Lakhs wait for worship during auspicious 'Brahmotsavam'

Tirupati, Oct 3 (UNI) Lakhs of pilgrims have been thronging Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara here, since the annual 'Brahmothsavam' festival began on September 29.

The que in the 'vaikuntam' complex, named after the abode of Lord Vishnu, whose incarnation is Lord Venkateswara according to Hindu mythology, stretched to more than 4 km last night, according to TTD authorities.

This forced the TTD authorities to alter the system of 'darshan' of Lord Venkateswara at the temple. They introduced a new 'Maha Laghu darshan' for the general public. They also suspended the issue of 'cellar darshan' tickets and the 'break darshan' for VIPs, TTD Executive Officer K V Ramanachari said.

The influx of pilgrims escpecially from neighbouring Tamil Nadu was continuing as the darshan of the Lord during the 'Brahmothsavam'festivities is considered to be 'very auspicious'.

As part of the special arrangements being made for smooth darshan to as many as possible, the TTD is also distributing free food in packets and water for pilgrims wating in the general queue complex.

Many pilgrims, who could not get accommodation in the TTD facilities at Tirumala, were seen spending the nights on the footpaths and under trees.

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