The ceremonial tree for ‘Sirimanotsav’ of Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru has been identified at Raakodu village in Vizianagaram mandal. The tree would be felled after performing puja at 9.10am on September 19, said P. Bhanu Raju, Executive Officer of Sri Pydithalli Ammavari Devasthanam.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Mr. Bhanu Raja said that the tree was located in the field belonging to one Ganivada Ramakrishna and Appala Naidu. After cutting the tree at the stem, it would be carted on the same evening to the temple chief priest Thallapudi Bhaskar Rao’s house in Hukumpeta where it is shaped into the ceremonial post.
The identification of the tree itself has an interesting story in circulation. It is believed that the goddess would inform the chief priest in dream about the location of the tree that is to be used for the utsav. The tree is usually of about 50 to 60 feet tall and farmers are ‘very pleased’ to part with the tree.
The annual ‘Sirimanotsav’ is celebrated on the first Tuesday after Vijayadasami and it is scheduled this year on October 7.