Traditional pomp and splendour marked the celebration of Vasantotsavam in Bhadrachalam on Thursday, setting in motion the process for preparing Mutyala Talambralu (mixture of sacred rice with pearls) for the ensuing Sri Sitarama Tiru Kalyana Mahotsavam slated for March 28.
Turmeric paste
Chitrakuta Mandapam at the historical Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam witnessed hectic religious activity on the occasion of Vasantotsavam. Several women devotees clad in traditional attire initially prepared a paste of turmeric, vermilion, saffron and other scented ingredients such as sandalwood by using the traditional grinding tools.
They subsequently prepared talambralu by blending the paste with sacred rice under the supervision of Vedic pundits amid chanting of slogans in praise of Lord Rama.
In the final stage, the ardent devotees of Lord Rama prepared mutyala talambralu by mixing pearls (mutyalu) specially brought in from Hyderabad, the Pearl City, with sacred rice ( talambralu ) in an atmosphere surcharged with religious ecstasy.
Dolotsavam and Unjal Seva were conducted for Lord Rama adorned as groom on the occasion.
Wall poster released
Later, the wall poster of the ensuing Srirama Navami Tiru Kalyana Brahmotsavam slated for March 21-April 3 was released at the temple complex.
Speaking on the occasion, the temple executive officer K Jyothi said a total of 75 kgs of mutyalu (pearls) will be used for preparing adequate quantity of mutyala talambralu in the next couple of days.
Apart from turmeric, vermilion and other scented ingredients, Gulal is also being used for preparing mutyala talambralu in tune with age-old traditions, she noted.
She said that elaborate arrangements were being made to conduct Sri Sitarama Tiru Kalyana Mahotsavam on a grand scale on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami festival on March 28.
