Samatha Kumbh 2026 Day 9 feb 7

‘Acharya Varivasya’ Perumal of 108 Divya Desams Felicitate Bhagavad Ramanuja

On February 7, 2026 after the completion of Poornahuthi at Yagashala, Perumal of 108 Divya Desams paid their respects (Maryada) to Golden Ramanuja. This is called ‘Acharya Varivasya’. Varivasya means worship. Bhagawad Ramanuja was Acharya to Bhagawan too. Sri Sathari, garland, sheshavastram from each of the 108 divyadesams were brought with traditional band playing instrumental music in a procession and offered to Bhagawad Ramanuja. Sri Swamiji offered these Felicitations to Ramanuja while making everyone recite the mantra of each Divya Desam.

As a representative of Sri Swamiji, Sri Gudimella Venugopala Swami presented Sambhavana to 108 Divya Desams through priests on behalf of Bhagawad Ramanuja. Perumal of Divya Saketam also sent his felicitation to Sri Ramanuja. Sri Swamiji explained the significance of the event to all the devotees.

Theppotsavam

On February 7, 2026 evening, a grand Theppotsavam of Perumal was organised. On the direction of Dr Jupally Rameswara Rao, his brother Sri Jupally Jagapathi Rao got constructed a new and very spacious Koneru (sacred tank). It reflected the commitment and expertise of Sri Jagapathi Rao. In the first Samatha Kumbh, a swan shaped float was prepared for the Perumal, second year it was fish (Matsya) shaped, Third year it was lotus shaped. This year the float was in tortoise (Kurma) shape. Sri Sangareddy Varadacharya swami, an alumni of Sri Swamiji’s Agama Pathasala, has been preparing these floats every year. Perumal was seated on the tortoise shaped float. The Lord of Ksheerasagara, Bhudevi, Adisesha and Varuna were invoked to adorn the boat.

Sri Prashna Samhita in 40th chapter explains Theppotsavam as ‘Plavotsavam’.

Elaborate arrangements were made by volunteers for the devotees to witness the ceremony. Sri Swamiji, Ahobila Jeeyar Swami, Devanatha Jeeyar Swami, Dr Rameswara Rao, Vice Chancellor of Telugu University Sri Nityananda Rao graced the ceremony. Sri Swamiji inaugurated the celebration by breaking a coconut and offering Harathi. Under the stewardship of Sri Raghudatta Swami the turtle shaped boat started its sojourn. Sri Swamiji in His discourse explained the significance and symbolism of a tortoise. Tortoise teaches us that by walking carefully and slowly one could reach the destination properly, and also how to save ones limbs when faced with adversity. Vice Chancellor Sri Nityananda Rao profusely praised the social and spiritual services being rendered by Sri Swamiji. Devotees and students enjoyed the bliss of watching Perumal taking a boat ride with royal splendour in Theppotsavam.

Arrangements for distribution of Prasadam were made at the venue itself. After Perumal joyfully completed the boat ride, Sri Swamiji gave Mangalasasanams to all. It was an exemplary programme in the Samatha Kumbh.