Kurnool: The Srisailam temple authorities have performed traditional 'Koti Deepotsavam' on Sunday to mark the closing ceremony of Karthika masam.

The temple staff including officials and priests along with surging devotees lit one crore Karthika deepams around the temple premises on the occasion.

About 5 lakh devotees thronged the temple to mark the Koti Deepotsavam. Srisailam known as Dakshina Kashi is one of the Jyothirlingams in the country.

Pilgrims took holy dip in Patala Ganga and solemnly floated Karthika Deepams in the holy waters. The temple officials organised special programmes including cultural events from morning till late night.

Om Namashivaiah chants rent the air as part of Deepotsavam. And at the main temple, the temple officials have organised 'Jwala thoronam' programme. On the occasion, general darshan has taken 7-8 hours while special darshan took 4-5 hours.

Temple executive officer N. Barath Gupta has made elaborate arrangements and tight security has been made to avoid any untoward incidents led by district SP Ake Ravi Krishna.

Apart from this, the Mahanandi Temple authority led by temple executive officer S. Varaprasad has conducted one lakh Bilwarchana puja and thousands of devotees also lit Karthika deepams around the temple premises.