GUNTUR: A large number of devotees witnessed in their own town on Monday the rituals performed at Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala.
During the ongoing Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavam at Police Parade Grounds, the weekly ritual of Visesha Puja was performed. For one to witness such sevas at Tirumala, there will be a very long wait. But devotees here were able to participate in the ritual free of cost.
The daily, weekly, monthly and annual arjitha sevas are as per the Vaikhanasa Agama and performed for several centuries. During a week, each day has a specific ritual of worship with a religious significance. Such sevas are called weekly sevas.
Every Monday, after the second bell, the utsava vigraha is brought to the mantapa for Chaturdasa Kalasa Visesha Puja, with 14 kalasas. After seeking the permission of Malayappa Swamy, ankurarpana and punyahavachanam are rendered by archakas. Pancha suktas--Sri, Bhu, Nila, Purusha and Narayana--are recited and thirumanjanam is performed to the utsava murtis with gingelly oil, milk, curds, ghee, akshatas (holy grains of rice), darbha, panchagavya and suddhodaka (pure water). Abhisheka harati is offered to mark the culmination of the seva. Purnahuti is offered at the conclusion of the homa. Naivedya is offered to the Lord.