Kumar Bahukhandi
Tirupati: In a bid to restore the sanctity and purity of the Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam and other Naivedyams, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams conducted a purification ritual called ‘Santhi Homam’ on Monday September 23 . The ritual, based on the tenets of the Vaikhanasa Agama, was performed in the Yagashala of the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara to ward off any ‘negative influences’ and ensure the well-being of the devotees.
The event commenced early in the morning. On this occasion, the TTD called upon the devotees to engage in prayers from their homes.
Speaking to the media later, TTD executive officer Syamala Rao and Additional EO Venkaiah Chowdhary said the Santhi Homam was performed to “cleanse the shrine of any potential ill effects and ensure the sanctity of the offerings made to Lord Venkateswara.”
“Devotees can rest assured that the sacred Srivari laddu and other naivedyams are pure and safe,” they stressed.
The temple’s chief priest, Venugopala Deekshitulu and Agama advisor Mohanarangacharyulu said the temple priests conducted Sankalpam, Viswaksena Aradhana, Punyahavachanam, Vastu Homam, Kumbha Pratista and Panchagavya Aradhana from 6 am to 10 am.
“The final part of the ritual, Purnahuti, was followed by Kumbha Prokshana, during which sacred water was sprinkled as a symbol of purification. Special offerings, known as Visesha Naivedyam, were then made to Lord Venkateswara,” they said.
“The Laddu Prasadam and Naivedyams are free from any impurities, and devotees can partake in them with full faith and confidence,” the chief priest stated.
TTD JEO Veerabrahmam, deputy EO Lokanatham, archakas Govindaraja Deekshitulu, Krishna Seshachala Deekshitulu and Sitaram Deekshitulu, Veda Parayanamdars, Ritwiks and devotees participated in the event.
( Source : D C)
