10 April 2015 Guntur:
On Friday evening Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavams, the nine days religious festival started at Police Parade Grounds Guntur with Ankurarpanam.
Ankurarpanam or Beejavapanam is one of the most important rituals of the Vaikhanasa Agama. One can see ankurarpanam being done in most of the festivals that are part of the worship of the Srinivasa. Ankuararpanam means “sowing the seed”. The importance of this ritual is to make a sankalpa to celebrate a festival and get the grace of the Lord venkateswara towards the successful conduct of the festival.
The archakas sow nine types of seeds in pots amidst Veda mantras and mangala vadyams. This festival is performed after the sunset only. The seeds which emanate will signify the way the festival is conducted. Sowing of the seeds also is a form of tribute to Mother Earth seeking Her blessings for the event.
Andhrapradesh Assembly Speaker Dr K.Siva Prasad Rao, Member of Parliament Mr.Rayapati Samba Siva Rao were also present at the event.
The daily arjitha sevas from Suprabhatam to Ekantaseva will start from Saturday. The Srinivasa Kalyanam will be performed on Saturday evening between 6.00 pm to 8:30 pm.
photo from ttd