Sri Vidhushekhara Bharathi Swamiji, successor of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, said that only those who have accumulated merit over many births get the opportunity to study Vedic education which is essential to lead a righteous life.
He graced the valedictory ceremony of the 29th Sri Venkateswara Veda Shastra Agama Vidwat Sadas, held for six days at Sri Venkateswara Veda Vignana Peetham, Dharmagiri in Tirumala, on Friday evening.
Addressing Vedic students, Swamiji said Dharma is base to the entire world and the welfare of humanity can be achieved through the Vedic path. He also said the Veda Vignana Peetham in Tirumala has been playing an important role in promoting Vedas, Shastras and Agamas.
Later, Swamiji felicitated 313 students who passed the examinations and presented them certificates.
A total of 412 students from across the country appeared for examinations in 37 subjects of Vedas, Shastras and Agamas, out of which 313 students passed, including 202 in first class and 111 in second class.
The programme was attended by Sri Kuppa Sivasubrahmanya Avadhani, Principal of Sri Venkateswara Veda Vignana Peetham, other faculty and students.
TTD Chairman Sri B.R. Naidu offered Pattu Vastrams (silk robes) to Sri Tirumalanadha Swamy as part of the ongoing Brahmotsavams at Chikatimamidi village in Bommalaramaram Mandal of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
On his arrival at the temple, the temple priests accorded him a traditional welcome with Purnakumbham. After having darshan of the deity, the temple officials and priests presented him with Theertha Prasadams. Later, he participated in the Tiru Kalyana Mahotsavam of the deity.
Speaking on the occasion, the TTD Chairman expressed happiness that a temple in the name of Tirumala exists as Sri Tirumalanadha Swamy Temple. He said the temple, which has a history spanning several centuries, is known for fulfilling the wishes of devotees. He also assured that TTD would extend its support for the development of the temple.
MLC Teer Maar Mallanna, temple officials, staff, priests, and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
The sacred Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam was observed with religious fervour on Friday at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple. It is customary to perform this ritual ahead of the annual Brahmotsavams which are scheduled to take place from March 17 to 25 at the temple.
On this occasion, the Lord was awakened with Suprabhatam, followed by Thomala Seva and Sahasranamarchana in the morning. The Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam was conducted from 6.30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
As part of the ritual, the temple premises were cleansed thoroughly. A fragrant mixture prepared with turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood, camphor, kitchili root, kasturi turmeric and pachhaaku was sprinkled on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum. After completion of the ritual, devotees were allowed for darshan.
Curtains Donated to the Temple
A devotee Smt. Prasanna Reddy from Hyderabad donated four curtains, while Sri Mani from Tirupati offered two curtains to the temple on Friday.
Among those present were Temple Deputy EO Smt. Nagaratna, Chief Priest Sri A.P. Anand Kumar Dikshitulu, Temple Inspector Sri Suresh, and other officials.
Ankurarpanam on March 16
The Ankurarpanam for the Brahmotsavams will be performed on March 16 from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On the occasion, rituals such as Senadhipati Utsavam, Medini Puja and Mrutsangrahanam will be conducted.
TTD Chairman Sri B.R. Naidu visited Sri Venkateswara Veda Vignana Peetham located at Keesaragutta near Hyderabad in Telangana State on Friday.
Upon his arrival at the Sri SV Veda Patasala, he was accorded a traditional welcome with Purnakumbham by the Vedic scholars. Later, amid Vedic blessings, he proceeded to the prayer hall and offered special prayers to Lord Sri Venkateswara along with the Vedic scholars and students.
On this occasion, the Vedic scholars felicitated him with a shawl, garland, and fruits.
Later, the TTD Chairman enquired about the functioning of the Sri Venkateswara Veda Patasala being run under TTD. He sought details about the year of establishment of the institution and the number of students currently pursuing Vedic education. He also suggested that plans should be prepared to increase the number of Vedic students.
He further interacted with the Vedic scholars, students, and staff to know if they were facing any issues. The students and faculty expressed satisfaction over the facilities being provided at the institution.
Speaking on the occasion, Veda Patasala Principal Sri Guda Srinivasa Sharma Avadhani informed the Chairman that the institution was established in 1981 and currently 132 students are studying Vedic education in the Patasala.
Engineering officials including DE Sri Ramakrishna, JE Sri Chalama Naik, teachers and students were also present on the occasion.