A wave of deep spiritual devotion enveloped the sacred Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala as it celebrated the auspicious ‘Ankurarpanam’ festival. This revered ceremony serves as a vital precursor, laying the spiritual groundwork for all significant events to follow within the temple, most notably the grand annual Brahmotsavams.
During the festivities, Lord Vishwaksena, adorned with his divine attributes – the ‘Gada’ (mace), ‘Khadga’ (sword), ‘Sankhu’ (conch), and ‘Chakra’ (discus) – embarked on a ceremonial procession through the bustling streets of the temple town. As part of these sacred rounds, the deity also gathered ‘putta mannu,’ the hallowed earth destined for use in the ‘Yagasala,’ the special sacrificial hall located inside the temple.
Within the ‘Yagasala,’ a series of elaborate rituals unfolded. These were culminated by the ceremonial sowing of ‘Navadhanyams’ (nine types of grains) into earthen pots, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest. The germination of these seeds signifies the successful commencement of the upcoming temple events.
Dignitaries from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were present to partake in the sacred occasion. Among them were Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal, Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, and various esteemed trust board members, all witnessing the profound spiritual proceedings.