Padmavathi Temple Gears Up for Karthika Brahmotsavams

 Tirupati: The Sri Padmavathi Devi Ammavaru Temple in Tiruchanoor, near Tirupati, is vibrantly adorned for the annual ‘Karthika Brahmotsavams scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 7. As a prelude to the religious event, the traditional ‘Ankurarpanam’ (initiatory ritual) will be observed on Wednesday.

The festivities will officially begin on November 28 with the hoisting of the ‘Dhwaja Patam’ (sacred flag) bearing the emblem of an elephant, symbolising the Goddess's divine carrier. Each day, the processional deity will be elegantly dressed in various attires and paraded on celestial carriers, including Hamsa, Simha, Gaja, Garuda, and Aswa, during morning and evening processions.

Key highlights include the ‘Gaja Vahanam’ on December 2 and the grand ‘Panchami Theertham’ on December 6. On this auspicious day, tens of thousands of devotees are expected to take a holy dip in the temple tank, ‘Padma Sarovaram’, coinciding with the sacred immersion of the Sudarshan Chakra. Daily vahana sevas are scheduled from 8 am to 10 am and 7 pm to 9 pm.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has undertaken extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Measures include enhanced sanitation, security, parking facilities, electrical decorations, and Annaprasadam distribution. TTD executive officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao has emphasised coordinated efforts involving the TTD staff, panchayat, police, revenue department, and internal engineering and security teams.

With massive crowds anticipated for the Panchami Theertham celebrations, the EO has directed officials to set up compartments and German sheds for devotees. He also sought support from the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati and the district police department for road repairs, garbage clearance, traffic management, and law enforcement. Accommodation and food arrangements are being made for over 2,500 police personnel to be deployed on the event day.

In preparation for the festival, the temple observed the traditional Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, temple cleansing, on Tuesday. The ritual involved thorough cleaning of the temple premises, following Suprabhata Seva, Sahasra Namarchana, and Suddhi, from 6 am to 9 am.