A unique ritual

THE ANNUAL Tirupathi Umbrella procession in Chennai, is an event of great importance. Every year, ten decorated temple umbrellas — two big and eight small — believed to symbolise Lord Venkateswara of Tirupathi, are taken in a procession for a fortnight in Chennai, and then finally to Tirupathi.

This happens before the annual Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September — October). The umbrellas are used on the day of Garudotsavam (fifth day of Brahmotsavam) during the grand procession of the Lord that night.

The ten umbrellas, fine pieces of art, are massive. The handle is made of teak wood and the collapsible parts of cane. The making of these umbrellas commences with a religious function (Anugurarpanam) on an auspicious day during the Tamil month of Adi (July-August). They are made in different places — the wooden and silk-lace work is done in Chennai and the cane/bamboo work at Kanchipuram. Brocade silk is used for the umbrella cover.

These are done traditionally, each work entrusted to a particular family, which they do as their hereditary right. It takes nearly a month for the work to be completed before they are finally assembled in Chennai.

Another auspicious day is fixed in Avani (August-September) for the commencement of the procession from the Suncoovari house in George Town, the family house of one of the founders of the endowment.

The procession is inaugurated after a special puja.

The umbrellas are then taken on a procession daily (for about a fortnight) along the streets of different parts of the city, to the accompaniment of nagasvaram.

After the procession is over, the umbrellas are taken to No. 11, Kandappa Chetty Street (George Town) a hall that was donated by a former Mayor of Madras, L. Sriramulu Naidu to the Tirupathi Umbrella Charities.

A piece of silk (Sri Vari Kapai) meant for Lord Venkateswara is exhibited in a special glass case. It is carried in a 200-year old cane box along with the umbrella procession and is offered to Lord Venkateswara, on reaching the hill-top.

The umbrella procession leaves the city limits from Elephant Gate. Devotees even from far places throng the place, to catch a glimpse of the umbrellas and to offer worship to them. Bhajan parties and individuals chanting the name of the Lord all converge at this spot.

At the Elephant Gate, puja to the umbrellas is performed, followed by poor feeding. The procession then wends its way to Tirupathi.

About 150 men accompany the procession. The distance of 176 km. is covered by foot in 14 days, stopping at many places in each area for the people to offer worship. There was a time when the distance was covered in just four or six days. Two of the umbrellas are offered to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru (the Consort of Lord Venkateswara) at Tiruchanoor. On reaching the hill-top, the Tirumalai-Tirupathi Devasthanam accords a rousing reception and the umbrellas are received with proper honour.

The umbrellas are taken in a procession along the four streets around the temple after which they are used for Lord Venkateswara, the same night during the Garudotsavam.This year, the procession was inaugurated on August 29 at Sri Venkateswara Kalyana Mandapam (Varada Muthiappan Street) as the Suncoovari hall is being renovated. It will also finally leave the city on September 10.

N.V.R. SWAMY

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