Annamacharya Aradhanotsavalu held

Tirumala: Saint Poet Tallapaka Annamacharya, popularly known as Padakavitha Pitamaha, propagated Sri Venakteswara Bhakti cult with outstanding keertans written in praise of Lord, recalled TTD executive officer LV Subramanyam. Speaking on the occasion of Annamacharya Aradhanotsavalu, the executive officer said, "Born on 1408 AD, the saint poet penned over 32,000 rare songs in his life span of 95 years before he breathed his last on 1503AD. We want to popularise his keertans by composing new musical notes and training the children in each and every district of Andhra Pradesh in rendering his songs. The children, who master the Annamaiah Sankeerthans will be provided an opportunity to prove their talent on Nada Neerajanam platform or during special festive occasions. Today the popularity of Annaimaiah songs even spread to other States and they are asking TTD to translate the works in their regional languages." Meanwhile, Governor ESL Narasimhan, Ahobila Mutt 45th Pontiff Sri Sri Srinivasa Shatagopa Narayana Yateendra Mahadesikan Swamy, Junior Pontiff Sriranga Shatagopa Narayana Yateendra Mahadesikan Swamy, renowned violinist Padmavibhushan Dr TN Krishnan graced the Annamacharya Aradhanotsavalu on Sunday that took place at Narayanagiri gardens at Tirumala. While addressing the gathering, the senior pontiff of Ahobila Mutt said, "Annamacharya had dedicated his entire life in the service of Lord by penning rare songs. As a tribute to this great soul, TTD has been organising Annamaiah death and birth anniversaries every year for the past few years, which is a great gesture. Annamacharya songs should reach masses across the country." Later, in his address Annmacharya Project director Dr Medasani Mohan said about 2500 bhajan mandalis from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka apart from Andhra Pradesh took part in the programme today. "We will be organising week-long programmes in Tirupati, Tiruchanur, Tallapaka on this occasion," he added. Governor released two CDs of rare keertans of Annamaiah, including 'Chinnana Sankeerthana Vibhuthi' and 'Annamaiah Sundara Sreemadhurim,' and a book titled 'Venkatachala Mahathyam' on the occasion. Earlier, in the morning, the processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy flanked by His two consorts, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi were brought to the venue of Narayanagiri gardens in a procession. Joint Executive Officers KS Sreenivasa Raju, P Venkatarami Reddy, CVSO GVG Ashok Kumar, temple Deputy EO Chinnamgari Ramana, Peishkar Rama Rao and devotees were present at the programme.