“Alwar Thirumanjanam” is a significant sacred ritual performed at the Tirupati Venkateswara (Ezhumalaiyan) Temple. This ceremony involves the purification of the temple, including the main deity and the sanctum sanctorum, and is performed monthly on the Tuesday before the full moon (Pournami). It is also held on special occasions like festivals such as Brahmotsavam.
Ritual Process:
During the Alwar Thirumanjanam, various sacred substances and aromatic ingredients are used to cleanse the temple and the deity’s idol. These include:
- Sacred Substances: Ingredients like sandalwood paste, turmeric, vermilion (kumkum), camphor, and cow’s milk are applied to the idol of Lord Venkateswara during the ritual.
- Cleansing Process: The idol of Lord Venkateswara, along with the sanctum, temple floors, walls, and various metal decorations, are thoroughly cleaned. The deity is bathed in a sacred mixture known as “Parimala dravyam.”
- Re-decoration: After the cleaning, the deity is adorned with fresh clothes and new ornaments, followed by a special ritual where the deity is offered worship.
Significance:
The Alwar Thirumanjanam is believed to invoke divine blessings and maintain the sanctity and purity of the temple. It ensures that the temple remains spiritually clean, allowing devotees to have a pure and revitalizing darshan (vision) of the deity. For devotees, witnessing or participating in this ritual is considered highly auspicious and spiritually uplifting.
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