Ankurarpanam marks beginning of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Brahmotsavams at Kadapa Dist.
Nandalur (Andhra Pradesh), July 21(TNT): The annual Brahmotsavams of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple at Nandalur in YSR Kadapa district commenced with the traditional Ankurarpanam ceremony on Tuesday, ahead of the Dwajarohanam scheduled for Wednesday.
The rituals began with Suprabhata Seva, Thomala Seva and Sahasranamarchana in the morning.
In the evening, Veda Parayanam, Senadhipati Utsavam, Medini Puja, Mrutsangrahanam and Ankurarpanam were performed in accordance with Agama traditions, formally ushering in the annual festival.
The temple administration said the Brahmotsavams will officially commence with Dwajarohanam between 7.45 a.m. and 8.15 a.m. on July 22.
Prior to the flag-hoisting ceremony, Sri Soumyanatha Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, the Dhwajapatam and Chakrathalwar will be taken out in a ceremonial procession from 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m.
Sri Soumyanatha Swamy is revered by devotees as a deity who fulfils wishes.
According to temple tradition, devotees perform nine pradakshinams around the sanctum seeking the fulfilment of their prayers and 108 pradakshinams after their wishes are fulfilled.
The temple, believed to have been built in the 11th century, was renovated during the Pandya, Kakatiya and Vijayanagara dynasties.
It houses inscriptions dating from the 10th to the 17th centuries and has two sacred temple tanks. Saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya composed 16 Sankirtanas in praise of the presiding deity.
Temple Deputy Executive Officer Prashanthi, Assistant Executive Officer Ravi, Superintendent Hanumanthaiah, Temple Inspector Dileep, priests, Srivari Sevaks and other officials participated in the ceremonies.
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