Metro India News | Tirumala

Ankurarpanam, the sacred "Seed Sowing" ceremony, marks the spiritual prelude to the annual Navahnika Salakatla Brahmotsavams at Tirumala's Srivari temple. This year, the ritual will be observed on the evening of September 23, between 7 pm and 8 pm, in accordance with Vaikhanasa Agama traditions.

The ritual begins with Medini Puja, invoking Goddess Bhudevi (Mother Earth), followed by sowing of Navadhanyas (nine sacred grains) in nine mud pots called Palikas, arranged in a specific geometric pattern. These grains—symbolizing the Navagrahas (nine planets)—include rice (Moon), wheat (Sun), tur dal (Mars), moong dal (Mercury), red peas (Jupiter), white peas (Venus), sesame (Saturn), yellow peas (Rahu), and horse gram (Ketu).

The sprouting of seeds represents divine blessings and the successful completion of the Brahmotsavams. On the final day, the sprouts are offered to the presiding deity in a ritual called Akshataropana. Ankurarpanam also serves as an invitation to all deities of the 14 worlds, including the Ashtadikpalakas (Guardians of Eight Directions) and celestial bodies, to attend the festival conducted by Sri Brahma at the behest of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the presiding deity. Prior to the ritual, Sri Vishwaksena—the divine commander—leads a ceremonial procession to oversee festival arrangements.