Thousands trek for Tumburu Mukkoti

The Tirumala forests reverberated with the chanting of Govinda namam as thousands of devotees thronged the Tumburu Theertham (sacred water body) situated along the Seshachalam ranges about seven kilometres from the hill shrine.

Tens of thousands of devotees from different parts of the State and Tamil Nadu embarked on the spiritual journey braving the ordeals one is subjected to while trekking the treacherous, tedious hilly terrains leading to the holy water body.

Though the Mukkoti festival was on Saturday, thousands of devotees converged at the Theertham the previous night with a wish to take a holy dip under the sacred water falls during the Pournami (full moon) hours.

Pilgrim facilities

The TTD distributed water and buttermilk sachets to the trekking pilgrims. Temporary sheds to facilitate the devotees have their lunch and rest for a while were set up along the route, which was also dotted with police pickets. Two ambulances and para-medical staff were also stationed at the Papavinasanam dam. Meanwhile, according to the reports reaching late in the evening, a youth believed to be from Karnataka reportedly died while on his way back from the Theertham.