'Srivari Padukalu' taken out in a procession

Tirupati: Thousands of devotees took part in the 'Shobha Yatra' organised by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs) from Alipri to Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple here on Sunday in connection with the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy. As a part of the religious procession, the famous 'Srivari Padukalu', which is usually with Lord Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala, was taken on a grand procession along the streets of Tirupati including SV Medical College, Old Maternity Hospital, Bhavani Nagar Circle, VV Mahal and reached temple amidst tight security. The priests performed special prayers to the Padukalu and kept at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple. This jewel will be kept at the feet of Lord Kodanda Ramaswamy during the Brahmotsavams. TTD Deputy Executive Officer Chinnamgari Ramana carried these 'Padukalu' on his head from Tirumala to Alipiri Padalu and handed them over to Joint EO P Venkatrami Reddy. Speaking to media persons, JEO said "It is a great occasion to see a huge turnout of public to take part in this celestial procession. Local people will get the opportunity to see the gold ornament." It is noted that last year TTD had organised Shobha Yatra with one of the crowns of Lord Venkateswara and decorated it to Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy on Garuda Seva day. And this year, another Shobha Yatra with 'Lakshmi Haram' was held and decorated to Kalyana Venkates wara Swamy during Garuda Seva day. Now it is 'Srivari Padukalu' for Kodanda Ramaswamy temple. Meanwhile, denizens who took part in this fete with great enthusiasm, offered coconuts, Haarati all through the procession with religious fervour. Chief Vigilance and Security Officer GVG Ashok Kumar, Vigilance Officer Hanumanthu, Superintending Engineer Sudhakar, special officer to Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad S Raghunath and few other officials took part in this procession. Priests of Kodanda Ramaswamy temple performed 'Ankurarpana' amidst Vedic chanting in the evening for the nine-day Brahmotsavams, which are scheduled to start on Monday. 'Dhwajarohanam' to these Brahmotsavams would be held in the temple on Monday between 10.10 am and 10.30 am in 'Vrishabha Lagnam'.