The Appapadi ritual, is a timeless practice in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, which is observed on the auspicious birth star days (Tirunakshatra) of revered Sri Vaishnava Acharyas. This month, special Appapadi ceremonies will be organised at the Sri Govindarajaswami Temple in Tirupati, including Tirumala Nambi Sattumura on October 24, Manavala Mahamuni Sattumura on October 27 and Vedanta Desikan Sattumura on October 30.
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On these sacred occasions, the traditional Appapadi, comprising 51 sweet appams, along with camphor and sandalwood, will be ceremoniously dispatched via a procession from the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala to the ancient Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati.
Prior to the procession, special pujas will be performed at the Tirumala temple in the presence of Archakas, Jeeyar Swamis and temple officials. Following the rituals, temple Paricharakas will carry the Appapadi in a grand procession through the four Mada streets surrounding the Tirumala temple, before reaching the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Tirupati.
From there, disciples belonging to the respective Acharya lineages will escort the offerings in a devotional procession to the sanctums dedicated to the Sri Vaishnava Acharyas within the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, where the Sattumura ceremony will be performed with deep reverence.
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The age-old Appapadi tradition stands as a profound expression of faith and devotion, symbolising the divine connection between Lord Venkateswara and His devotees through centuries of uninterrupted spiritual practice.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
