Tirumala shines in glorious celebration of Janmashtami

TIRUPATI: The temple town and its surroundings in Tirumala radiated a fresh aura of devotion and spirituality on Thursday as thousands of devotees flocked to various shrines in celebration of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

The world-renowned Srivari temple in Tirumala, managed by the TTD, was at the forefront of the celebrations. The Panchabhishekam was performed to the statue of Kaliya Mardana Sri Krishna at Gogarbham Dham in the early hours of the day,  followed by the Utlotsavam and Annaprasadam.

Later at night, Bangaru Vakili inside the Srivari temple hosted the Ekantha Tirumanjanam and Dwadasa Aradhana for the utsava idols of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murthy, Sri Devi, Bhudevi and Sri Krishna Swamy.

The atmosphere was surcharged with devotion as the Prabandha Sattumora and Gokulashtami Asthana rituals were observed between 8 pm and 10 pm.

The TTD also organised the Gau Puja Mahotsavam on the Sri Venkateswara Goshala premises in Tirupati, signifying the importance of the sacred cow, revered as Gaumata by Hindus. Sri Venugopala Swamy received a special Abhishekam at the Saptha Gau Pradakshina Mandiram in Alipiri. TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar, accompanied by TTD chief vigilance and security officer Narasimha Kishore, Gaushala director Harnath Reddy and other officials, participated in these festivities.

Addressing the gathering, Bhumana said it was the duty of all devotees to protect Gaumata, underscoring the sacred cow's maternal role in Hindu culture. He also highlighted the Union government's recognition of the TTD's Sahiwal cows breeding programme, which received a grant of ₹40 crore.

He recalled TTD's ongoing initiatives in cow protection and the efforts of donating cows to farmers, emphasising the bovine's significance.

The devotion and celebration extended beyond Tirumala, encompassing various local temples across the district. The temples, dedicated to Lord Krishna, were adorned with floral decorations and opened their doors to devotees for darshan, while special pujas were conducted to Lord Krishna.

In Tirupati, Iskcon observed Sri Krishna Janmashtami in a grand manner. Its Radha Govinda Mandir was adorned with colourful flowers and lighting. The temple management also organised the Utti ritual, drawing large-scale participation of children and youths.