TTD reviews arrangements for Srivari Teppotsavams; temple to remain closed on March 3 due to lunar eclipse

Tirumala, Feb 16 (TNT): The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday reviewed arrangements for the annual Srivari Teppotsavams scheduled to be held from February 26 to March 2 at Tirumala.

TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, who conducted a review meeting with officials here, directed them to ensure that devotees do not face inconvenience during the festivities.

Officials informed that a trial run of the float will be conducted on February 23 to assess capacity and safety measures.

Adequate water levels will be maintained in the temple Pushkarini, and special electrical illumination arrangements will be made for the tank and the float.

Pandals will be erected at Sri Varaha Swamy Temple and along the four Mada Streets, while a public address system will be installed to guide devotees and explain the significance of the Teppotsavams.

Devotees will not be allowed to take a holy dip in the Pushkarini from February 20 to March 5. Lifeguards and additional security personnel will be deployed at entry and exit points.

In view of the Teppotsavams, TTD has cancelled Sahasra Deepalankara Seva on February 26 and 27, and Arjitha Brahmotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva from February 28 to March 2.

The Additional EO also reviewed arrangements for Kumaradhara Theertha Mukkoti to be observed on March 3. Devotees will be permitted from 5 am to 10 am only on that day.

Due to the lunar eclipse on March 3 (3.20 pm to 6.47 pm), the Srivari Temple will remain closed from 9 am to 7.30 pm. Annaprasadam distribution will stop after 9 am during the eclipse period.

About 40,000 pulihora packets will be distributed to devotees at Vaikuntham Queue Complex, Rambhagicha and CRO points.

All Arjitha Sevas and VIP Break Darshans will be cancelled on March 3. These include Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva, Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva.

In addition, VIP Break Darshans, Srivani Darshan, Rs 300 Special Entry Darshan, and darshan facilities for parents with infants, senior citizens, differently-abled persons, donors and NRIs will also remain cancelled.

TTD appealed to devotees to plan their pilgrimage accordingly.

Deputy Executive Officers, engineers and other officials were present at the review meeting.

TNT LE