Tirupati:The daily Suprabhatam ritual at the Shrivari temple in Tirumala on the occasion of Dhanurmasam will be replaced by the traditional Thiruppabhai Vachan from Tuesday. The month-long ritual will conclude on January 14 and then Suprabhatam Seva will resume on January 15.
As part of the Dhanurmasam tradition, Suprabhatam seva is replaced with the recitation of Goda Thiruppawai Pasura Parayanam, a revered collection of 30 pasuramas (verses) composed by Andal Goda Devi in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Andal, one of the 12 Alvars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, wrote Thiruppawai, which forms an integral part of the Alvar Divya Prabandham and holds a special place in Tamil literature.
According to the Puranas, the solar calendar is given precedence over Dhanurmasa, a period devoted entirely to spiritual activities. Srivari temple observes unique rituals during this time. The regular Thomala service, usually conducted with the participation of the Jair Goshti, has been replaced by a special silent version known as Mooga Thomala. In addition, an astra is recited daily, and a solitary service is performed in front of an idol of Sri Krishna instead of Bhoga Srinivasa.
Dhanurmasam is considered auspicious in Sri Vaishnava temples, and the Srivari temple in Tirumala celebrates this period with high religious fervour. Rituals, temple decorations and offerings are taken with special importance in this holy month.
Unlike the usual practice of offering basil leaves in Sahasranamarchana, beel leaves are used as per the Vaikhanas Bhrigu Samhita tradition. Special offerings like dosa, jaggery dosa, sundal, sira and pongal are offered to the deity. Every day, the deity will be decorated with special decorations including parrots from Sri Williputhur.
Meanwhile, the 25-day Adhyanotsav will be celebrated from December 30 to January 23 at the hill temple. Known as Divya Prabandha Pasura Parayanam, this festival is a recitation of 4,000 Pasuramas composed by 12 Alvaras. This festival starts 11 days before Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Dhanurmas.
The first 11 days are called Pagalpattu and the next 10 days are called Rapattu. The last four days are marked by important events including recitals by Kanninun Shiruthambu and Ramanuja Nutrandadi, Sri Varaha Swami Sattumora and the conclusion of Adhyanotsavam. The lessons will be conducted at Ranganayakula Mandapam of Srivari Mandir under the leadership of Srivaishnava Jeyangar Swamiji.