TIRUMALA:The six-day Kareeristhi-Varunajapa-Parjanyashanti Yagam meant to appease the Rain God Varuna and Parjanya, commenced at Vedagiri in Tirumala here on Friday.
As many as 32 Ritwiks from across the country took part in the religious ceremony, which began with Ganapathi Pooja followed by Mahasankalpam which was rendered with TTD executive officer D Sambasiva Rao and his spouse Jyothishmathi - who were referred to here as Sarvopadrastha of Yaga karma. Speaking on the occasion, the EO said that the Yagam is being performed in this holy place since many years with an aim to appease the rain god to shower good rains during the rainy season.
Dharmagiri Veda Vignana Peetham principal Kuppa Venkata Siva Subrahmanya Avadhani briefed the importance of Yagam. He said that Kareeristhi will be performed as Srouta Yaga while Varunajapa and as Smartha Yagas. The religious ceremony is aimed at seeking blessings of Varuna for good rains, better harvest and prosperity of entire mankind.
“In Kareeristhi, we recite Aswa Mantra in front of a black Horse to appease Rain God. Even the Pradhana Yaga couple will also wear black clothes while performing Yaga and this is the uniqueness of this Kratu. Mantras from Krishna yajurveda, Sundara Kanda, Virata Parvam will be recited during these days. On May 6, the Ritwiks will perform Avabhridesthi at Swamy Pushkarini and conclude the Yagam with Purnahuti by 12 noon,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, veteran couple, Kuppa Ramagopala Vajapeyaji and his wife Kalpakamba presided as Yajamana Dampati for the Homam while the Yagam was performed under the supervision of Indraganti Pramodakumar Sharma.
Meanwhile, TTD executive officer D Sambasiva Rao said the existing water in various dams will cater to the needs of the pilgrims visiting the temple for the next 150 days and hence, there would be no water scarcity in summer.