Simhachalam Braces for Mass Influx as Giri Pradakshina Pilgrimage Commences

Early morning showers did not deter the thousands of pilgrims who gathered at the base of Simhachalam hill on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to begin the annual Giri Pradakshina. The 32-kilometer trek, a major religious event for the region, officially commenced at the Tholi Pavancha. By 10 a.m., official estimates from the Command and Control Centre confirmed that approximately 11,000 people had already passed the starting point, where devotees traditionally break coconuts before setting out.

Strategic Oversight and Route Logistics

Simhachalam Devasthanam Executive Officer J. Venkat Rao supervised the initial operations at Tholi Pavancha, where multiple queue lines and coconut-breaking counters were established to manage the flow. The authorities utilized a specialized Command and Control Centre equipped with surveillance systems to track crowd density and ensure public safety across the designated path. The trekking route navigates through Hanumanthawaka, moves past Kailasagiri, and transitions through MVP Colony and Seethammadhara before circling back to the temple site.

By mid-morning, a steady progression of walkers reached the Hanumanthawaka Junction, marking the 11-kilometer milestone. Participants represented a broad demographic, from college students in raincoats to the elderly. For those physically unable to complete the full 32-kilometer route, the Devasthanam provided an alternative by allowing circumambulation of the temple at the hill's summit, an act considered spiritually equivalent to the full trek.

Community Support and Ritual Significance

The scale of the event is expected to expand significantly as the day progresses. Tradition dictates that a vast majority of pilgrims begin their journey only after the ceremonial chariot of the presiding deity exits the temple. This leads to a surge of participants who continue the walk well into the night. To assist the travelers, volunteers established stalls along the route providing:

• Hydration and nourishment including water, buttermilk, tea, and snacks.
• Medical and physical relief, specifically oil-massage stations for blistered feet, such as the ten-year-old service located near the Sivalayam at NAD Junction.

Long-time participants, such as Gajuwaka resident J. Aruna, noted that the inclement weather provided an ideal climate for the journey. Aruna, completing her fourth consecutive pilgrimage, anticipated finishing the circuit by early evening. The event continues to grow in regional prominence, driven by the belief that completing the trek brings prosperity and fulfills spiritual vows.

Source: The Hindu — Cities