TIRUPATI: Chatrasthapanotsavam, a traditional umbrella festival, was celebrated with religious fervour at Narayanagiri Padalu, also known as Srivari Padalu, in the hill town of Tirumala on Sunday. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the sacred event where umbrellas were erected on the highest peaks in the Sesachalam range, believed to be the place where Lord Venkateswara first set foot.
Considered the imprints of Lord Venkateswara’s feet, Srivari Padalu has been visible on the peak of Narayanagiri for centuries and draws devotees in large numbers, who seek blessings here. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been performing this festival for decades, upholding the significance of the sacred site.
The festivities commenced after the second bell at the Tirumala temple early on Sunday. A team of archakas and temple staff carried the chatrams and other holy materials to the feet of Srivaru, situated on Narayanagiri. The ceremony included the snapana tirumanjanam, during which the holy feet were washed with milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water and sandal paste, amidst the chanting of vedic hymns. The chatrams were then installed near the Srivaru Padalu. One of the chief priests, Govindaraja Deekshitulu, and other archakas were present.
A significant belief associated with the festival is that during this season, winds blow heavily around Narayanagiri. In order to appease the wind god Vayudeva, new chatrams (umbrellas) are erected at the highest point. The ritual is seen as a way to seek blessings as well as the protection of Vayudeva.
