TTD: 1000-year-old Rama idol’s finger repaired

Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams authorities has repaired one of the fingers of an ancient Lord Rama idol, which is believed to be 1,000 years old. According to an official, the finger on the idol’s left hand suffered a minor fracture in 2021 during a fair of Lord Rama and the authorities tried to cover it temporarily with a golden shield.

According to sources, the idol was found atop a hill and is believed to be very ancient, nearly a millennium old. According to the tradition at Tirumala, repairs of damaged idols is taken up once in 12 years and the next drive is in 2030.

“Since there are more than five years left, a committee consisting of jeeyar swamijis, agama advisors and priests recently brought it to the attention of the higher authorities during the recent meetings on the eve of annual Brahmotsavams in Tirumala. The authorities requested the committee members to organise a Samprokshana (ritualistic repair) programme.”

As part of the rituals held at Sampangi Prakaram inside the temple a couple of days ago, Kalapakarshana, Bimba vastu, Mahashanti Tirumanjanam and Sayanadhivasam rituals were performed as per the tenets of Vaikhanasa agama. On the next day, rituals such as a special homam, followed by purnahuti and kalavahanam were performed.

Further, the TTD officials also decided to organise Sri Rama ”Anguli Sandhana Samprokshana” programme in Tirumala temple on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to correct minor damages to idols.