‘Karthika Brahmotsavams’, the much awaited annual fête of Goddess Padmavathi Devi at Tiruchanur, commenced on a grand note with the auspicious ‘Dhwajaroahana Mahotsavam’ signalling the start of the nine-day event.
The event began during the designated ‘Dhanur Lagnam' (between 9.16 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.), as the priests hoisted the 'Gaja Pathakam' – a flag bearing the image of divine elephant atop ‘Dhwajasthambam’ (flag post), amid the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and trumpets accompanied by rendering of Vedic hymns as per Pancharathra Agama.
Chief Agama Scholar and Kanakana Bhattar Sri Manikantha Swamy, in adherence to the age-old tradition, carried out the rituals (as per Pancharatra Agama) by reciting hymns and inviting the deities including ‘Asthadikpalakas’, Devendra invoking Garuda-Viswaksena and Anantha to take part in the religious ceremony.
‘Astadikpalaka Kainkaryam’, ‘Bheri Tandavam’ and ‘Asthanam’ were performed and as many as 20 ragas were rendered with Nadaswaram including Sriraga, Sankarabharanam, Natabhairavi, Mohana, Punnagavarali, Kalyani, Varali, Goula, Todi and several others to propitiate the deities. Meanwhile, the presiding deity of Goddess Padmavathi was tastefully decorated with dazzling jewels and silk costumes befitting the occasion while the processional deity donned a new attire and glittering jewels and was seated on a special ‘asan’ during the ritual. The entire temple complex was decorated with rare and resplendent flowers, both traditional and exotic varieties. Minister for Environment and Forests Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy presented silk robes to the Goddess Padmavathi on the occasion. Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, TTD EO M.G. Gopal, JEO Pola Bhaskar, former TTD Board chairman K. Bapiraju and others took part.
