Marking the commencement of the festival, the high priests amid the chanting of vedic hymns hoisted the traditional 'Garuda Flag' atop the sacred golden 'Dwajasthambham' in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The Brahmotsavam has been celebrated at the shrine for the last thousand years, temple sources said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosiah also participated in the flag hoisting ceremony and later offered a pair of new silk clothes to the shrine on behalf of the government. Tight security has been put in place for the festival which attracts over a million devotees from all over the country and abroad, temple sources said.
Published 21 September 2009, 15:24 IST