The traditional temple cleansing festival, Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam was performed on Tuesday, 26th of December 2017 at the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara amidst religious fervour prior to the auspicious Vaikuntha Ekadasi.
According to the temple tradition, apart from Tirumala temple, the sub-shrines inside Maha Prakaram, were also cleansed with an aromatic mixture called “Parimalam” which is made out of an amalgamation of turmeric, vermilion, kicchiligadda-a root plant and smeared all along the walls, floor, roof of the main temple and sub-temples. Even the puja utensils kept inside sanctum sactorum was also cleaned. While the cleaning process is on, the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara is covered with a white veil.
This cleansing process took place between 6am to 10am. Later all the puja materials were brought back to the temple and the cover on the deity was removed. The Sarva Darshan commenced from 11am onwards to pilgrims.
TTD has cancelled Astadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva in connection with this religious event on Tuesday.
The Executive Officer Sri Anil Kumar Singhal, CVSO Sri A Ravikrishna, Temple DyEO Sri Kodanda Rama Rao and others were also present.