What is Parivattam
The tradition of tying a piece of cloth around the forehead during important festivals is known as Parivattam. This is an ancient custom in almost all the temples in South India, yet this custom has more importance in the temple of Lord Venkateswara. A piece of cloth torn from the worn dress of the Lord (half a metre) is used for this purpose.
In our temple, this custom is invariably followed on all occasions during Asthanams like
- Sravana Asthanam,
- Rohini Asthanam,
- Punarvasu Asthanam,
- Deepavali Asthanam,
- Ugadi Asthanam,
- Anivara Asthanam and
- Adhyanotsavam Asthanam.
Purpose of Parivattam
The purpose of tying the parivattam is to recognise the service rendered by an individual from time to time in the service of the Lord. There are names for the occasions called as
- Dharmakartha Parivattam (jeeyar Parivattam),
- Circar Parivattam (E.O. or his representative).
- There is Ubhaya parivattam (Donors) is also in practice during the Utsavams and Asthanam.
In the ancient days, the Temple administration was under the supervision of the kings or chieftains or local philanthropists or wealthy people who took care of the temples. The kings used to give lands, and jewels and also construct big temples.
In return for their services, the temple administration used to give them parivattam honours offering silk cloth worn by God called ‘Seshavastram’ and garlanding them. This custom is followed even today as a mark of custom in the ‘Srivari’ temple for very important persons.
During Adhyanotsavam, (Vedam & Prabandham) the Deekshitas (Archakas), Jeeyars, Ekangis and Acharyapurushas were also ubhayadars (donors) for each day and receive parivattam honours. Even others connected with the temple like Golla, Annamaiah family members, etc. also contribute their mite during Adhyayanotsavam ubhayam and receive honours.
It is well known that the temples are the centres of socio-economic, religious and secular in nature treating all equally before God. Adhyayanotsavam at Tirumala will be for 23 days and for each day, there are ubhayadars and in Sri Govindarajaswamivari temple 21 days and there are also ubhayadars belonging to all sections of society irrespective of caste and status.
Parivattam honours are an exclusive opportunity to those attached to the temple of Lord Srinivasa. The Lord recognises all and treats all to participate in all utsavams or Asthanams so that the ubhayadars feel proud that they are the servants of Lord Srinivasa and He is their mainstay.
Sakrut Sevayaa Nitya Sevaa Phalatvam |
Prayaccha Prayaccha Probhovenkatesa ||
– Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya
