Tirupati, October 31, 2013: The three-day annual ‘Pavitrothsavam’ began at the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara temple in Srinivasa Mangapuram near here on Tuesday, with the inaugural ritual of ‘Ankurarpanam’.

Viewed as a ‘correctional ritual’ for any inadvertent acts of omission or commission committed by the priests, officials and even pilgrims, the ritual is performed to seek the ‘pardon’ of the deity and restore the purity of the shrine.

As part of the programme, ‘Homam’ will be performed at the temple on Wednesday, while the deities will be adorned with special garlands ‘Pavitra Mala’ after the performance of the ‘Snapana Tirumanjanam’.

Married couples (Grihasthas) can participate in the ritual on payment of Rs.500, for which they will get a ‘Pavitra Mala’ and ‘Anna Prasadam’. Meanwhile, the TTD has announced the suspension of the Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Satakalas abhishekam and Tiruppavada Seva from October 30 to November 1.

Source: the Hindu, October 31, 2013