Anivara Asthanam Observed At Tirumala Temple
This age-old ceremony, marking the commencement of the temple’s annual accounting process, was performed in the presence of Tirumala pontiffs: Reports
Update: 2025-07-16 17:53 GMT
TIRUPATI: The annual Anivara Asthanam was held with traditional Vedic rituals at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala on Wednesday. This age-old ceremony, marking the commencement of the temple’s annual accounting process, was performed in the presence of Tirumala pontiffs.
The event began early in the morning with Lord Malayappa Swamy, flanked by his consorts, being seated facing Garuda in the Ghanta Mandapam near the Bangaru Vakili. Alongside, Sri Vishwaksena, the commander-in-chief of the Lord’s celestial army, was seated facing south on a separate pedestal. Special pujas and offerings were conducted to both the processional deities and the presiding deity inside the sanctum.
Later, Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar Swamy entered the temple in a ceremonial procession, carrying six sets of silk garments on a large silver platter. He was accompanied by Tirumala Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, TTD executive officer J. Syamala Rao, additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, and other senior officials. Four of these silk sets were offered to the presiding deity, while the remaining two were dedicated to Malayappa Swamy and Vishwaksena.
As per tradition, the temple’s chief priests tied a small sacred cloth (parivattam) bearing the Lord’s insignia on their heads, received rice dakshina from the deity, and blessed the Lord with the words “Nityaiswaryobhava.” This was followed by the presentation of the ceremonial “Lachchana,” a traditional bunch of keys, by the priests to the Jeeyar Swamys and the Executive Officer on behalf of TTD. After offering Rupayi harati, the lachchana was placed at the feet of the Lord, marking the conclusion of the Anivara Asthanam.
Traditionally held on the last day of the Tamil month of Aani, Anivara Asthanam was once the day the temple’s administrators, known as Mahants, assumed charge. Since then, this ritual has marked the beginning of the temple’s financial year. Though TTD’s budget cycle has since shifted to the April–March fiscal year, the ceremonial significance of Anivara Asthanam remains unchanged.
In the evening, Sri Malayappa Swamy and His consorts were taken out in a procession on “Pushpa Pallaki,” the floral palanquin, along the four mada streets. TTD Board members, Temple Deputy EO M. Lokanatham, and other senior officials were present during the observances.
Later, Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar Swamy entered the temple in a ceremonial procession, carrying six sets of silk garments on a large silver platter. He was accompanied by Tirumala Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, TTD executive officer J. Syamala Rao, additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, and other senior officials. Four of these silk sets were offered to the presiding deity, while the remaining two were dedicated to Malayappa Swamy and Vishwaksena.
As per tradition, the temple’s chief priests tied a small sacred cloth (parivattam) bearing the Lord’s insignia on their heads, received rice dakshina from the deity, and blessed the Lord with the words “Nityaiswaryobhava.” This was followed by the presentation of the ceremonial “Lachchana,” a traditional bunch of keys, by the priests to the Jeeyar Swamys and the Executive Officer on behalf of TTD. After offering Rupayi harati, the lachchana was placed at the feet of the Lord, marking the conclusion of the Anivara Asthanam.
Traditionally held on the last day of the Tamil month of Aani, Anivara Asthanam was once the day the temple’s administrators, known as Mahants, assumed charge. Since then, this ritual has marked the beginning of the temple’s financial year. Though TTD’s budget cycle has since shifted to the April–March fiscal year, the ceremonial significance of Anivara Asthanam remains unchanged.
In the evening, Sri Malayappa Swamy and His consorts were taken out in a procession on “Pushpa Pallaki,” the floral palanquin, along the four mada streets. TTD Board members, Temple Deputy EO M. Lokanatham, and other senior officials were present during the observances.