Srirangam temple receives 'Holy Vastrams' from TTD

Srirangam, Dec 01 (UNI) The Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple here wore a festive look today, when officials and Vedic pandits from Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD) brought 'Holy Silk Vastrams' to adorn the presiding deity and processional deities, in commemoration of the idol of the processional deity 'Namperumal' being kept for safety in Tirupathi during the Muslim invasion in the 13th Century.

The TTD representatives, numbering around 25, led by Peshkar Vasudevan handed over the holy vestments, Silk 'Parivattam', fruits, sandalwood paste, betel leaves and nuts at a glittering function at the 'Ranga Mandapam' in the temple complex. The TTD honours were received by the Srirangam Temple Authorities, led by P Sivakumar, Executive Officer and Joint Commissioner of the temple.

The silk 'Vastram' would be adorned on the presiding deity Lord Ranganatha, the silk sari on his consort Goddess Ranganayaki, silk 'Paavadai' (half saree) for Sridevi and Bhoodevi and Sesha 'Vastram' on the great saint Ramanuja.

Earlier, the gifts were taken in a procession led by the temple elephant through the four 'Chithirai' streets around the temple.

The age-old custom, suspended for several years due to various reasons, was revived last year. The unique feature is that the TTD chose 'Kaisika Ekadasi,' an auspicious day in the Vaishnavite calendar, to make the holy offering to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

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