According to the temple legend, Vasanthotsavam was started during the period of King Achyutaraya in 1460’s. This annual fete was believed to have introduced by the King to mark the arrival of Spring Season.
Lord and His Consorts will be given aromatic bath on these three days which is believed to give a soothing relief to the deities from the scorching summer.
The unique feature of this festival is that the deities get ready for the fete after completely getting refreshed. The activities includes, brushing (Danta Suddhi), combing (vyajanam), face washing (Mukha Prakshalanam), Getting ready in front of mirror (Darpana sevanam) etc.
This entire activity appears very interesting to devotees.
SANAPANA TIRUMANJANAM
Before commencing the Rajopacharams, Vishwaksena Prardhana, Punyahavachanam, Navakalasabhiahekam were performed as per Vaikhanasa Agama.
Later special abhishekam was performed to deities with milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, turmeric paste and finally sandal paste is applied and deities were decked with Tulasi garlands. Later harati was rendered to the deities. While rendering the abhishekam, pancha suktas including Sri, Bhi, Neela, Narayana and Pancha shanti were recited.
The entire religious event took place between 2pm and 4pm.
“VASANTHA VANAM” STANDS AS A SPECIAL ATTRACTION
The replica of the green cover of seshachala forest was re-created with varieties of flora, fauna, birds, reptiles, torrents that remained as a special attraction during the religious event. The devotees were mused by the beauty of deities prettily sitting in “Vasantha Vanam” enjoying the chill-thrill.
Tirumala Pedda Jiyar Swamy, Tirumala Chinna Jiyar Swamy, TTD EO Sri Anil Kumar Singhal, Tirumala JEO Sri KS Sreenivasa Raju and others were also present.