Ritual cleansing at Tirumala Temple

Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 11 (UNI) A 'Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam' was peformed at the Sri Venkateswara Temple here today in view of the nine-day annual 'Brahmotsavam' scheduled to begin on September 19.

The ritual cleansing is performed four times a year before Brahmotsavams, Ugadi, Anivariasthanam and Vaikunta Ekadasi respectively.

The entire temple is cleaned with holy water and priests then perform special rituals and poojas.

A sacred paste made from raw camphor, saffron, jali, pathri, parimalam, punugu,pasupu (turmeric) and several scented herbs are applied on the walls, floors and other places in the temple.

The paste is also applied in Sri Varahaswamy Temple, Narasimhavari Temple, Pottu (temple kitchen) and sub-temples inside the premises.

The five-hour ritual began at 0700 hrs after 'Andal Thirupavai'and all morning sevas cancelled.

'Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Unjal Seva, Vasanthotsavam, Sahasradeepalankara were performed after the purification ceremony as usual, TTD sources said.

TTD Chairman B Karunakara Reddy and officials participated in the rituals along with devotees,they added.

UNI