The annual Thirukkudai (Umbrella) Procession from Chennai to the Tirupati temple is a deeply cherished tradition, reflecting the centuries-old devotional ties between Tamil Nadu and the sacred Tirumala shrine. The journey is organized by the Hindu Dharmartha Samithi Trust and coincides with the ten-day Purattasi Brahmotsavam celebrations at Tirumala, one of the most significant religious festivals dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
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| Tirupati (AP) annual Garuda seva and umbrellas, youtube.com |
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| Chennai umbrellas and Andal temple garlands,assets.thehansindia.com |
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| .Temple umbrellas to Tirupati. prokerala.com |
The Symbolic Umbrellas and Their Role
This year, eleven grand silk umbrellas, intricately crafted in Chennai, are being offered to the temple. These umbrellas, adorned with colorful designs and embellishments, are a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s devotion and reverence for the deity. During the Brahmotsavam, the umbrellas play a central role, providing a decorative canopy during the iconic Srivari Garuda Seva — a day when the temple’s Utsava Murthy (processional deity) is paraded through the streets of Tirumala atop the Garuda Vahana (vehicle). The umbrellas, along with silk vastras (clothes), are part of a long-standing offering by the Tamil people as a sign of their devotion.
The Commencement of the Procession
The procession traditionally starts with a special puja ceremony at the Chennakesava Perumal Temple in Parry’s Corner, Chennai. This year, the event began on October 3, 2024, around 10 a.m., marked by a vibrant celebration attended by devotees and officials. After the puja, the umbrellas are carefully placed on decorated vehicles, accompanied by devotional songs and chanting, before embarking on their journey to Tirumala.
The Route and Key Stops
The route of the procession spans multiple key locations, bringing together communities and devotees along the way: Chennai (Starting Point) Villivakkam,Tirumullaivoyil, Avadi, Pattabiram, and Tirunindravur, Tiruvallur, Tiruchanur (Overnight halt),Tirumala (Final Destination)
This route not only serves as a path for the symbolic umbrellas but also becomes a moving pilgrimage, with devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings as the procession passes through their towns.
Grand Reception at Tirumala
Upon reaching Tirumala on October 9, the umbrellas, along with other offerings such as silk clothes and flower garlands from the Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur, are taken in a ceremonial procession around the four Maada Veedhis (temple streets). The sight of these sacred umbrellas, alongside the traditional sounds of Nadaswaram (classical instruments) and the chanting of Vedic hymns, creates a spiritually charged atmosphere. The ceremonial handover to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) authorities takes place in the presence of temple Jeeyars (spiritual leaders), marking the culmination of the journey.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The umbrella procession is more than a ritual; it is a powerful representation of the strong spiritual bond between Tamil Nadu and the Tirupati temple. This practice has been carried out for generations, embodying the collective faith of the Tamil people in Lord Venkateswara. The procession is seen as an offering of gratitude and devotion, with devotees believing that witnessing these umbrellas brings blessings of peace, prosperity, and relief from suffering.
The entire event unites thousands of people, drawing them together in shared faith and celebration, reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions that have kept this annual procession alive for many years.
https://news.tirumala.org/procession-of-special-umbrellas-from-chennai-on-oct-4/
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