The grinding of sandalwood for paste for ‘Chandanotsavam’ began on Wednesday at the temple of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy at Simhachalam.
Following the tradition, sandalwood was taken in perambulation three times. After puja at the presiding deity, the grinding of the paste began.
In-charge head priest Gopalakrishnamacharyulu began the process.
Everyday, sandal paste is grinded and spices added to keep it fresh until ‘Chandanotsavam’ on April 21. Around 130 kg of paste is prepared. On the day after the ‘Nijarupa darhan’, the presiding deity is covered with the sandal paste.
Executive Officer K. Ramachandramohan, scholar Morta Sitaramacharyulu, stanacharya T. P. Rajagopal, and Anakapalle MP Muttamsetty Srinivasa Rao participated in grinding the paste.
Chandana Utsava Committee member Gantla Srinubabu was present.
