Padmavathi Brahmotsavam begins

Tirupati,Nov 13:The nine-day annual Brahmotsavam of Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara,began here on Friday with pomp and gaiety at her abode in Tiruchanur.`Ankurarpanam',an initiatory ritual,was performed at the temple on Friday by priests.Laksha Kumkumarchana' was performed later,when priests showered kumkum'on the deity, amid the chanting of one lakh hymns.The beginning of the ritual will be formally signalled by the hoisting of a flag atop the temple flagpost. While the flag at Tirumala has an image of `Garuda,this fest will witness hoisting of the flag which has the image of an elephant, the favourite celestial carrier of the Goddess. Mythologically, the event is meant to invoke the demi-gods and other celestial beings to the grand fete.

`Chakra Snanam' or `Panchami Theertham' will be performed on the last day, when tens of thousands of devotees converge and take a holy dip in the `pushkarini' (temple tank).Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi, who was offended at the Lord Vishnu forgiving Bhrigu Maharshi who had kicked Him, arrived at the netherworld and remained there for 12 years immersed in a holy pond.In the 13th year, in the month of Kartik (October – November) Goddess Lakshmi reappeared on a Golden Lotus here at the temple.During the Kartika Brahmotsavam, Goddess Parmavati is taken around the temple in Vahanas or vehicle.

As the fete falls in the auspicious month of `Kartheeka',the temple witnesses heavy flow of devotees from across the State and the bordering areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.Meanwhile,the TTD has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the fete.The TTD is also conducting an exhibition of fruits and vegetables at the Tholappa Gardens and a photo exhibition at Asthana Mandapam to recap the historical events associated with the temple.