Kadapa: The Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams of the famous Sri Kodandaramaswami temple in Vontimitta, YSR Kadapa district, commenced on Wednesday morning with Dwajarohanam fete in Mithuna lagnam between 9.15 am and 10.15 am. In view of Covid guidelines, the nine-day fete will be observed till April 29 in Ekantham and darshan for devotees has already been cancelled.
The holy Dwajarohanam (hoisting the flag) was observed as per Agama traditions with Nava Kalasha Panchamrutha Abhishekam (ritual with five foods), followed by Rama Navami and Pothana Jayanti also being performed. The Kankana bhattar (head priest) Rakesh Kumar supervised the ritual. Temple DyEO Ramesh Babu, AEO Muralidhar, superintendents Venkatachalapathi, Venkatesaiah, temple inspector Dhananjeyulu and others were present. As part of tradition on the first day of Brahmotsavam, the TTD board member and Rajampet MLA Meda Mallikarjun Reddy presented Pattu Vastrams (silk clothes) to the deity along with his spouse.
In the evening, the archakas performed Unjal Seva to the deities of the temple. This fete was held at 6 pm in. On the first day of Brahmotsavam the utsava idols (procession idols) Rama, Sita and blessed the devotees on Sesha Vahana conducted in Ekantam at 7 pm. Legends say that Adisesha, the favourite carrier of Maha Vishnu, incarnated as Lakshmana during Tretayuga to serve His beloved Master who took the form of Rama.
Priests performed special pujas for Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. According to the Covid-19 rules the main doors of the temple were closed and only the priests performed solitary worship. Festive idols are usually paraded through the temple mada streets. Due to the virus effect this was cancelled. Entrances to the devotees were also completely banned as the cases were rising and festivals were held in solitude. Only TTD officials and temple priests perform these ceremonies.
