Daijiworld Media Network – Tirupati

Tirupati, May 8: Andhra Pradesh minister Ponguru Narayana visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple on Friday morning and participated in the sacred Srivari Abhishekam ritual at the hill shrine.

According to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the Abhishekam ceremony is performed every Friday after the completion of Suprabhatha Seva, followed by Thomala and Archana Sevas conducted in privacy.

Considered one of the oldest Arjitha Sevas observed at the Tirumala temple, the ritual involves the ceremonial bathing of Lord Venkateswara with sacred substances including water from Akasa Ganga Theertham, milk, sandalwood paste and other fragrant materials.

The ritual also includes the use of saffron paste, powdered Pachcha Karpooram and civet oil, which are brought in silver vessels for the ceremony.

During the Abhishekam, priests recite sacred hymns including Purusha Sukta, Narayana Sukta, Sri Sukta, Bhu Sukta and Neela Sukta, along with selected Pasurams from the Divya Prabandham.
As part of the tradition, Abhishekam is also performed to the idol of Goddess Lakshmi located on the chest of the main deity using turmeric paste.

TTD stated that devotees participating in the Arjitha Seva are each entrusted with silver vessels containing the sacred scented materials used during the ritual.

Located atop the seventh peak of the Seshachalam Hills, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage centres in the country and attracts millions of devotees every year.

In recent weeks, several film personalities and public figures have also visited the shrine. Telugu actor and producer Bandla Ganesh recently offered prayers at the temple along with his family, while actor Trisha Krishnan also visited Tirumala and sought blessings of Lord Venkateswara.