The sacred hill town of Tirumala is all set to host its much-anticipated Annual Salakatla Brahmotsavam, a grand nine-day event dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, from October 4 to October 12. During the same period, the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada will celebrate the nine-day Dasara festivities from October 3 to October 12, in honor of Goddess Kanaka Durga. These parallel celebrations mark a significant period of devotion, culture, and spirituality in Andhra Pradesh.
In a move aimed at prioritizing the experience of common devotees, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao has announced that all privileged darshans, including those for senior citizens, physically challenged individuals, and parents with infants, will be cancelled during Brahmotsavam. Additionally, VIP recommendation letters will not be accepted during this period. The focus will be on allowing as many devotees as possible to have the opportunity for darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Similarly, at the Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri, the Antaralaya darshan has been cancelled for the nine-day Dasara festival to accommodate the anticipated crowd of over one million devotees. This gesture is meant to provide greater access for common devotees to have darshan of Goddess Kanaka Durga, who will be adorned in a different avatar on each day of Navaratri.
As part of the extensive preparations in Tirumala, all TTD departments have been instructed to enhance their services for the influx of pilgrims. This includes boosting Annaprasadam services, accommodation facilities, transport arrangements, tonsuring, health services, and power supply. A buffer stock of over nine lakh laddus is being prepared to ensure that all pilgrims receive prasadam.
Cultural performances will be one of the major highlights of Brahmotsavam. Artists from across India, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Punjab, and Assam, will perform during the Vahana Sevas, which are a key aspect of the celebration. Some of the most anticipated events include Dhwajarohanam on October 4, the grand Garuda Seva on October 8, Swarna Ratham on October 9, Rathothsavam on October 11, and the sacred Chakrasnanam on October 12.
Both the TTD and the Durga Temple authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment of the thousands of pilgrims expected to attend these auspicious celebrations. As the holy events unfold, they will be marked by devotion, grandeur, and a sense of unity as devotees gather to seek blessings and witness these divine rituals.
Leave a comment