Table of Contents
ToggleBrahmotsavams
Once a year, the Brahmotsavams are celebrated to Lord Venkateswara. In the procession, the Lord takes a majestically reclined posture on the various ‘vahanams’ (this page is dedicated to Sarva Bhupala Vahanam).
‘Padakavita Pitamaha’ Annamacharya eulogizes Lord Venkateswara as ‘Tiruveedullo merese Devadevudu,’ and ‘Naanaadikkula Narulella vaanalalone vatturu.’ Lord Brahma initiates the ‘utsavams’ following the command of Lord Venkateswara.
So these ‘utsavs’ are called ‘Salakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavams.’ These ‘utsavams’ will be celebrated for ten days.
Sarva Bhupala Vahanam
On the fourth night of the Brahmotsavam, Lord Sri Malayappa Swamy accompanied by His two consorts Sri Devi and Bhoomi Devi gives a grand ‘darshan’ in a glittering gold ‘mandapam.’ The Lord, The sovereign Ruler of the Universe gives ‘darshan’ with the eight Dikpalakas, the Navagrahas, and all Devatas worshipping at His feet.
The Lord is decked up in the ‘Kaaliya Mardhanam’ pose.
Swamy Appearing as Krishna Punishing the Evil
On the fourth night of the Brahmotsavas, Malayappa Swamy goes in procession, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi. This is a golden Mandapa.
At night, amidst the glitter of electric lamps, the Lord appears to the devotees with both his consorts.
Venkateswara has at his footrest, the glitter of the precious stones of the crowns of all the kings and emperors. As he is the Lord of all these, the rulers from the East to the West and Rameswaram to the Himalayas take part in the festival as carriers or vahanas.
Sri Venkateswara - Lord of all the rulers
The kings are the saviors and rulers of the people.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy is the savior of the people and the rulers as well. So, today all the rulers serve the Lord in the form of vahana. “O devotees! Make your hearts the Lord’s Car, serve him, and attain Salvation,” they preach to the devotees.
On the Sarva Bhupala Vahana, Venkateswara appears as Krishna punishing the evil one, crushing Kaliya serpent.
With tons of flowers
Throughout the ‘utsavam’ on all days, the entire temple, the Mada Veedhis, the Vahana Mandapam, and the Swamy Pushkarini are decorated with tons of flowers and festive lights. The lighting almost transforms night into day the ‘vahanas’ in the night appear much more radiant and dazzling in the dark. Every day the Lord listens to the chanting of the Vedas and Dravida Vedas (Divya Prabhandas) with Tirumalai Kelviappan Pedda Jeeyar and Chinna Jeeyar Swamies at the forefront leading the scholars.
Eminent musicians are brought to play ‘nadhaswaram’, clarinet, drums, and devotees sing and dance in large groups before the Lord expressing their joy. The procession with the Brahma Radham in the front comprises of decked-up elephants, horses, and oxen.
Many groups of devotees register with the TTD to participate in the ‘Srivari Seva’ activities in various capacities. With boundless enthusiasm and devotion, they dance, sing, and chant the holy names of the Lord in his presence. Huge quantities of divine 'prasadams' are offered to the Lord and distributed to the devotees.
The quantities of food items prepared at the Free Annadanam Complex are truly gigantic which is appropriate considering that the Lord of the Seven Hills was described as ‘Ulagam unda peruvayan’ by Nammalwar. Ancient, priceless exotic jewelry and many new additions like diamond crowns are worn by the Lord during the ‘utsavam’.
Snapana Tirumanjanam
Every year during Brahmotsavam, a special Snapana Tirumanjanam will be held at Ranganayakula Mandapam in Tirumala.
The processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swami along with Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi will be seated on a special platform and were offered the sacred bath with aromatic ingredients.
As part of this, some special decorations to match the occasion will stand as a special attraction every year. Apart from decorating the stage, with colourful flowers, orchids, fruits, creepers, the garlands that were offered to Sri Malayappa Swami remained unique.
The garlands made of Finger Millet (Ragi Mala), Green Pavitras and Coral malas which have also made their maiden way in Snapana Tirumanjanam in addition to Cardomom, Cuscus, Grapes, Tulasi garlands etc.
It is not only the Desi cereals, fruits, flowers, spices that sanctify their lives in the divine service, but also the apples, Grapes, Pears, Mangoes and Cherries that sailed all their way travelling thousands of kilometres from their homelands to bliss their lives in the service of Universal Lord, Sri Venkateswara.
