Chirala Family's Sacred Turban for Srisailam Mallanna's Mahashivaratri Kalyanam

• The Prithvi family from Chirala has been weaving the sacred 'talapaga' (turban) for Srisailam Mallanna's Mahashivaratri Kalyanam for generations.
• The turban is a crucial part of the 'Lingodbhava Kalam' ceremony at the world-renowned Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Kshetram.
• Weaving involves rigorous discipline: one 'mura' (1.5 feet) is woven daily, with weavers fasting and adhering to strict rules.
• The 150-yard cotton turban is brought in a procession and wrapped around nine Nandi idols before the deity's wedding ceremony.
• Devotees believe possessing a piece of this sacred cloth brings good fortune, highlighting the family's deep devotion.