Ankurarpanam, the “Seed Sowing” ritual for Astabandhana Balalaya Maha Samprokshanam was observed with celestial fervour in Tirumala on Saturday evening.
As per the Agama Shastras, any religious event will be commenced only after observing Ankurarpana which is also known as Beejavapanam.
The Commander-in-Chief of Lord Venkateswara, Sri Vishwaksenulavaru was taken on a procession along the four mada streets and Senadhipathi Utsavam was observed between 7pm and 9pm. Later Medini Puja was conducted near Vasantha Mandapam and Putta Mannu (the holy soil which is used to sow Navadhanayas) was collected. Later, the Ritwiks reached Yagashala and Ankurarpanam was performed between 9pm and 10pm.
In Yagashala 28 Homa Gundas were set up each dedicated to a deity. Of them Pancha Homa Gundas were set for the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara and also for Jaya-Vijaya, Vimana Venkateswara, Yoga Narasimha Swamy, Bhashyakarulavaru, Padipotu Tayaru, Annaprasada Potu Tayaru, Sri Varadaraja Swamy, Sri Vishwaksenulavaru, Sri Garudalwar, Rukmini Satyabhama Sametha Sri Krishna Swamy, Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswamy.