Category: Brahmotsavam

Once a year, the Brahmotsavams are celebrated, In the procession, the Lord takes a majestically reclined posture on the various ‘vahanams’

Chandra Prabha Vahanam 2018

Chandra Prabha Vahanam 2018

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Chandra Prabha Vahanam

There is one ceremony or the other almost daily for Lord Venkateswara manifest on Tirumala.

Different ceremonies are conducted on a grand scale for the Lord with different time frames— daily, fortnightly, monthly, and yearly. Of them, special mention may be made of annual Brahmotsavas.

Devotees go on raptures witnessing the Lord on different carriages and earnestly wait for the earliest opportunity to visit them. Brahmotsavas are conducted twice this year much to their jubilation.

Because of the addition of one month as per the Telugu Calendar, two categories of Brahmotsavas are conducted this year, namely—Salakatla and Navaratri (nine-day).

Chandra Prabha Vahanam

Handsome Lord on the King of Stars

On the seventh day of Brahmotsavas, Lord Malayappa Swami goes on a procession in the Lunar carriage (Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva) in the cool night. Lord Srikrishna proclaims in the Bhagavad Gita: “I am the Moon among the stars” (“Nakshatraana Maham Sashee”).

Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva

According to Purusha Sukta, the Moon is born of God’s mind. While the Sun lights up the day, the Moon lights up the night. The Moon shines with the aid of the Sunlight. With its immortal cool rays, it causes delight. Similarly, the Lord on the Moon carriage also offers a pleasant sight.

Rathotsavam - Car Festival 2018

Rathotsavam – Car Festival 2018

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Rathotsavam

There is one ceremony or the other almost daily for Lord Venkateswara manifest on Tirumala.

Different ceremonies are conducted on a grand scale for the Lord with different time frames— daily, fortnightly, monthly, and yearly. Of them, special mention may be made of annual Brahmotsavas.

Devotees go on raptures witnessing the Lord on different carriages and earnestly wait for the earliest opportunity to visit them. Brahmotsavas are conducted twice this year much to their jubilation.

Because of the addition of one month as per the Telugu Calendar, two categories of Brahmotsavas are conducted this year, namely—Salakatla and Navaratri (nine-day).

Rathotsavam 2018
Malayappa Swamy Varu along with his consorts – Sri Devi and Bhu Devi

Divine Chariot Fulfilling Desires

On the eighth day morning of the Brahmotsavas, Malayappa Swami along with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi goes on a procession in the Chariot (wooden chariot) – Rathotsavam which is high like the Meru mountain.

What is special about this is the devotees themselves drag the chariot taking the reins, because it is believed that the sight of the Lord on the chariot will cut the chain of births. The car festival has a unique philosophical knowledge to offer. Kathopanishat aptly compares the relationship between the soul and the body to the chariot tour.

The body is the chariot. Sensibility is the charioteer.

Rathotsavam 2018
Rathotsavam
  • A mind is the reins.
  • Senses are the horses.
  • Sensual pleasures are the paths trodden.
  • Soul, an aspect of the Supreme Soul within, is the master of the chariot.

This simile teaches us by implication that one should restrain the senses through the reins of mind, let the body-chariot go on the right track led by the sensibility-charioteer, and recognize the Supreme Soul through the embodied soul, the master of the chariot and attain redemption by serving Him.

It also suggests that there won’t be any difficulty even if the track is up and down provided the wheels of the chariot are properly fixed and the devotion, i.e. the mind-chariot is unswerving.

Aswa Vahana Seva 2018

Aswa Vahana Seva 2018

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There is one ceremony or the other almost daily for Lord Venkateswara manifest on Tirumala.

Different ceremonies are conducted on a grand scale for the Lord with different time frames— daily, fortnightly, monthly, and yearly. Of them, special mention may be made of annual Brahmotsavas.

Devotees go on raptures witnessing the Lord on different carriages and earnestly wait for the earliest opportunity to visit them. Brahmotsavas are conducted twice this year much to their jubilation.

Because of the addition of one month as per the Telugu Calendar, two categories of Brahmotsavas are conducted this year, namely—Salakatla and Navaratri (nine-day).

Aswa Vahana Seva

On the eighth day evening of Brahmotsavas, the Lord goes for a ride on the Horse carriage (Aswa Vahana Seva). The purpose of this ceremony is that Lord Srinivasa incarnates as Kalki on a horse at the end of Kaliyuga to punish evil and protect the good.

Aswa Vahanam

BRAHMOTSAVAMS IN TIRUMALA

BRAHMOTSAVAMS IN TIRUMALA

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“Venkatadri Samam sthanam Brahmande Nasthi Kinchana”

Annual Brahmotsavams

There is no sacred place in the Brahmanda like ‘Venkatadri’. Out of all pilgrim centers throughout the world, ‘Venkatadri’ is being considered as a unique place. Since the advent of Lord Venkateswara as ‘Swayambhu’ in Tirumala, the ‘Annual Brahmotsavams’ are being celebrated for nine days in the month of ‘Aswiyuja’ in a celestial manner.

Salakatla Brahmotsavams

But, according to Chandramana, the adhika Masam comes once in three years. Because of this, the first (Annual) Brahmotsavams to Srivaru was held in Kanya/ Bhadrapada masa, as per the arrangement made by Lord Brahma called ‘Salakatla Brahmotsavams’.

Navaratri Brahmotsavams

The second Brahmotsavams ‘Navaratri Brahmotsavams’ would be conducted in Aswiyuja masa.

  • Accordingly, the first (Annual) Brahmotsavams to Srivaru starts in Kanya / Bhadrapada Masam.
  • The second Brahmotsavam would be celebrated in the month of ‘Aswiyuja’.

The difference between these two Brahmotsavams is there would be no ‘Ankurarpana’, ‘Dwajarohanam’, and ‘Dwaja Avarohanam’ in the Navaratri (Second) Brahmotsavam.

Besides these two (Salakatla and Navaratri) Brahmotsavams, this year in September, the other festivals like

  • Sri Krishnastami,
  • Gokulastami,
  • Adi Varaha Jayanthi,
  • Vamana Jayanthi,
  • Balarama Jayanthi,
  • Sri Krishna Jayanthi and
  • Ananta Padmanabha Swami Vratam will appear.

Another important festival is ‘Vinayaka Chavithi’. Lord Ganesha is called ‘Adideva(remover of obstacles)’. He is always worshipped before performing any type of pooja or vratam. Let us worship all these gods and get their blessings. The Lord of the Seven Hills is the sole deity, who gives protection to all of us.

 

Brahmotsavams 2018
Kalpavriksha Vahanam – Annual Brahmotsavams 2018

 

During the auspicious days of the Brahmotsavams, Lord Venkateswara gives us his splendorous ‘darshan’, while he goes in processions on many beautifully decorated ‘Vahanas’ with multiple ornaments and garlands. It is an eye-feast to the visiting pilgrims.

Devotees for Garuda Seva
Devotees waiting for the procession of Garuda Seva which usually starts @ 7 PM

 

This spiritual atmosphere creates bliss in the hearts of innumerable devotees. He is the only god on this earth, who can eradicate all kinds of difficulties in ‘Kali Yuga’. It is simply sufficient to participate in the holy celebrations of Lord Venkateswara with devotional and spiritual zeal.

When we chant the auspicious name ‘Govinda’, our wishes will be fulfilled. The sins that belong to our previous births also would be washed away. When we go a step forward to visit our Lord, he comes forward with ten steps to bless us.

Golden Chariot

During the Brahmotsavams one should maintain Cleanliness, Tilaka dharana, wear traditional dress, and entreat the famous Lord as ‘Nitya Kalyana Chakravarthy’.

He grants knowledge, prosperity, the power of the mind, courage, and fortitude to his devotees for the sake of the welfare of society.

Let us have the sublime ‘darshan’ of our Lord of the Seven Hills during the Brahmotsavams and get ourselves blessed with his abundant magnificence and splendor.

Importance of Brahmotsavams

Importance of Brahmotsavams

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Brahmotsavam

God Srinivasa was the cynosure of every eye, strolling on the streets of Tirumala with Sridevi and Bhudevi.

  • One day he would ride a horse, comparable to Ucchaisrava,
  • on another on an elephant like Airavata,
  • on yet another day Adisesha or Garuda, the personification of the Vedas.

He showered his blessings on all the devotees, both human and divine, who went there to witness the great festival.

The services of the cars (Vahanas) were preceded by a melodious rendition of songs by the Gandharvas to the accompaniment of strung as well as percussion instruments.

  • Apsaras danced to the tune of instruments.
  • Vandi and Magadha sang in praise of Srinivasa.
  • Rich devotees offered food and clothes to the pilgrims.
  • To the learned and deserving, they gifted gold and houses.

“Srinivasotsavadinam punyam papapranasanam” – “The day of Srinivasa’s festival dispels sins and showers blessings on all” – so saying, the pilgrims praised Brahma who organized the festival. God Srinivasa said to Brahma who organized a grand festival with chariots twice a day and food (naivedyam) thrice a day, “Brahma, your wish is fulfilled. I am pleased.

This festival will hereafter be known as Brahmotsavam. All those who witness the Rathotsava organized by you will easily cross the insurmountable ocean of ‘samsara’ and will be blessed, and liberated from the cycle of birth and death. I will protect them all with my mercy. As they believe, so shall they be blessed”.

Srinivasa asked Brahma to wish for a boon

“Those who earnestly offer food, clothes, money, houses or utensils to the deserving and the devotees during the yajna called Brahmotsava (ut + sava = utsava) will be blessed and will prosper in life with riches and happiness”. So saying, Srinivasa asked Brahma to wish for a boon.

Brahma saluted Srinivasa and prayed to him, ”O God, please stay here on this Venkatachala so that all may witness you. Allow a festival like this, to be celebrated, annually. Protect everyone with your mercy, showering boons and blessings on all.

Grant me this, my wish”. Srinivasa consented and granted him the boon. “Brahma, I will stay on Venkatadri as you wish, appear to the people and protect them all with my mercy, confer on their prosperity and happiness”.

Srinivasa – Boon – Giver

True to his word, Srinivasa (Venkateswara), the boon – giver will stay until the epoch of Kali (Kaliyuga), till the end of the Sweta Varaha Kalpa on Venkatadri. In recognition of the great deed of Brahma in arranging for the festivities (for the bliss of the world) of Srimannarayana who incarnated himself for the worship of people at the request of Brahma, the Venkateswara Ashtottaranama Stotra has a reference to Brahma,

“Om Brahma kritotsavaya Sri Venkatesaya Namah” (49) – “salutations to Sri Venkateswara who has accepted the celebrations arranged by Brahma”. Brahma is a blessed soul.

Venkatachalapathi  – fulfilling all their wishes

All the gods, saints, and people who came to see the great celebrations in honor of Srinivasa, conducted by Brahma, felt happy that they could see to their eyes content, Venkatachalapathi who has the power to fulfill all their wishes, washing away all their sins and conferring blessings on them all, thanks to the penance, good deeds or austerities performed in their past lives, maybe.

So saying, they bade farewell to Srinivasa and returned to their abodes with the Lord’s permission.

Click here to know more about Brahmotsavams

Brahmotsavam - Nine day Festival

Brahmotsavam – Nine day Festival

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Navamam Navaratnamcha Brahma cha Kamalasanah
NidhiGrahascha Khandamcha Randhro Bhavascha Labdhakah

  1. Navamam,
  2. Navaratnam,
  3. Brahma,
  4. Kamalasana,
  5. Nidhih,
  6. Grahah,
  7. Khanda,
  8. Randhra,
  9. Bhava and Labdhakah-these ten are the names of number nine.

In the Dictionary of Symbols, the name Brahma indicates nine Brahmas and thereby, the number nine. The festival celebrated by Brahma in the name of Sri Venkateswara went on for nine days, from Dhwajarohana to Dhwajavarohana.

So the name of Brahmotsavam is appropriate for the grand festival that goes on for nine days.

Three more Brahmotsavams

Besides the annual Brahmotsava, there are three more Brahmotsavams that take a day each-Arsha on Rathasaptami, Rakshasa on Kaisika Dwadasi, and Daivika on Mukkoti Ekadasi, all of which are celebrated in Tirumala.

Gods were invited

All the gods were invited to the grand festival celebrated by Brahma for Lord Venkateswara. Indra and the other Lords of the Directions (dikpalas) visited Venkatadri on their chariots.

All the royal devotees in India followed suit, with pious intentions. Devotees and the commoners from all parts of the country reached Venkatadri, repeatedly chanting the sacred name of Govinda.

Lord Srinivasa whom even the best of yogis might not witness, manifested himself in person, out of love for all the living creation. Brahma invited Viswakarma, the doyen among sculptors and made him build in and around the hill, keeping in view, gods and human beings, guest houses, choultries, and shelters for cool water for all.

He arranged all amenities for all the invitees, guests and devotees. All those who came to take part in the festival said in praise of Brahma:

Angeechakara vidhina nirmitancha mahotsavam
Utsave darsanam punyam Srinivasasya Sarnginah

“Srinivasa gave his consent for the celebration. Brahma is performing the same very well indeed. During the festive days, it is a blessing to visit Srinivasa, holding a bow”.

Mada Streets during Brahmotsavams

All the streets around the temple of Tirumala were beautifully decorated with flags, gem-studded festoons, flower garlands, and plantain trees. The sages performed homas with Vedic chants in enclaves and got up for the yajna.

Brahma decorated Srinivasa with gorgeous ornaments offered by Kubera and offered special services.

He offered six kinds of prasada made of rice treated with dal and mixed with ghee-gudanna, mudganna, madhuranna, dadhyanna, besides tilapupa, mashapupa, manohara and modaka along with fruits of several varieties and delicious ambrosia – like curries specially prepared for the occasion on a massive scale.

Definition of Brahmotsavam

Definition of Brahmotsavam

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Brahmotsavam

Brahma the creator, with the sun then transiting Virgo (Kanya), the month of Aswayuja as per the Chandramana (the Lunar Calender), fixing Avabhritha (Chakrasnana or the holy dip of the disc) in star sravana, the star of Srimannarayana’s incarnation, having invited divine sages like Vaikhanasa, Bhrigu, and Maricha, as its priests (ritviks), on Suklapaksha vidiya in Hastha nakshathra, with a preceding Dhwajarohana, celebrated the great festival for nine days.

That was the foundation of today’s Brahmotsava.

To prove this and to remind us of the festive day and Sravana, the star of the nativity of the incarnation of Sri Venkateswara, the festival initiated by Brahma, is being celebrated even to date, fixing the Avabritha on a day with star Sravana in the month of Kanya.

Tarigonda Vengamamba describes the details of Brahmotsava in her Venkatachala Mahatmyam, (2-120) thus:

When the Sun transits Virgo and the star is Chitta, Dhwajarohana;
when the star is Uttarashadha, Rathotsava (the car festival); and
when the star is Sravana, Chakrasnana must be performed.

As per the Vedic saying “ritagam satyam parabrahma, ekameva adwitiyam Brahma, Narayanam parabrahma” the Para Brahman is no other than the one who is called Narayana.

The Brahmotsavam is the great festival performed for that para brahman. As this festival is initiated by Brahma, it is called Brahmotsavam.

To show that even to date the Brahmotsavas of Lord Venkateswara is performed under the leadership of Brahma, the chariots either during the day or night, follow a small chariot, gorgeously decorated, the Brahmaratha. Brahma of no shape, no guna, ascends and conducts the festival.

But on the day of Rathotsava, there will be no Brahmaratha in front as Sri Venkateswara is the adorable incarnation of para Brahman.

So on the day of the car festival of the Lord, Brahma himself takes part as the charioteer and invisible to others, holds the reins and drives the chariot of Lord Venkateswara.

Making of Umbrellas for Garuda Seva

Making of Umbrellas for Garuda Seva

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Making of Umbrellas

The celebration of offering umbrellas on the day of Garudotsavam has been in practice for over 180 years. This worship was started by Sri Venkata Krishnamma Setty. It has been in practice traditionally for a long time. For the preparation of umbrellas, nearly a month’s duration is required.

Usually, before two months, the process of the divine work takes its initial startup. One auspicious day is fixed during the fortnight of ‘Ashada Amavasya’ and ‘Purnima’. The material used is well-grown bamboo reapers which are to be worshipped before the making of the umbrellas.

During the making of the umbrellas, the part of the tree trunk is used to make the long post and above that, a ‘kalasa’ is placed. Bamboo reapers, silk cloth and white cloth are woven above the kalasa.

Umbrellas - Brahmotsavams

WoodWork – Bamboo- Silk – Cloth

Different parts of the umbrellas are made in different areas like Woodwork will be taken up in Chennai. The bamboo work will be done in Kanchi and the ornamental silk work will be done in Chintadripeta in Chennai.

Firstly, silk cloth is used inside the umbrella. Above that, Qualitative ‘tracade’ cloth will be used. It is then wrapped in White ‘drill’ cloth. Ornamental ‘kuchu’ designs are decorated around the umbrella.

A white cloth would be placed as a cover on the three types of cloth to protect the shining of the umbrellas during the times of procession. As soon as the umbrellas reach Tirumala, the umbrellas will be unveiled by removing the outer protecting cover. They appear radiantly to the onlookers during the procession.

The ‘kalasalu’ which were arranged above the umbrella and based below the stem of the umbrella would be smeared with gold colour to protect its scintillating effect.

Procession of Umbrellas

Followed by a musical troupe, the umbrellas will be taken in a procession in the streets of Chennapattanam. During this, the devotees offer incense, lights, ‘haarati’ and ‘naivedyam’ to the Lord.

The umbrellas reach the ‘Kalyanamandapam’ located on Kandapu Setty Street in Chennai. The ‘mandapam’ was arranged by the then Mayor of Chennapuri Sri K. Sreeramulu.

It is a rule that the ‘mandapam’ was to be used when the umbrellas were offered gloriously. During those days, the devotees who enter the ‘mandapam’ feel excited, as if they were in the presence of the Lord of Seven Hills at Tirumala.

Umbrellas procession - Brahmotsavams
Procession of Umbrella on Four Mada Streets, Tirumala on eve of Brahmotsavams

Special Privilege

There is a special privilege in the making of these umbrellas. A costly silk cloth is woven for the ‘Moolamurthy’ of Tirumala. It will be kept on a glass shelf and worshipped there itself. Along with the new umbrellas, the devotees bring the cloth and reach Tirumala on foot on the day of Garuda Seva.

Lord Malayappa swami comes along with these newly prepared umbrellas on the Garuda Vahana in a procession at night. Later, the ‘Moolamurthy’ is decorated with valuable silk cloth.

If one visits and serves Lord Venkateswara on the day of Garuda Seva, which is renowned for ‘Kaimkaryam’ of umbrellas, the Almighty will bless the devotees with prosperity, peace and eternal bliss.

Offering of Umbrellas - Garuda Seva

Offering of Umbrellas – Garuda Seva

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Significance of Offering Umbrellas

Garuda Seva during annual Brahmotsvams at Tirumala is the most celebrated and significant seva, rendered to Lord Venkateswara in the form of (an archamurthi), who descended from ‘Vaikunta’ (Lord Mahavishnu) to protect the devotees from the sins and sufferings of Kaliyuga.

During the Garuda Seva, the most ceremonious thing is offering the new umbrellas to the Lord.

The umbrellas are of many kinds. Since time immemorial, man is accustomed for using umbrellas for some or other purpose. In ancient times, devotees used round umbrellas made of palm leaves, wild date leaves, and coconut leaves in rural areas.

In course of time, many kinds of umbrellas came into existence.

Garuda Seva with Umbrellas
Procession of Garuda Vahanam on Mada Streets with Celestial Umbrellas

A novel thought came to the mind of man that the deities also should enjoy them.

The functions of the deities were being performed like that of the birthday, marriage, ceremonial processions etc. with the auspicious, beautiful, royal and superb presence of umbrellas.

Later to make it more attractive, they started preparing them in brass, silver and in gold and offered them to the deities. This became a part of temple ritual in due course of time.

Worship of Offering New Umbrellas

During the days of the annual Brahmotsavams, especially on the day of Garuda Seva, newly prepared and decorated umbrellas are being offered to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala every year.

The worship of offering umbrellas will be done particularly on that day only. It had been in practice for many years. In days of yore, the facilities to organize the tradition were very limited.

They used to bring the umbrellas putting them in the bullock-carts in the light of tapers on foot. It is significant to note that this tradition is being continued by Chettiars residing at Chennai even today.

Kalpavriksha Vahanam
Procession of Kalpavriksha Vahanam on Mada Streets with Celestial Umbrellas

During the ‘Sravanamasa’ in Chennai the glory of ceremonial umbrellas is presented as an eye-feast to the spectators every year. For the Lord of Seven Hills, every day is a day of celebration. It is called ‘Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Thoranam.’

Among all the ‘utsavams’ the most glorious and superb ‘utsavam’ is the annual Brahmotsavams held in ‘Sravana/Bhadrapada masa’. According to Puranas, the annual Brahmotsavams were first initiated by Lord Brahma.

During the annual Brahmotsavams, the fifth day ‘utsavam’ is Garudotsavam. It is also called Garuda Seva. On this special day, the devotees come in large numbers to see Lord Venkateswara in his gorgeous sitting posture on Garuda during the procession and
rejoice.

Four small umbrellas and two big umbrellas offered to the Lord every year. The making of these ceremonial umbrellas starts a month before Garuda Seva.