Mahashivarathri celebrations in AP

Maha Shivratri was on Sunday celebrated with religious fervour across Andhra Pradesh, with devotees observing fast and offering prayers at temples of Lord Shiva.

Thousands thronged temples since morning. Long queues were seen at the famous Shiva temples at Srisailam, Srikalahasti, Draksharamam, Pattiseema, Bhimavaram, Kotappakonda, Amaravati and Vemulawada.

Special rituals were performed for Shivalings. The devout observed fast.

The biggest congregation was at the Srisailam temple near Kurnool town. Devotees from various parts of India prayed at the famous temple, which is one of 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

There were heated arguments between some devotees and temple officials over the delay in 'darshan', witnesses said.

Serpentine queues were also seen at temples at Sriklahasti in Chittoor district, Draksharamam in East Godavari, Pattiseema and Bhimavaram in West Godavari, Kotappakonda and Amaravati in Guntur and Vemulawada in Karimnagar district.

Thousands took a holy dip in the Godavari river. People thronged the bathing ghats since early morning.

Shiva temples in other parts of the state also teemed with a large number of devotees.
In Hyderabad, police made tight security arrangements at temples in the wake of last month's terror attack that claimed 17 lives.