Vemulawada Mahasivarathri Jathra 2026: Raja Rajeshwara Temple Festival Dates & Rituals

The Mahasivarathri Jathra is one of the most important and officially notified festivals of this Devasthanam. Lakhs of pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh and other states gather to offer vows to Lord Raja Rajeshwara.

During the Jathra, the temple remains open round the clock, allowing devotees to participate in rituals and darshan without interruption.

Key Rituals

Maha Lingarchana – performed at 6:30 PM on Mahasivarathri day.
Lingodbhavakala Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam – performed at midnight in strict adherence to Vedic injunctions.
State Government Offering: Pattu Vastrams are ceremonially presented to the presiding deity on this auspicious day.

2026 Jathra Dates

February 14 – Koda Mokkubadi
February 15 – Special Pujas, Maha Lingarchana, Rudrabhishekam
February 16 – Special Shivaratri Pujas

Getting Here

Nearest Town: Vemulawada (well-known as “Dakshina Kashi”)
Nearest City: Karimnagar (~35 km away)

By Air:

The closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (~150 km).
From Hyderabad, taxis and buses connect directly to Vemulawada.

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Karimnagar Railway Station (~35 km).
Well connected to Hyderabad, Warangal, and Secunderabad.
From Karimnagar, buses and taxis are available to Vemulawada.

By Road:

Vemulawada is connected by TSRTC buses from Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Nizamabad.
Private cabs and autos are available locally.
The temple lies on the Karimnagar–Sircilla road, making it accessible for pilgrims from across Telangana and neighboring states.

Tips for Pilgrims

Accommodation: Book hotels or lodges in Vemulawada or Karimnagar early, as lakhs of devotees attend the Jathra.
Temple Hours: During the Jathra, the temple remains open round the clock.
Best Time to Arrive: Early morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds.
Local Transport: Autos and shared jeeps are common for short distances.
Festival Days: Expect heavy crowds on Feb 15 (Maha Lingarchana & Rudrabhishekam); plan darshan accordingly.