Sri Stambha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Billur
Festival Sevas
Vykunta Ekadasi
This day is celebrated to honor Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on this day, the celestial gate to Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu, is opened. Devotees fast and perform special prayers to attain salvation and divine blessings.
Ugadi
Ugadi marks the beginning of the new year for people of the Deccan region of India. It is a festival of new beginnings, hope, and prosperity. Special pujas are performed to welcome the new year with optimism, seeking blessings for a good harvest and a prosperous year ahead.
Srirama Navami
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The day is observed with great devotion, with devotees fasting and reciting the Ramayana. The celebrations include processions, special prayers, and the ritual of ‘Sita Rama Kalyanam’
Sri Krishna Janmastami
Janmastami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Devotees celebrate by fasting, singing bhajans, and decorating their homes with elaborate cradles for baby Krishna. Temples host special pujas and “dahi handi” events, recreating Krishna’s playful childhood. The festival signifies the advent of divine love, joy, and the victory of good over evil.
Maha Sivarathri
Maha Sivarathri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrating the convergence of Shiva and Parvati. It’s considered an auspicious night for spiritual awakening. Devotees observe a day-long fast, perform Abhishekams (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Lingam, chant mantras, and stay awake all night in prayer and meditation. The festival highlights devotion, penance, and the destructive yet regenerative power of Shiva.
Narasimha Jayanthi and Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam
Narasimha Jayanthi celebrates the appearance of Lord Narasimha, the half-lion, half-human avatar of Vishnu, who manifested to protect his devotee Prahlada and vanquish the demon Hiranyakashipu. Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam is the symbolic marriage of Lord Narasimha with Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and spiritual union.
Varamahalakshmi Vratam (Saamoohika)
Varamahalakshmi Vratam is an important festival observed by married women, primarily in South India, to propitiate Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness. “Saamoohika” indicates a collective observance, where many women gather to perform the vratam together. Devotees fast and offer prayers, sweets, and flowers, seeking blessings for their families’ well-being, longevity of their husbands, and overall prosperity.
Sri Padmavathi Venkateswarula Kalyanam
Sri Padmavathi Venkateswarula Kalyanam is the celestial wedding of Lord Venkateswara (a form of Vishnu) and Goddess Padmavathi. This grand ceremony is a significant event, particularly at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, symbolizing the sacred union of the divine couple. Devotees believe that witnessing or participating in this Kalyanam brings immense blessings, prosperity, and spiritual merit. It represents divine love, devotion, and the promise of salvation.
Hanuma Jayanthi
Hanuma Jayanthi celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and a symbol of strength, devotion, and selfless service. On this day, devotees visit Hanuman temples, offer prayers, chant the Hanuman Chalisa, and perform pujas to seek his blessings. The festival inspires courage, devotion, and the overcoming of obstacles. Many fast and engage in spiritual activities, remembering Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty and immense power.