TTD shuts down holy bath in Pushkarini in Tirumala

Tirumala: The holy bath at Tirumala Srivari Pushkarini was closed on 18 March as part of the preventive measures in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. The TTD additional executive officer, A.V Dharma Reddy, announced that the Pushkarini has been closed from 12 noon on Wednesday over concerns that the waters might be polluted due to possible infection which could spread to other devotees.

The AEO said to compensate for that they had provided 18 showers for devotees that will bring water from the Pushkarini. He appealed to the people to consider using the showers instead of taking a holy bath. He said the premises are being cleaned every two hours with disinfectants to create a safe environment for the devotees.

The TTD cancelled all Arjita Sevas being performed at the Utasava Murthulu. Visheshapuja, Vastantotsavam, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Dolotsavam, Sahasra Kalasabhishekam, Kalyanotsavam, and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva have also been cancelled. Further, Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple in Srikalahasti also cancelled all Arjita Sevas in the temple, including Rahu Ketu Puja, Abhishekam, Chandi-Rudra Homa, Kalyanotsavam, and Saneeswara Swamy Abhishekam, from 19 to 31 March.

However, the holy activities being performed inside the temples of Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy and Gnana Prasunambika Devi will continue as usual.