Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam was performed on Tuesday at the temple of Lord Venkateswara in connection with Anivara Asthanam scheduled for July 17.
The ritual involves purification of the sanctum sanctorum and the temple premises. The idols and puja articles are removed from the sanctum sanctorum and the main deity is covered with a water-proof sheet. The entire garbhagriham, including floor, ceiling and walls, is cleaned and brushed well with plenty of water. The whole place is then smeared with kunkum, champor, sandal paste, saffron, turmeric etc. The covering of the main deity is then removed and the idols, lamp and other articles are replaced.
Purification rituals are performed and offerings made to the deity.
The ritual is performed four times a year--before Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Vaikunta Eakadasi and Brahmotsavams.
Temple deputy EO Chinnamgari Ramana, TTD board members G Bhanuprakash Reddy and DP Ananth, Tirupati Urban SP Gopinath Jatti and TTD employees took part in the temple cleansing event which took place from 6 am to 9 am. Later, sarva darshan resumed after 9.30 am.