Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan completed his 11-day Prayaschit Deeksha (atonement ritual) at Tirumala today, marking the conclusion of a solemn period of reflection and purification. Kalyan had initiated the Deeksha on 22nd September following allegations that contaminated ghee, including substances like pig fat, had been used in the preparation of the renowned Srivari Laddu prasadam at the Tirumala temple. Deeply disturbed by the controversy, the Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader began the atonement process as a commitment to protect Sanatana Dharma and seek divine intervention.
Arrival and Rituals at Tirumala
Pawan Kalyan arrived at Tirumala on Tuesday night, ascending the 3,550 stairs of the Alipiri staircase on foot, all while chanting the name of Lord Govinda. His pilgrimage to the temple was part of his Deeksha, which he initiated after learning about the Srivari Laddu controversy. On Wednesday morning, during the VIP break darshan, Pawan Kalyan, accompanied by his daughters Adya Konidela and Palina Anjani Konidela, offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
#WATCH | Tirupati: Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan undertook Tirumala padayatra from Padmavati Guest House to Alipiri footsteps today. pic.twitter.com/YoNWEC2KNE
— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024
Following the darshan, Pawan Kalyan visited the Anna Prasadam complex at Tirumala, where he partook in a meal with fellow devotees and spoke with officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The TTD shared details of his visit on their social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Honorable Deputy CM Sri K. Pawan Kalyan offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala. He received Vedaseervachanam from the Veda Parayanamdars and Theertha Prasadam from the TTD Additional EO. Later, he partook in Annaprasadam at the Matrushri Tharigonda Vengamamba Annadana Bhavan.”
Special Pujas and the Varahi Declaration
The Jana Sena leader performed special pujas, during which he placed the Varahi Declaration at the feet of Lord Venkateswara. The Varahi Declaration symbolizes his commitment to preserving Sanatana Dharma amid what his party describes as recent challenges to its sanctity. Vedic scholars at the temple blessed Pawan Kalyan in the Sri Ranganayakula Mandapam and presented him with teertha prasadam, along with a sacred picture of Swami.
DEPUTY CM AP VISITS TIRUMALA
Honorable Deputy CM Sri K. Pawan Kalyan offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala. He received Vedaseervachanam from the Veda Parayanamdars and Theertha Prasadam from the TTD Additional EO. pic.twitter.com/69kQ7b8Fdn
— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) October 2, 2024
The Jana Sena Party said in a statement, “The Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Kalyan, who undertook the initiation for the preservation of Sanatana Dharma, visited Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy on Wednesday and ended the initiation. As part of his 11-day-long initiation, it is known that he took the responsibility of protecting Sanatana Dharma in the background of some recent developments.”
Overview of the Atonement
Pawan Kalyan’s Prayaschit Deeksha began on 22nd September with a puja at the Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy temple in Nambur, Guntur district. Throughout the Deeksha, he sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara Swamy to gain strength to combat what he perceives as the sins committed by the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government, particularly concerning the controversy surrounding the Tirupati Laddu prasadam. After his darshan and Annaprasadam meal, Pawan Kalyan concluded his Deeksha and is set to attend the Varahi Sabha in Tirupati on Thursday.
His commitment to this cause has resonated with his supporters and followers, particularly those who share concerns about preserving religious purity and upholding the principles of Sanatana Dharma.
