Sacred Darbha Mat and Rope Procession Held

In view of the Salakatla Brahmotsavams which is going to commence from September 27 in Tirumala temple, the procession of sacred darbha mat and rope which will be used in the temple fete during the holy ‘Dwajarohanam’ was held on Friday.

 

“Darbha”, scientifically known as Desmostachya bipinnata, is a tropical grass, which is considered most pious in Vedic scriptures and plays an important role in all the ritual related religious activities of Hindu Sanatana Dharma.

 

The mat and rope made of this holy grass are tied to the temple pillar and pujas are performed as per the tenets of Vaikhanasa Agama amidst the chanting of Vedic Mantras unfurling the Garuda flag atop the Dhwajasthambham heralding the beginning of annual brahmotsavams.

 

The legends say that there are two types of Darbhas  – Shiva Darbha and Vishnu Darbha. In Srivari temple Vishnu Darbha is collected from Chelluru near the Yerpdu mandal, region of the Tirupati district. After drying it in sun rays for a week, a 22-feet length and 7-feet width mat along with a 200-feet rope set ready for the holy Dhwajarohanam event by the forest staff.

 

Meanwhile, the Darbha mat and rope were placed atop the Sesha Vahanam located in Ranganayakula Mandapam.

 

Deputy Conservator of Forest of TTD Sri Srinivasulu, VGO Sri Bali Reddy, FRO Venkata Subbaiah, DyRO Sri Srinivasulu and others were also present in the procession.