Anantapur: For the first time, Tirumala celebrated the grand hunting ritual – Paruveta Utsavam – at the renovated centuries-old Paruveta Mandapam on Tuesday evening.
The idol of Sri Malayappa Swamy appeared as Lord Panchayudhamurthy, wearing weapons including sword, mace, spear, bow and arrow, besides conch and disc. The idol was taken in a ceremonial procession from Tirumala Temple to the Paruveta Mandapam for hunting of the wild beast, which happens immediately after the Dasara festivities.
On behalf of the Sri Malayappa Swamyvaru TTD EO A.V. Dharma Reddy, along with priest Ramakrishna Deekshitulu, threw the spear thrice, recreating the hunt to the merriment of devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakara Reddy told media that the age-old Paruveta Mandapam, which had almost been in a state of collapse, has been renovated, making it more spacious and convenient for devotees, while retaining its grandeur.
Speaking on the occasion, the TTD EO said immense care had been taken for reconstructing the mandapam while retaining its past glory, including by taking photographs of each pillar and the mandapam structure.
Dharma Reddy said, as a result, devotees have been able to witness the festival comfortably and with more satisfaction.
Earlier, temple authorities took Sri Malayappa Swamy in a grand procession from the Tirumala temple to seat Him on the special platform at the Paruveta Mandapam. Artists rendered Annamacharya Sankeertans in a befitting manner, including famous notes like Vedamule Nee Nivasamata Vimala Narasimha and Kondalalo Nelakonna, Narayanate Namo Namo. Veda Parayanamdars rendered mantras from religious texts.
Later the processional deity of Sri Malayappa returned to the temple.
CE Nageswara Rao, SE Jagadeeshwar Reddy, EEs Jaganmohan Reddy and Srihari, temple Dy. E.O. Lokanatham, health officer Dr. Sridevi, DE Ravishankar Reddy, VGOs Bali Reddy and Giridhara Rao, Dy. CF Srinivasulu were among those present.
