Thousands of devotees of Lord Appanna, presiding deity of Varaha Lakshminrusimha Swamy Temple atop the Simhachalam Hill, walked barefoot today to complete the 32-km circumambulation of the hill, as part ofthe annual 'Giri Pradakshina' ritual.
The devotees walked back to Jodugullapalem through Adivaram and Arilova to the beach for a holy dip.
It is believed thatgoing around the Simhachalam Hill was equivalent to circumbulation of the world.
Some believe it is equal to 'Kailash Pradakshina', circumambulation of the holy mountain of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Over 2,000 policemen were deployed for bandobust.
Apart from setting up hundreds of mobile bio-toilets and ambulances, the government made arrangements for water and food kiosks along the 32-km route.
After 'Giri Pradakshina', the devotees offered prayers at the temple.