Collector reviews arrangements for Maha Shivaratri at Ramatheertham, Punyagiri temples

Vizianagaram Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy on Thursday visited the Ramatheertham and Punyagiri temples and reviewed the arrangements for Maha Shivaratri that will be celebrated on February 15, 2026. The Collector directed Revenue, Endowments and Police department officials to ensure hassle-free darshan for devotees on the day of the festival

Hundreds of pilgrims from across the district and various other places visit the Ramatheertham temple as it is believed that the Pandava brothers offered special prayers to Lord Shiva at the temple. On Maha Shivaratri day devotees also visit the Lord Shiva temple, adjacent to Lord Rama’s temple. They also travel to Punyagiri, around 35 km from Vizianagaram to have darshan at the Umakotilingeswara Alarayam.

The Collector’s visit to both the temples is significant in the backdrop of stampede-like situation at several temples including the Arasavilli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple during Rathasaptami on January 25, 2026.