MATSYAVATARA TEMPLE SET FOR SURYA PUJA

Tirupati, 18 March 2017: One of most import and ancient sub-temples under the umbrella of TTD, Sri Vedanarayana Swami in Nagalapuram, 80 km from Tirupati on the Chennai highway, is set to observe the most famous annual festival-‘Surya Puja’ Mahotsavam, which will be held from March 24 to 28.

The festival attracts thousands of devotees from all over the States of AP and Tamil Nadu. The unique feature of the festival is the falling of the sun’s rays on the presiding deity of Lord Sri Vedanarayana situated inside the sanctum sanctorum which occurs only during these on these five days.

Travelling a distance of 630 feet from the temple tower, the rays of the setting sun slowly enter the main threshold and further into the ‘Garbagriha’ and stops at the deity’s feet, navel and crown on the first, second and third days respectively. As it occurs never again in other parts of the year, it is considered an astronomical marvel. The event is also viewed as a form of the Sun paying obeisance to the Lord and hence is called ‘Surya Puja’.

TEPPOTSAVAMS

The annual five-day Teppotsavams will also be observed in this temple from March 24 to 28 with the processional deities taking celestial ride on the finely decked float in the temple tank every day between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.

On the first day, Sri Devi Bhu Devi Sametha Sri Vedanarayana Swamy, second day-Sri Goda Devi Sametha Sri Vedanarayana Swamy, third day-Sri Sita Lakshmana Sametha Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy and on fourth and fifth days also Vedanarayana Swamy flanked by His two consorts takes pleasure ride on float to bless His devotees.

During Teppotsavams, after the completion of float ride, on the first three days the deities were taken on a procession in Tiruchi while on fourth day in Muthayapu Pandiri Vahanam and on final day on Pedda Sesha Vahanam.

MATSYA JAYANTHI

In connection with Matsya Jayanthi on March 30, special puja will be observed in the temple.

After awakening the Lord with Suprabhata Seva, the processional deities were taken around the mada streets in Tiruveedhi utsavam. Later Shanti Homam and Snapana Tirumanjanam will be rendered to the deities.

Later in the evening, the Garuda Vahana Seva will be performed.

Special devotional programmes have also been organised by Annamacharya Project on this occasion.

ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER TTDs, TIRUPATI