TIRUMALA:Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam was performed on Tuesday in connection with annual Brahmotsavams of Srivaru commencing on September 16. Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam is a purification ceremony of sanctum sanctorum and temple premises by devotees. During the ceremony all the deities and other articles are removed from the sanctum sanctorum and cleansed while the ‘Mula Virat’ is covered with a water-proof covering.
The Garbha Griham, including floors, ceilings and walls, sub-shrines inside the sanctum, puja articles are cleaned with water and Tirumanjanam, a composition of camphor, sandal paste, saffron, turmeric, Kicchili Gadda (a root vegetable), etc., is smeared, which acts as a disinfectant. The covering of the main deity is then removed and the deities, deepam and other articles are replaced inside. Special pujas and Naivedyams are then offered to the presiding deity. This ceremony is performed as per the Agamas and is conducted four times a year viz. before Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Vaikuntha Eakadasi and Annual Brahmotsavams. TTD has cancelled Astadala Pada Padmaradhana in connection with this religious event. TTD Chairman Ch Krishnamurthy, EO D Sambasiva Rao, Temple Deputy EO Chinnamgari Ramana, board members G Bhanuprakash Reddy and DP Ananth took part in the mass cleansing.