Tirumala Gears Up for Grand Brahmotsavams with Ankurarpanam

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams celebrated Ankurarpanam, a prelude to the annual Brahmotsavams starting Friday. The festival features various rituals including the celestial procession, Vahana Seva, and temple cleansing. To manage the influx of pilgrims, special buses and helpdesks are arranged, ensuring a memorable experience for devotees.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), custodians of the Sri Venkateswara temple, observed Ankurarpanam on Wednesday, setting the stage for the annual Brahmotsavams starting Friday.

Ankurarpanam, an important prelude to Brahmotsavams, involves sowing seeds at night using vessels called 'palikas' for auspiciousness. TTD emphasized the ritual's essence - making a sankalpa (wish) for a successful festival and receiving the deity's grace.

Brahmotsavams, scheduled from October 4 to 12, feature various festivities including Aalaya Suddhi (temple cleansing), Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting), and Vahana Seva (deity procession). The TTD has arranged for 400 buses to facilitate pilgrims' travel, with up to 3,000 trips on Garuda Vahana Seva day. Helpdesks speaking multiple languages will assist devotees, and up to 11.5 lakh portions of annaprasadam (blessed food) will be served. The event promises a memorable experience for all visiting pilgrims.

(With inputs from agencies.)