Tirupati: The hill temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala celebrated the auspicious Kaisika Dwadasi festival in the early hours of Friday. Devotees from far and wide gathered to witness the sacred and unique celebrations that unfolded at the renowned shrine.
Processional deities of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murthy, accompanied by His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, were taken out in a ceremonial procession along the four Mada streets surrounding the temple. The highlight of the event is that it takes place before sunrise on the Kaisika Dwadasi—an occurrence that occurs only once a year.
Following the procession, priests placed the Utsava idols at the Asthana Mandapam in Bangaru Vakili and conducted Purana Pathanam, recounting the sacred lore associated with the festival in the 82 shlokas of Sri Varaha Perumal Kaisika Puranam.
Tirumala pontiffs Pedda Jeeyar Swamy and Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy, various board members and temple officials were present.
In a parallel celebration, TTD organised the Chakra Theertha Mukkoti festival on the same day as part of the ongoing Karthika Masa festivities.
Archakas from Srivari temple and devotees congregated at the Chakra Teertham near Silathoranam of Tirumala for the ceremonial rituals. Archakas performed Abhishekam, adorned the Chakra with vibrant flowers, and carried it in a procession amidst Mangal Vayidyam. Following the Harati, Theertha Prasadams were distributed to devotees.
The legend associated with Chakra Theertha as per Skanda Purana is that Maha Vishnu used His Sudarshan Chakra to protect a Yogi's penance from demons. Varaha Purana underscores the sanctity of Chakra Theertha, recognising it as one of the most auspicious among the 66 crore Theethas in the Seshachalam hill ranges.
