Tirupati: The temple city of Tirupati is preparing for another spiritual festival – Maha Samprokshanam of reconstructed Tataiahgunta Gangamma Shrine from May 1 to May 5.
This 900-year-old shrine is being rebuilt with larger stone structures, including a Gopuram over the Garbhalayam, in consonance with age-old temple architecture.
Vigraha Pratishta and Kumbhabishekam at this temple will take place on May 5, after which the shrine will be opened to public for darshan.
Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamy will take part in Vigraha Pratishta and Kumbhabishekam. After the Samprokshanam, Sahasra Kalasabhishekam will be performed on May 7, followed by Chatimpu for 10 days and annual Jatara on May 9.
Tirupati city MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, who is the prime mover behind the reconstruction, has been overseeing the works on a daily basis. He expects all works to be completed by April end. At the request of MLA, TTD had given ₹3.75 crore for temple reconstruction. AP Endowments Department and donors have also contributed.
Tataiahgunta Gangamma Thalli is considered the sister of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. According to belief, the Lord traditionally presents a set of divine gifts to His Sister at the Jatara every year.
Tirupati Corporation deputy mayor Bhumana Abhinay Reddy said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has accorded permission to treat the Jatara as a state festival, along the lines of Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara in Telangana.
