Tirumala prepares for Dhwajarohanam with holy darbha ceremony

The ceremonial procession of the sacred Darbha Mat and Darbha Rope, to be used during the Dhwajarohanam ceremony of Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams, was held on Monday. The parade began from the TTD Forest Department office under the leadership of DFO Sri Phani Kumar Naidu and his team.

Following the procession, the darbha mat and rope were placed on the Sesha Vahanam inside the Ranganayakula Mandapam of the Srivari temple. The Garuda flag will be hoisted on September 24 evening, officially marking the start of the nine-day Brahmotsavam.

Darbha, a sacred grass, is considered a symbol of purity and auspiciousness. Traditionally, it is believed to protect devotees and temple surroundings from negative energies. Priests and devotees use darbha during rituals to sanctify prayers and ensure spiritual protection, making it a key element of temple heritage.

For this year’s Brahmotsavam, the TTD forest staff collected Vishnu Darbha from Chelluru village in Erpedu Mandal. After sun-drying and cleaning, a mat measuring 22 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, weighing about 60 kg, and a rope measuring 225 meters and weighing over 100 kg were prepared. Both will be used during the Dhwajarohanam ceremony on September 24 from 5:43 pm to 6:15 pm, coinciding with the auspicious Meena Lagnam.

The sacred Darbha materials embody centuries of devotional tradition and remain a vital part of the spiritual and ritual heritage of Tirumala.