Ugadi Asthanam
Ugadi Asthanam is the first of all kinds of festivals and celebrations offered to Sri Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swami at Tirumala for the full length of a year. This takes place on the first day of the Chaitra masa according to Lunar Calendar.
The Daily ritual of Srivari Koluvu which is performed every day between Tomalaseva and Archana is performed with the special name Srivari Asthanam on the first day of the Lunar Calendar.
Koluvu or Asthanam is nothing but the Royal Assembly of Sri Venkateswara. Daily Koluvu is performed as a ritual in the presence of a limited gathering of officers and priests.
- Ugadi Asthanam the first Annual Event is celebrated in the presence of many officials, Vedic Scholars, Archakas and Devotees.
- The day on which Srivari Asthanam is celebrated is the ‘Padyami’ or ‘Pratipat Thithi’ of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra Month or the First day of every New Lunar Year.
- Location/ Venue: ‘Tirumahamani Mandapa’ which is also called ‘Ganta Mandapa’ in a place just opposite to Garuda’s Idol.
The following are various features of Swami Vari Asthanam
Pre-ritual activity
- In the early hours of the Ugadi Day even before dawn, the services of Suprabhata Seva and Tomala Seva are performed to the Main Deity in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
- After that, the Koluvu of Koluvu Srinivasa Murti is not performed. Instead in a lonely environment, Tirumanjanam or the Abhisheka Snana ceremony is performed to Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi, Bhudevi, and Vishvaksena.
- While the daily Koluvu is a ritual offered to Sri Koluvu Srinivasa Murti, the Asthanam process is offered to Sri Malayappa Swami. Hence this Snana (sacred bath) ceremony is performed as a pre-ritual activity.
Arrival of Malayappa Swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi
Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi is brought to the Tirumahamani Mandapa in the Golden Sarva Bhupala Vahana while the path is lead by Vishvaksena followed by the divine Vedic chants, the auspicious sounds of various pious musical instruments and the chants of the Archakas.
The three idols of the God and two Goddess are properly mounted on their respective royal thrones facing Garuda with rich ornaments beautiful flowery garlands and silk garments.
On the right side to Sri Malayappa Swami the idol of Sri Vishvaksena is seated on an elevated seat decorated with a guarding crown and a sword as he is the commander-in-chief of Srivaru.
Prasada offerings to the Deities – Ugadi Asthanam
As the first event of the ritual different Padi prasadams and Anna prasadams are brought to offer to the Main idol or Mula Virat and Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi and Bhudevi.
The humble presence of the Priests, Jiyyangars, Ekangis, Acharya Purushas, Vedic Scholars, The Executive Officer, Peshkars, Paru Pattedars, and other TTD officials elevates the decency of the event.
The White Umbrella and the Chauvries are held by some of the attendants.
The items like
- Laddus,
- Vadas,
- Appams,
- Dosas,
- Padi Prasadams,
- Pulihora,(Variety Rice)
- Pongali,
- Chakkera Pongali,
- Dadhyodanam(curd rice)
and such are brought from the Potu and as per the ritualistic style they are offered to the Gods and Goddesses. The holy Bells are sounded grandly as a mark of offering Prasadams to Lord Srinivasa.
Offering of the Special Garments
Priests Receive Danam from Swamivaru
Panchanga Sravana
The final events
Navanita Harati is offered to Sri Venkateswara. The Cow Butter and Tambulam are received from Swami Varu by the Executive Officer and others. After that, the Mysore Harati, Tallapaka Harati, and Tarigonda Harati are offered to Swamivaru.
Finally, the Prasada is offered to all, and with this, the Swamivari Asthanam comes to an end. It is the belief of all that, this Swami Vari Asthanam is an event through which all the devotees in the entire human world will be graced by Srinivasa Swami to have a bright and promising future.
* Source: Saptagiri Magazine
