THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN KARTHIKA VANABHOJANAM IN TIRUMALA

SNAPANA TIRUMANJANAM PERFORMED WITHRE RELIGIOUS FERVOUR

Tirumala, 20 November, 16: The mass community dining programme, Karthika Vanabhojana Mahotsavam organised by the temple management of Titumala Titupati Devasthanams witnessed huge turn out of pilgrim devotees on Sunday in Paruveta Mandapam located amidst lush green forests of Seshachala Ranges.
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Before this mass dining programme, the special snapana tirumanjanam is performed to the processional deities of Lord Sri Malayappa Swamy and His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

The archaka swamis performed this aromatic bath to the deities while the Vedic pundits were chanting Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam and Purusha Suktams in a rhythmic melodious tones. The Milk, curd, honey, coconuts, turmeric and sandal paste. The devotees were enthralled by the glance of Lord and His two consorts

The cultural activities including the Sankeertans by artists of Annamacharya Project, dance by Bhajan troupes added extra glitter to the religious event.

TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao speaking on this occasion said, as it is considered auspicious to organise community dining in natural forests, TTD has been organising Karthika Vanabhojanam in Paruveta Mandapam in this holy month.

Later Tirumala Jeo Sri KS Sreenivasa Raju said this religious event was introduced by Tallapka Peda Tirumalacharya some five centuries ago and TTD reinstated this festival in 2010. “Since then this event is observed on a grand note. After Snapana Tirumanjanam, the deities will be brought back to the temple in the evening after Vanabhojanam”, he added.

Temple Dyeo Sri Kodanda Rama Rao, Special Officer of Annaprasadam Project Smt Chenchulakshmi Lakshmi, All Projects Dy EO Smt Sarada, VGO Smt Vimala Kumari and other officers were also present.