209TH VARDHANTHI CELEBRATIONS OF TARIGONDA VENGAMAMBA ON AUGUST 20 & 21

The 209th Vardhanthi celebrations of Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba, the revered poetess and ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara, will be held on August 20 and 21 at Tirumala, Tirupati and Tarigonda under the auspices of TTD.

Two-day programmes in Tirupati

On August 20, devotional music by Annamacharya Project artistes will be held at Annamacharya Kalamandiram at 9.30 am. A literary session on the works of Tarigonda Vengamamba will be conducted from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by cultural programmes from 6 pm to 8 pm.

On August 21, TTD officials will offer floral tributes at the statue of Tarigonda Vengamamba near M.R. Palli Circle at 9 am. A music concert by Annamacharya Project artistes will be held at Annamacharya Kalamandiram from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by a Harikatha programme from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Floral tributes at Tirumala

TTD senior officials will offer floral tributes at Tarigonda Vengamamba Brindavanam in Tirumala at 9 am on August 21.

Special programmes at Tarigonda

At Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Tarigonda, her birthplace, a Kalyanotsavam of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will be performed at 5 pm on August 21. Devotional music by Annamacharya Project artistes and a Harikatha programme will also be presented.

Vengamamba’s contribution to devotional literature

Tarigonda Vengamamba was born in 1730 at Tarigonda, near Vayalpad, to Kanala Mangamamba and Kanala Krishnayamathulu. Deeply devoted to Lord Venkateswara, she devoted her life to spiritual pursuits and devotional literature.

She received spiritual and yoga teachings from Rupavatara Subrahmanya Yogi of Madanapalle and became an accomplished practitioner.

Vengamamba authored 18 works, including five in Tarigonda and 13 in Tirumala. Her literary works include Yakshaganas, Keerthanas, Stotras, poems and Dwipada compositions, making a lasting contribution to Telugu devotional literature.

‘Muthyala Harathi’ continues at Tirumala

Vengamamba introduced the unique ‘Muthyala Harathi’ as a daily ritual during the Ekanta Seva at the Tirumala Srivari Temple. The tradition continues even today as a symbol of her deep devotion to Lord Venkateswara.

Vengamamba attained Jeeva Samadhi at Tirumala in 1817 while immersed in devotion to Lord Venkateswara. Her life and works continue to inspire devotees through their profound blend of devotion, literature, yoga and spirituality.