Preparation of Thalambralu begins at Vontimitta

As part of the Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) formally started the packing of Talambralu on Friday (March 27) at the temple for the upcoming Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam scheduled on April 1.

The preparation and packing of the sacred pearl Talambralu, which hold great significance in the divine wedding to be held on April 1, began with the participation of Srivari Sevaks (volunteers). The programme started with special rituals in the temple, after which the materials were taken in a ceremonial procession to the Pilgrim Amenities Complex near the Kalyana Vedika.

The ritual of grinding turmeric required for the preparation of Talambralu was performed on Wednesday. The Talambralu was prepared by mixing rice, turmeric and ghee. Along with it, pearls and sacred threads (Kankanam) meant to be tied as wrist bands were also part of the sacred gift set meant to be distributed to the devotees.

About 1.60 lakh such packets are being readied on a war footing ahead of the wedding ceremony.

600 Srivari Sevaks from Kadapa and Annamayya districts were roped in for the task of readying these Talambralu packets.

Meanwhile, the annual Brahmotsavam at Sri Kodandaramalayam formally began with Dhwajarohanam, the hoisting of the sacred flag atop the temple flag post.

The divine wedding will fall in the middle of the nine day annual festival.