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The sacred month of Karthika Masam, a spiritually significant period in the Hindu tradition, begins on October 22, 2025. However, this year, it will be observed from October 22 to November 20. Devotees mark the month with fasting, charity, holy baths, and special prayers, believed to bring spiritual merit and divine blessings.
Heavy rainfall has been lashing Tirumala temple in the Tirupati district since last night, causing hardship to devotees. Nellore city has also seen continuous rain for three days, leading to waterlogging in suburban colonies. Rainwater has entered railway underbridges, severely affecting commuter movement and causing traffic disruptions.
Lakshmi Puja, traditionally performed during Diwali, is most auspicious today between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM, according to scholars. The Pradosha period falls between 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM. Rituals and pujas conducted during these times are believed to bring special blessings, prosperity, and spiritual benefits on this sacred occasion.
The Kanakadurgamma Temple at Indra Kiladri, Vijayawada, will close today at 7 PM for Diwali celebrations. The temple will be closed for the Pancha Aarti service and will reopen at 3 AM tomorrow. Temple officials advised devotees to consider these timings while planning their darshan visit during the Diwali festivities.
The ‘Diwali Asthanam’ at Tirumala Temple is an annual event of great significance, celebrating the festival of lights with grandeur. The special rituals during this occasion honor Lord Venkateswara and are believed to bring blessings and prosperity. The event attracts thousands of devotees who gather to witness the spiritual celebration.
According to mythology, after a fourteen-year exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana on this day. The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed by his return, decorated their homes with lamps to welcome their king. This moment marks the beginning of Diwali, a celebration of light and victory.
According to mythology, the demon Narakasura terrorized both people and gods. Granted a boon to die only at a woman’s hands, he was slain by Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife, during a fierce battle. Krishna feigned death to empower her. This victory of good over evil is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, a Diwali festival.
E.D. Prasad of Erannur Mana, Thrissur, has been chosen as the new Melshanthi of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, while M.G. Manu Namboothiri of Mayyanad, Kollam, will serve at the Malikappuram Devi temple. Their names were drawn through lot by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Both priests will assume charge on November 15.
At Tirumala temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, devotees are waiting in all 15 compartments for darshan today. Sarvadarshan without tokens currently takes around 10 hours. On Wednesday, October 15, 75,919 devotees had darshan of Lord Venkateswara, and 28,218 offered tonsuring. The TTD reported a Hundi collection of ₹3.79 crore on the same day.
Along with the famous Srisailam temple, several key sites attract tourists. Notable among them are Pathala Ganga, where devotees take a holy dip, Sakshi Ganapathi temple, and the scenic Srisailam Dam. Other must-tour spots include the Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum, Akka Mahadevi Caves, and the ropeway ride offering panoramic views of the region.
At Tirumala temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, devotees are waiting in all 16 compartments for darshan today. Sarvadarshan without tokens currently takes around 11 hours. On Tuesday, October 14, 72,473 devotees had darshan of Lord Venkateswara, and 23,900 offered tonsuring. The TTD reported a Hundi collection of ₹4.35 crore on the same day.
The Karthi Month Puja will be held at Srikalahasti Temple in Chittoor district from October 22 to November 20, announced temple Executive Officer Bapireddy. Key changes to temple opening hours, morning abhishekam, and pavalimpu services on Mondays have been introduced to mark this annual auspicious occasion.
As winter sets in, Delhi’s air quality is nearing the ‘poor’ category, with the AQI at 199 on Saturday, just below the threshold. The minimum temperature dropped to 19.4°C and the maximum to 30.3°C, both below normal, according to IMD. Pollution levels are expected to rise further as colder conditions persist in the capital.
At Tirumala temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, devotees are waiting in all 32 compartments for darshan today. Sarvadarshan without tokens currently takes around 18 hours. On Friday, October 10, 74,468 devotees had darshan of Lord Venkateswara, and 26,878 offered tonsuring. The TTD reported a Hundi collection of ₹3.86 crore on the same day.
Karwa Chauth, also called Karak Chaturthi, centers around the Karwa -an earthen pot used for offering water (Argha) to the moon. It holds great significance in the Puja and is given as Dan to Brahmins. Women worship several deities on this day, including Chauth Mata, Goddess Gaura, Lord Shiva, Kartikeya, and Ganesh.