Kaisika Dwadasi Asthanam observed in Tirumala

Tirumala: The idol of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murthy also known as Venkatatturaivar was taken on a celestial ride along the four Mada streets on the auspicious day of Kaisika Dwadasi on Saturday.

Religious fervour marked the celebration of the annual 'Kaisika Dwadasi' at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara as the devotees were mused with devotion to see the procession of Sri Ugra Srinivasa along with Sridevi and Bhudevi which takes place only on this day in a year. The procession was carried out before the break of dawn between 4.30 am and 5.30 am, following the age-old practice.

Immense importance is attached to the fete, which according to mythology is revered as one of the most important religious events in the Sri Vaishnava Kshetrams (holy places). Legends say that Kaisika Ekadasi arises out of Kaisikapuranam consisting of 82 slokas, which was narrated by none other than Sri Varaha Perumal to Bhoodevi about an ardent devotee Sri Nambaduvan and a demon.

In Tirumala, only on this day, Sri Venkatatturaivar, is taken out of the temple on a procession and that too before sunrise. The reason is that in the 14th century, there was huge fire accident in Tirumala when there was a procession of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murthy as soon as the sun rays fell on the idol. Since then the procession is being observed before the sunrise followed by Asthanam.

Asthanam observed: Later, the priests organised Dwadasi Asthanam to the deities inside the temple. The temple priests read out the story from Kaisika Puranam during the temple court held at Bangaru Vakili. TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal, Additional EO A V Dharma Reddy and others were present during the procession and Asthanam.