VONTIMITTA (KADAPA DT): The sacred Darbha Mat and Rope were offered ceremoniously on Wednesday at Sri Kodanda Ramalayam in Vontimitta of Kadapa district, which will be used for Dhwajarohanam on March 27. The TTD Forest officials handed over the holy grass and rope to the Vontimitta temple officials.
Significance: This 22-foot-long, 7.5-foot-wide Darbha mat (weighing around 60kg) and a 225-meter rope, crafted by TTD forest staff, are usually used annually for the Dhwajarohanam ceremony.
This “Vishnu Darbha” (Desmostachya bipinnata), is purified, dried and wrapped around the Dhwajasthambham (temple flag pole) while the rope is used for hoisting the Garuda flag during Dhwajarohanam, signalling the start of the Brahmotsavams.
This holy grass is known for its purity and antimicrobial properties.
Preparation: TTD forest staff collect the grass from Chelluru village near Yerpedu, dry it for a week, and craft the materials for about a month with utmost devotion and dedication.
TTD In-charge DFO Siva Kumar, DFO Vijay Kumar, DyEO Prasanthi and other temple staff were present.
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