During the recent ‘Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams’ in Tirumala, students from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Sri Venkateswara Vidyalaya in Tirupati brought history and devotion to life by exquisitely impersonating the 12 revered ‘Sri Vaishnavite Alvars’. This vibrant cultural initiative was a highlight of the grand festivities.
The Alvars are celebrated for their monumental contribution of 4,000 devotional Tamil verses, famously compiled as the ‘Nalayira Divya Prabandham’. These sacred hymns hold immense significance in Maha Vishnu temples throughout India, often honored with the same reverence as the Vedas, earning them the title ‘Dravida Veda’ (Tamil Veda).
On Tuesday evening, the young performers captivated onlookers during the majestic procession of Lord Venkateswara on the ‘Chandra Prabha Vahanam’. Each student meticulously dressed as one of the great Alvars – including Poigai Alwar, Boothathalwar, Peyalwar, Periyalwar, Kulasekharalwar, Nammalwar, Tirumangai Alwar, Tirumazhisai Alwar, Andal (Godha Devi), Tiruppanalwar, Thondaradippodi Alwar, and Madhurakavi Alwar. Holding symbolic accessories, they gracefully recited portions of the holy Tamil verses, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the procession.
N. Satyanarayana Raju, the honorary director of Bhavan’s, emphasized the noble objective behind this initiative: “The primary goal is to nurture a spiritual inclination among children and spark their interest in our sacred scriptures. Through these vivid portrayals, students not only deepen their understanding of these eminent scholars but also effectively share these profound spiritual lessons with the wider community.”