Telangana CM Revanth, Irrigation Minister Uttam perform Varuna Yagam for good inflows into Krishna and Godavari rivers

Yagam performed in 11 sacred altars with 108 ritviks chanting vedic hymns

Published - August 10, 2026 05:53 pm IST - HYDERABAD

As the prospect of deficit rainfall looms large with less than two months remaining for the monsoon to recede, the Telangana Government has conducted Varuna Yagam, the traditional worship to invoke the blessings of Varuna — the rain God, in the Krishna and Godavari catchment areas on Monday (August 10, 2026).

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has initiated the sacred ritual, performed with 108 ritviks on 11 sacred altars (homa kundams), at Nagarjunasagar early on Monday morning. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy participated in the yagam receiving purnahuti during its culmination. The yagam was conducted by priests and vedic pundits of Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and Vijayapuri associated with Nagarjunasagar region — a centre of rituals and learning during the Ikshvaku period 1,800 years ago — resounded with vedic chants.

Vedic scholars and priests who gathered at the venue prayed for widespread rainfall across the State, healthy flows in the Krishna and Godavari, replenished reservoirs and tanks, and prosperity for farmers. The ceremony began with recital of four vedas with 32 ritviks taking their designated places around the yagashala for the main rituals while the remaining members continuously recited vedas turning the surroundings deeply devotional. This was followed by Agni Pratishtapana, consecration of sacred fire. Offerings were made into the altars amid chanting of mantras invoking Varuna and seeking harmony between nature and humanity.

The ritviks, during their prayers, sought bountiful of rains not only in Telangana but also in the entire catchment of the two major rivers so that the State receives adequate water. Ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Konda Surekha, former Minister K. Jana Reddy, Legislative Council chairman G. Sukhender Reddy, Government advisors K. Keshav Rao and P. Sudharshan Reddy and MLAs, MLCs attended the ceremony.

Published - August 10, 2026 05:53 pm IST

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