‘Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam’ performed in Tirumala ahead of Ugadi

‘Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam’, a traditional temple cleansing ritual, was performed with religious fervour at the temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala on Tuesday, as a prelude to Ugadi, the Telugu new year, slated for celebration on March 19.

The ritual performed ahead of major festivals was carried out in strict adherence to the Agama scriptures. As part of the ceremony, the presiding deity was draped in a cloth, while the sanctum sanctorum and its environs were cleansed traditionally.

A strong work force of employees, led by TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, took part in the ritual that lasted for over four hours.

During the ceremony, a sanctified aromatic mixture, containing turmeric, sandalwood powder, camphor, saffron, and other fragrant ingredients that act as disinfectant, was applied to all the walls, ceiling and pillars inside the sanctum sanctorum as well as other sub-temples.

Devotees were subsequently allowed for darshan after the conclusion of the ritual. Several board members and senior officials also took part in the ceremony.