The annual Karthika Brahmotsavam at the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple in Tiruchanur here got off to a traditional start, as the sacred yellow flag, wrapped with garlands, went up the flag post amid the chanting of hymns during the ‘Dhwajarohanam’.
Unlike the ‘Dhwajapatam’ (sacred flag) of Tirumala bearing an image of Garuda, the one hoisted here carries an imprint of elephant, favourite celestial carrier of Goddess Padmavathi. After a ceremonial procession around the temple, the flag was hoisted by the priests at 8.30 am, during the auspicious ‘Vrischika Lagnam’, under the supervision of Pancha Ratra Agama advisor K. Srinivasacharyulu. Gaja Dhyana sloka, Gaja Mangalashtakam and Garuda Gadyam, mentioned in the ‘Kashyapa Samhita’, were recited.
The special feature of the ritual is the use of melodious tunes to extend invite to all celestial beings to witness the grand festival. The unique ‘Raga Tala Nivedana’ was performed with Ragas like Kalyani, Neelambari, Bhairavi, Mayamalavagowla and Kanada to appease the deities. Anil Kumar Singhal, TTD EO, announced that all facilities such as food (Anna Prasadam), drinking water, parking and toilets were in place to ensure hassle-free darshan.
The TTD has deployed 340 Sevakulu including 280 women citizen-volunteers (Srivari Sevakulu) at various places to guide the pilgrims. Mr. Bhaskar urged the volunteers to be patient with devotees during the rush hours.
