AP: Mahalakshmi Deepotsavam Celebrated with Devotion in Kuppam
Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, participated in the rituals as a devotee and performed the prescribed prayers along with others.
Vedic chants, devotional songs and the lighting of lamps created a spiritual atmosphere at the venue.
TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary said the lighting of lamps symbolised the removal of darkness and the spread of knowledge.
He said the monthly Deepotsavam, organised jointly by TTD, the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP) and Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC), aimed to promote devotion, spiritual unity and Sanatana Dharma traditions. The programme has been conducted five times since its inception, he added.
TTD Joint Executive Officer Dr A. Sarath urged devotees to seek the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi and participate in religious programmes with faith and devotion.
He said the monthly event was intended to promote devotion and preserve traditional religious practices.
Each puja kit distributed to women devotees contained 24 types of ritual items, including kumkum, akshata, fruits, flowers, mangalsutram and bangles.
Holy water and five varieties of prasadam were distributed to devotees after the rituals.
Priests from the Tirumala Srivari Temple performed Vishwaksena Puja, Punyahavachanam and Srinivasa Archana in accordance with Vaikhanasa Agama traditions for Sri Venkateswara Swamy, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, and Sri Chaturbhuja Mahalakshmi Ammavaru.
Vedic scholars recited the Vishnu Sahasranamam, followed by special worship to the Goddess.
Annamacharya Project artistes presented devotional songs, while priests led devotees in reciting the Deepa Mantram and performing collective Lakshmi Neerajanam.
Nakshatra Harathi and Kumbha Harathi were offered at the conclusion of the programme.
Devotees prayed for prosperity, good health, happiness and peace in their families. A woman devotee from Bengaluru expressed happiness over attending the event and said its organisation in Kuppam was a blessing for local residents.
TTD Board Member Shantaram, HDPP Secretary Dr Medasani Mohan, priests, Vedic scholars, TTD officials, staff and a large number of devotees participated in the event.
