Chatra Sthapana Utsavam Celebrated at Tirumala’s Narayanagiri
Tirumala, July 26 (TNT): The annual celestial Chatra Sthapana Utsavam (Umbrella Festival) was celebrated with religious fervour on Sunday at the foothills of Narayanagiri in Tirumala.
A team of religious staff from the Tirumala temple performed special rituals and installed a specially decorated ceremonial umbrella near Srivari Padalu.
As part of the festivities, a procession carrying puja materials, flowers, naivedyam and the ceremonial umbrella began from the temple mada streets and proceeded to Medaramitta before reaching Narayanagiri.
Following Tirumanjanam (ceremonial cleansing) at Srivari Padalu, the deity was adorned with decorations and naivedyam was offered. Vedic recitations were performed on the occasion, after which prasadam was distributed among devotees.
According to Puranic beliefs, Narayanagiri, one of the seven hills of Tirumala, is the sacred peak where Sri Venkateswara Swamy first placed His feet during the Kali Yuga.
The Chatra Sthapana is traditionally observed on the day of Dwadashi.
Devotees believe that the installation of the umbrella atop the hill, which experiences strong winds during this season, is an offering seeking protection from the winds and blessings from Lord Vayu.
TNT LE
