TTD Prepares For New Accounting Year With Anivara Asthanam Festival Today
TIRUPATI: The hill temple of Lord Venkateswara is all set to observe the annual 'Anivara Asthanam', festival on July 17, marking the commencement of new accounts in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). This unique festival, known as the 'festival of commencement of new accounts', holds a special place among the multitude of festivities celebrated at the hill shrine throughout the year.
During Anivara Asthanam, the principal officers of the TTD present the previous year's accounts before the deity, symbolising their suitability to continue serving in their respective capacities. This ritual signifies that Lord Venkateswara deems them fit to hold their positions.
In the past, when the affairs of the Tirumala temple were administered by the Mahants, the annual budgeting process would commence on the last day of the auspicious 'Ani' month, which holds significance for Tamilians and is therefore referred to as 'Anivara Asthanam'.
On this auspicious day, new account books will also be issued for recording the finances of the upcoming fiscal year. Referred to as Asthanam in the Agamic tradition, the entire process takes place within the sanctum sanctorum near Bangaru Vakili in the presence of the processional deities of Lord Malayappa and his two consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, on Sarvabhoopala Vahanam, accompanied by Viswaksena seated on another platform.
The Jeeyangar Swamijis of Tirumala will present a new set of clothes to the presiding deity and the processional deities. The key bunch of coffers, known as 'Lachana', will be reverently placed at the holy feet of Lord Venkateswara to seek his divine blessings. Following this, the 'Rupayi' Harati ritual will take place, where the staff members who participated in the festivities will offer a rupee each into the coffers in the presence of the executive officer of TTD. The total collection will be meticulously counted. As the day progresses, the evening will witness the procession of Pushpa Pallaki, adding to the magnificence of the occasion.
