The "
Vaikhanasa Agama" exists in two parts.
The first part deals with rituals that are performed in the temple and to the presiding
deity. The second part deals with purification ceremonies that a priest must undergo
in order to qualify to serve in the temple.
"Vaikhanasa Agama" was written by Sage Vikhanasa,
is considered as one among four main "Vaishnava agamas". Mareechi, Bhrigu, Kashyapa
and Atri, the four disciples of Sage Vikhanasa spread the essence of Vaikhanasa
Agama across the world.
The daily, weekly, monthly and annual arjitha sevas or festivals that are performed
in the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala are as per the recommendations
of Vaikhanasa Agama since several centuries.
The Vaikhanasa Agama recommends six times puja a day viz. Prathyusham which promotes
the development of healthy population, Pratahkala that promotes Japa and Homa, Madhyahna
in the promotion of the kingdom, Aparahna that brings about the destruction of evil
doers, Sayankala which leads to greater and increased agricultural production and
Nisi aradhana that develops the cattle population. As it is not always possible
to perform six pujas a day in a temple, the same agama also recommends minimum one
puja.