Tirupati: The annual ritual of “Pushpayagam” to the processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and His consorts was performed on a grand scale in Tirumala recently.

TTD garden superintendent S Srinivasulu said Rs 6 lakh worth flowers comprising 18 varieties, including traditional ones like tulsi, maruvam, davanam, konda malli, paneer leaf, mogali, besides roses, chrysanthemum, ixora and lilies were used in the ‘yagam’. Donors hailing from Madhurai, Salem, Tiruchi, Bangalore besides Nellore and Tirupati in AP have donated nearly five tonnes of flowers for the festival.

 

This floral festival is performed seeking the well being of the humanity by appeasing the Lord with variety of flowers on Sravana nakshatram day during Karthika month every year after Brahmotsavams.

 

According to a temple legend, this festival was initiated by Pedda Tirumalacharya, the elder son of saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya, in 16^th century.

 

But due to unknown reasons the festival was stopped abruptly. The festival was revived again on November, 14, 1980.