Tirumala celebrates Shobhakruta Nama Ugadi Asthanam

 TIRUPATI: Spiritual fervour marked Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ celebration of Sri Shobhakruta Nama Ugadi Asthanam at the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala on Wednesday.

Processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and His divine consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, along with Lord Viswaksena, sat at the Bangaru Vakili facing Garudalwar Sannidhi as temple priests performed Ugadi Asthanam in front of the deities.

The deities received new silk robes on the auspicious occasion, followed by rendition of Panchanga Sravanam. Pedda Jeeyar Swamy and Chinna Jeeyar Swamy of Tirumala, TTD chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy, executive officer (EO) A.V. Dharma Reddy and JEO Sada Bhargavi were among those present.

Floral decorations inside and outside the hill temple added to the festive atmosphere. About 150 workers worked 24 X 7 for three days on carvings and decorations under the supervision of TTD garden wing deputy director S. Srinivasulu.

In Tirupati, TTD celebrated Ugadi in collaboration with Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad at the Mahati auditorium. Festivities began with Mangala Dhwani, followed by Veda Parayanam by pundits. Traditional “Panchanga Sravanam” got rendered by National Sanskrit University professor and TTD Agama Adviser Dr. Vedantam Vishnu Bhattacharya.

“Asta Avadhana," which is unique to Telugu, by Telugu scholar Dr. Amudala Murali of Tirupati followed. Students of TTD's Sri Venkateswara Music College presented traditional music and cultural programmes. Children of TTD employees participated in fancy-dress competitions. The programme concluded with distribution of prizes as well Ugadi Pachadi.

TTD chief audit officer Sesha Sailendra, welfare officer Sneha Latha, All Dharmic Projects officer Vijaya Lakshmi and Archaka Training coordinator Hemanth Kumar were among those who participated in the programme.