Thousands of devotees thronged the temple of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy, the presiding deity of Simhachalam, on Monday, even as the authorities and staff were engrossed in preparations for the annual ‘Chandanotsavam’ on May 8.

The original form of the Lord can be seen only on that day as the sandal paste covering on the idol is removed and special prayers are offered before a fresh coat of sandal paste is applied. Over a dozen temple staff was seen scraping the sandal sticks to prepare the paste.

In all, 32 employees are involved in the preparation of sandal paste for the past five days. Some 500 kg of sandal paste will be used to cover the idol in four instalments. The old sandal covering will be packed in sachets and sold to devotees
“Chandanotsavam is the most important festival at the temple. Thousands of devotees, not only from the city and State but also from other States participate in the festival to worship the Lord in His original form,” says chief priest Mortha Seetharamacharyulu.

The temple has been witnessing unprecedented rush during the last three days.

Women with babies in their arms were seen standing in the queue lines on Monday braving the hot and humid weather. Three days before the ‘Chandanotsavam’, water from the ‘Jaladhara’ is poured over the old sandal coating to soften it so that it could be scraped and removed from the idol.

Long queues were also seen praying at the ‘Kappasthambam’ on the precincts of the temple, which is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees.