The serene temple town of Dokiparru in Krishna district has been enveloped in a wave of spiritual energy as the tenth annual Salakatla Brahmotsavams of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Goddess Bhoodevi commenced with great devotion. The grand inauguration took place on Tuesday at the revered Dokiparru Mahakshetram, located in Gudlavalleru mandal, marking the start of a sacred week-long celebration.
Auspicious Start with Vedic Rituals
The festivities were set in motion on the auspicious day of Margasira Dwadasi in the Vishvavasu Nama Samvatsaram. The formal inauguration was supervised by the temple's founding trustees, P V Krishna Reddy and Sudha, along with key members of the organising committee including Komma Reddy Bapireddy, Vijaya Bhaskaramma, P Nagireddy, Prasanna, PV Subba Reddy, and Sumalatha. The air resonated with Vedic chants as scholars performed the sacred Snapan Tirumanjanam to all the Utsava Murthis (processional deities), narrating the deep spiritual significance of each ritual to the gathered devotees.
Temple Chief Priest Sridhar emphasized that the Brahmotsavams are being observed with the same devotion and scriptural precision followed at the renowned Tirumala temple. The opening day was packed with a series of traditional events that captivated the large gathering of devotees and local residents. These included the Snapan Tirumanjanam, Senadhipati Utsavam, the crucial Ankuraropana ritual, a vibrant Tiruchi procession, and the graceful Pallaki Seva.
Sacred Soil and Invitations to Deities
In a significant evening ritual, temple representatives, guided by Vikhasanacharyas and Viswaksena, visited the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple associated with the Mahakshetram. Here, prayers were offered to Goddess Bhoodevi and Puttamannu (sacred soil) was collected. This soil was then sanctified with milk, and Navadhanyas (nine sacred grains) were sown in twelve holy pits. This Ankuraropana ritual is a traditional plea for divine blessings for bountiful harvests and prosperity.
Prior to this, in a gesture of inclusive sanctity, the temple committee formally extended invitations to all village deities to partake in the Brahmotsavams, using traditional scrolls. Vedic scholars, in their benedictory address, stated that according to the Vaikhanasa and Agama Shastras, the sacred services performed at this Mahakshetram would bestow prosperity and auspiciousness upon the entire region and all those who serve the temple.
Looking Ahead: Celestial Vahanams and Sevas
The divine schedule promises continuous spiritual engagement until the festival concludes on December 5. On Wednesday, the presiding deities, Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Goddess Bhoodevi, will bless devotees from the magnificent Suryaprabha Vahanam (Sun Chariot). The day will formally begin with the important Dwajaroahana (flag-hoisting) ceremony in the morning.
The subsequent days will be filled with a series of homas (fire rituals), utsavams, and various vahana sevas where the deities are taken in procession on different celestial vehicles. Wednesday's schedule also includes the Shesha Vahanotsavam, Oonjal Seva (swing ceremony), Hamsa Vahanotsavam (Swan vehicle), and Ekanta Seva in the evening. The annual event has truly transformed Dokiparru into a vibrant hub of faith and tradition, drawing devotees into a shared experience of divine grace.
