Karvetinagaram Brahmotsavams Begin At Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple
Thousands gather to seek blessings from deity known for granting children to devout
Nellore: Brahmotsavams began in a grand note at the historic Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple run by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Karvetinagaram of Chittoor district on Monday. The temple, known for blessing childless couples with children, is lovingly called the home of Santana Venu Gopala Swamy.
The nine-day spiritual festival began with the traditional Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) in the auspicious Mithuna Lagna between 9:15 and 9:45 am. Amid Vedic chants and festive music, the Garuda flag was raised on the Dwajasthambam, symbolically inviting the gods and devotees to the festivities.
Morning rituals included Raksha Bandhanam, Bheri Tadana, Nava Sandi, and Bali Haranam, followed by a colourful procession of the deity along with consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama through the four Mada streets. This divine tour, as per tradition, signifies the Lord’s invitation to celestial beings for the celebrations.
As per temple lore, following the celestial wedding of Goddess Padmavati and Lord Srinivasa, her father, Akasha Raju, attained moksha. His son Vasudasa, without an heir, handed over the Narayanapura kingdom to Venkatraju, a descendant of the sage-king Narayanaraju. Vasudasa retired to the Venkatachala hills in penance.
Later, under Venkataperumal Raju, the town of Karvetinagaram was established, and the idols of Sri Venu Gopala Swamy with His consorts were brought from Tirumala and consecrated here. Over time, the temple gained fame for blessing childless couples and became affectionately known as Santana Venu Gopala Swamy.
Initially under royal care, the temple was managed by the devasthanam department from 1936 and later handed over to the TTD in 1989.
Deputy EO B. Nagaratna, temple priests, and officials oversaw the inaugural day, which drew a large crowd of devotees.
The festival features morning and evening vahanam sevas, showcasing Garuda, Hanumantha, Gaja, Simha, and other divine mounts. A highlight is the Arjita Kalyanotsavam on May 22, open to couples at Rs.750. Participants receive prasadam and clothing items. The Pushpayagam ritual will follow on May 28.
Daily cultural and devotional programmes are being organised by the TTD, enriching the atmosphere with music, dance, and spiritual discourse.
