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Fervour marks Tirumanjanam
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, a unique traditional temple ritual, which is followed in the Vaishnavite temples, is basically a cleansing exercise. It aims to protect the sanctum sanctorum from poisonous insects and reptiles.
​Tirumala: Following the decade old custom, Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam was performed here with religious fervour on Tuesday, ahead of Anivara Asthanam. The annual Anivara Asthanam would be conducted on July 16.
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, a unique traditional temple ritual, which is followed in the Vaishnavite temples, is basically a cleansing exercise. It aims to protect the sanctum sanctorum from poisonous insects and reptiles.
Reptiles and insects are attracted in temple by the substances used for Abhishekam in which milk and honey are mainly used. Delicious prasdams also attract pests, said Bhavanaryaanacharulu, assistant professor of Vaikahsana Agama in Sri Venkateswara Vedic University.
Made of naturally available herbs, Shtabanda Dravya deters poisonous insects and reptiles from entering into temple premises, he explained. Modern techniques are not followed as none other than priests are allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum.
The grand programme lasted for 4 hours from 6 am to 10 am. TTD has cancelled various Arjitha Seva for conducting the ritual. A scholar, Chakravarthy Ranganthan said that the purification ceremony is observed four times in a year in the Tirumala temple ahead of major temple festivals including Ugadi, Anivar Asthanam, Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
He said that the ceremony echoes philosophy of true Vaishnavites in which the temple structure (Koil) is holy, venerable and personified as Alwar, a devout immersed in the service of Perumal. Hence, it is known as Koil Alwar Tirumanjan (bath) to give a touch of divinity, he added.
