Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavalu: Tirumala In Vizag

The innovative 9-day spiritual programme of Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavams designed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will pave the way for a "Divine Revolution", said Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao.

The Minister, who took part in the issual of free coupons for the religious fete at Swarna Bharathi Auditorium in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, later told media persons that this unique programme would enable thousands of devotees to witness the various arjitha sevas that were being performed to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala every day, sitting right at their native place.

"This will not only give a divine experience to scores of devotees, but will also bring them solace as it is not possible for everyone to witness these festivities at Tirumala. I thank and congratulate the TTD for having designed such an amazing spiritual programme," he said.

The minister also asked the TTD officials to develop the Kalyana Mandapams in the city so that religious activities could taken up in a wider manner.

Later, renowned scholar Brahmasri Chaganti Koteswara Rao said, "One's life is not enough to witness the grandeur of Lord Venkateswara in various rituals. This program is a boon to those who are economically and physically too weak to make the trip to Tirumala. The Lord has showered His divine blessings upon the denizens of Vizag as this program planned by the TTD is set to commence for the first time in this famous city. This program is sure to bring a devotional renaissance which is the need of the hour."

The Minister and Koteswara Rao received the free coupons and later distributed them to the citizens. The TTD has alloted a specific number of 1,000 coupons for each Arjitha Seva and issued them on a first-come-first-served basis by taking the thumb impressions of the devotees. The tickets were issued in such a manner that a person or a couple could get only one seva ticket so as to enable many to witness all the sevas. (INN)