute intensified when party members expressed outrage over the 'Govinda Govinda' chant used in the film, calling it derogatory. The issue reached political circles when party representatives showed the song clip to opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami during his Tirupati visit. With no apology forthcoming from the filmmakers, a ₹100 crore legal notice was served, threatening the film's smooth release. Cool Suresh 's emotional support for Santhanam shocks audience at public event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Amid the mounting tension, actor Cool Suresh made headlines with an emotional on-stage declaration at a recent film event. Stating, 'I'll fall at Pawan Kalyan 's feet for Santhanam,' he took many by surprise, showing his loyalty in a dramatic fashion. His act has since gone viral, generating mixed reactions and further amplifying attention on the controversy surrounding the film. Fans defend the film with examples from past movies featuring similar religious references. Supporters of Santhanam have pointed out that the use of devotional phrases in mainstream cinema is not new. They cited examples like Selvaraghavan's 'Aayirathil Oruvan' and Pawan Kalyan's 'Suswagatham,' where similar language was used without issue. The comparison has fueled debate about double standards and whether the current uproar is politically motivated. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Santhanam's 'DD Next Level' lands in controversy days before release
Actor Santhanam's upcoming film ' DD Next Level ' is facing unexpected trouble just days before its scheduled release on May 16. The movie is directed by Prem Anand , who previously collaborated with Santhanam for the successful horror-comedy 'DD Returns'. That film featured a cast including Surbhi, Redin Kingsley, 'Lollu Sabha' Maaran, and Motta Rajendran, and was well-received by audiences. Riding on its success, the sequel 'DD Next Level' was created with heightened expectations. Star-studded cast and viral first single raise buzz This new installment sees Santhanam sharing screen space with several popular actors, including Gautham Vasudev Menon and Selvaraghavan. The film continues the horror-comedy genre and features music composed by Afro. Recently, the first single from the film, titled 'Kissa 47,' was released and quickly garnered attention, collecting over 9 million views. The song, written by Gautami, is designed to reflect Santhanam's role as a film critic, featuring witty and humorous lines. Devotional lyric reference sparks religious backlash However, the track has now stirred controversy. As per a report from News 18, the lyrics of ' Kissa 47 ' include lines from the devotional song 'Govinda Govinda,' associated with Lord Perumal. Some have found this inclusion disrespectful. BJP-backed lawyers filed a complaint at the Salem City Police Commissioner's office, alleging that the song hurts religious sentiments and insults Lord Perumal. They demanded that the film be banned and that action be taken against Santhanam. Complaint filed as release date nears, uncertainty looms With only three days left until release, this issue has created a setback for the film's team. While the makers haven't issued an official response yet, the controversy has drawn significant attention from the public and the media. Whether the film's release will be impacted remains to be seen, but the buzz, both positive and critical, has certainly intensified around 'DD Next Level.'
