Saffron threads, pista-badam garlands for Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala
Seven types of garlands and crowns were adorned before finally being decorated with tulasi Garlands.
Saffron threads and pista-badam
TIRUPATI: Saffron threads and pista-badam garlands are the latest ones to adorn Lord Sri Venkateswara at the Tirumala temple during Snapana Tirumanjanam that was held at Ranganayakula Mandapam in Tirumala on Monday. This follows a wide array of fruits and dry fruits that were treated to the same privilege in the past. Among those that were previously used to make garlands for the service of the presiding deity were Japan Apples, Muscat Grapes, Korean Pears, Thai Mangoes and American Cherries.
On the Seventh day of Brahmotsavam, the processional deities of Sri Malayappa flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi were seated on a special platform and were offered the sacred bath with aromatic ingredients. The stage was illuminated and made colourful with Orchids and Lotuses which were hung from the rooftop. Then, Lord Sri Venkateswara was decorated with saffron threads and pista-badam garlands.
According to Garden Deputy Director Srinivasulu, garlands and crowns were prepared with saffron threads this year as a special attraction during Snapana Tirumanjanam, which is a first. The decoration included garlands with saffron threads worth Rs 2 lakhs. One garland requires approximately three kg of saffron.
Donors included Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu's Rajendiran, Shanmuga Sundaram and Bala Subramanyam as well as Ambica Flora of Hyderabad. Around 60 experts worked tirelessly day and night under the direction of Srinivas, the head of Ambika group, to create the garlands out of spices and dried fruits.
Among the other garlands and crowns that were used to decorate the deities during Snapanam included figs and apricots, pista-badam-cardomom, jowar, etc. After the completion of each sacred bath, one variety of garland and crown were adorned. Likewise, seven types of garlands and crowns were adorned before finally being decorated with tulasi Garlands.
Pedda Jeeyar Swamy of Tirumala, TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, EO AV Dharma Reddy, CVSO Narasimha Kishore, temple Dy EO Ramesh Babu and others were present on this occasion.