TTD gears up for Navaratri Brahmotsavam

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) authorities are fully geared up for the smooth conduct of annual nine-day Navaratri Brahmotsavam scheduled from October 8, stated TTD Joint Executive Officer K Bhaskar.

Talking to media persons, Mr Bhaskar said that due to 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) this year with 13 months against the usual 12 months in the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, two Brahmotsavams lasting nine days each would be conducted this year. This occurs once in four years, he revealed.

While the 'Salaktla' Brahmotsavam was held from September 11, the 'Navaratri' Brahmotsavam would be conducted from October 8, he said.

As a prelude to Brahmotsavam festivals, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, on Thursday performed 'Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam', the purification ceremony.

An interesting feature of the upcoming Brahmotsavams is that neither Dhwajarohanam nor Dhwaja avarohanam will be performed inside the temple as the festival is being conducted for the second time this year owing to the ‘Adhika masam'.

The important days of the festival are the Garuda Seva on October 12, Pushpaka Vimanam on October 13 and Golden Chariot festival on October15. The festival will conclude on October16 with ‘Chakrasnanam'.

Meanwhile 3,000 security persons have been deployed to provide security at Tirumala including the seven km long walkers' stone stairway leading to the hill shrine from Tirupati and the ghat roads on the hills, sources said.

The sources said that 200 Closed Circuit surveillance cameras were placed at several places as a security measure during the Brahmotsavam period.

The TTD has made elaborate arrangements for the daily processions of the Lord, which form the core of the nine-day festival.

With the Dasara holidays coinciding with the Brahmotsavams, the TTD management is expecting a heavy turnout of pilgrims and is going all out to meet their needs. The TTD said that accommodation will be provided on first-come-first-serve basis.

To provide hassle-free darshan for devotees, the TTD has cancelled Vasanthotsavam and Sahasra Deeparchana rituals.

Chief Minister K Rosaiah will visit the hill shrine at Tirumala on October 14 to present silk clothes on behalf of the state government and seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara.