Varaha Avatar – Varaha Jayanti 2024

Varaha Avatar – Varaha Jayanti

We all know that from time to time when evil strikes in various forms and the cosmos is thrown into disorder, Lord Vishnu comes to the rescue in various forms. Ten of these are considered primary avatars or manifestations. Among these is the Varaha avataram, the third of the avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Varaha Jayanti on 05.09.2024

The legend behind the Varaha ‘avataram’ is as follows: The demon king Hiranyaksha abducted Bhoomi Devi, the Mother Earth hid Her in the dark Rasatala region, the depths of the Cosmic Ocean, and nobody could trace her. There was no means of finding her except by the sense of smell. The distressed ‘munis’ approached Lord Brahma who went into deep meditation.

Varaha Kshetram - Saving Earth with Tusks

From His nostril emerged a tiny creature that soon expanded and was seen as a great white boar. This was the form chosen by Lord Vishnu as it has a highly developed sense of smell. Diving deep into the ocean, He was able to retrieve Bhoomi Devi. Placing her over his tusks, he gently brought her to safety.

In honour of this event, Varaha Jayanti is celebrated on the second day (Dwadashi tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon), in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar. Varaha Jayanti symbolizes the protection of dharma (righteousness) and the restoration of balance in the universe. It honours Lord Varaha’s intervention to protect the world from evil and is a reminder that the Divine ultimately triumphs over Evil.

One of the major Puranas was inspired by this incarnation. The Varaha Purana has, among other descriptions, a large portion dedicated to the conversation between Lord Varaha and Bhoomi Devi or Dharani, the Earth, held up by Him on His tusk. Bhoomi Devi asks a series of questions and Lord Varaha answers them.

They deal with the creation and destruction of the world and also how the world is sustained, and what constitutes the right conduct, correct behaviour and ultimate liberation from worldly existence.

A small conversation between the Lord and Goddess

There are many interesting points in this question-answer session. Bhoomi Devi asks if ‘this illustrious Narayana, the Supreme Soul and the Eternal, is God in all respects or not.’ To which Lord Varaha responds by listing the ten avatars and what they embody as the steps for those who wish to attain the vision of the Lord.

Varaha Avatar - Varaha Jayanti 2024

He spoke of the Earth as the first form of that God, with the other aspects being Water, Fire, Air and Ether (space), which we today are familiar with as the ‘Pancha Bhootas.’ The questions and answers are in great detail including the forms of worship, duties of different people, the greatness of different pilgrimage centres, thirthas and even what has to be done on a day-to-day basis.

The Varaha charama sloka has been described as perhaps the most beautiful of the three charama slokas, the verses of surrender that are integral to Vaishnavism.

Sthite manasi susvasthe shareere sati yo
narahaa dhaatusaamyesthite smartaa visvaroopam ca maamajam
tatas-tammriyamaanam tu kaashtaa paashaa na
sannibham ahamsmarami madbhaktam nayaami paramaam gatim.

“If anyone thinks of Me, when the mind is sound (Sthite manasi), with the body in good health (susvasthe shareere), and with all mental and physical faculties intact (dhaatusaamyesthite); if he thinks that I am indeed the very cause of this Universe or the form ‘Vishwaroopam’, that I am without birth (ajam) – then I assure you (Bhoomi devi), that I will remember this devotee of Mine, when he/she is on deathbed, lying like a stone or a log of wood, and personally take him/her to the supreme abode.”

The poet Kabir said ‘jo sukh mein sumiran kare, tho dukh kahe ko hoi’: if you worship when you are in comfortable conditions, why will there be sadness? He was reflecting on people who pray only when they are in difficulty. He was only saying what Lord Varaha told Bhoomi Devi – if a devotee worships Me when in good health and circumstances, then they don’t have to worry about their salvation when they are on their deathbed; ‘I will remember them and ensure they attain salvation’ is what the Lord has assured.

Sri Varaha Swami - AdiVarahaKshetram

Temples

Lord Varaha is worshipped in many temples around India. Some of the most famous temples are the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam, Adi Varaha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh, Bhuvaraha Swamy temple at Srimushnam and Nithyakalayana Perumal (Varaha) temple at Thiruvidanthai (near Chennai) in Tamil Nadu.

In many temples, the presence of an Adi Varaha shrine indicates that Lord Varaha was worshipped there from ancient times. In Tirumala, there is Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy temple located to the north of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

In fact, according to legend, Tirumala was originally called “Adivarahakshetra” and Bhuvaraha Swamy whose abode it was, granted Lord Venkateswara land to settle there. It is the custom for pilgrims to first pay obeisance to Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy before worshipping Lord Venkateswara.

On this Varaha Jayanti day, let us learn Sri Varaha Kavacham, and recite it regularly:

drishtvaa shvetavaraaham cha
maasamekam nayedyadi.
kaalamrityum vinirjitya shriyaa
paramayaa yutah (8)
aadhivyaadhivinirmukto
grahapeedaavivarjitah.
bhuktvaa bhogaananekaam’shcha
mokshamante vrajeddhruvam.(9)

Once a month worship the Varaha swami and His consort. Win over untimely death and be endowed with prosperity. Freedom from worry and disease and adverse impact of planets. Enjoy happiness and attain salvation.

Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam

Sri Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam at Tirumala

Celebrating the wedding of the Aadhi Dampathi (Divine couple) Sri Lakshmi and Lord Narayana is a great event celestial since time immemorial. Indeed in every marriage ceremony of humans, the Divine couple are invoked so that the human marriages have the blessings of the Lord and the Goddess.

The marriage of Lord Srinivasa and Sri Padmavathi took place at ‘Narayanavanam’ amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras by sages and was attended by all the celestial gods including Sri Parvathi, Parameswara, Brahma and others on an auspicious day. Akasa Raja called Brihaspati to fix the date of the marriage after discussing it with all his family members and ministers.

Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam / Srinivasa Parinayam / Padmavati Parinayam

They all gave their consent for the marriage to Lord Srinivasa, the son of Vakuladevi. Since the native star of Sri Padmavati is Margasirsha and Lord Srinivasa is Shravana the marriage was arranged at the conjunction of the two starts. Brihaspathi selected the uttaraphalguni day of the month of Vaisakha and the Lord became an idol along with Goddess Lakshmi as Vyuhalakshmi on His chest approx. after 52 years.

After Marriage

After His marriage with Padmavati, Lord Srinivasa moved towards Tirumala to make it His permanent abode till Kaliyuga ends to bless His devotees. Lord Venkateswara stayed for 6 months at a place on the advice of Agastya Muni. Agastya Muni wanted the newly married couple to stay near his penance grove on the Banks of the Swarnamukhi River.

Swarnamukhi River at Srikalahasti
Swarnamukhi River at Srikalahasti

It was a custom that newly married couples should not climb Hills at least for six months. So, they stayed in this place. The place where Lord Srinivasa and Sri Padmavati stayed now is called ‘Srinivasamangapuram’.

The grand celestial wedding conducted by Akasaraju for his daughter with Lord Srinivasa at Narayanavanam was a feast to the eyes of all those who attended the unforgettable event. The TTD on the request of a Bhakta started celebrating the parinayotsavam of Lord Srinivasa and Sri Padmavathi at Narayanagiri in the year 1992. The great wedding Day of the Divine couple was to get a glimpse of the marriage performed some centuries ago so that we the Bhaktas enjoy and experience it.

sri kalyana venkateswara swamy Temple, narayanavanam
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Narayanavanam

Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam – At Narayanagiri Gardens

This festival called ‘Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam’ is celebrated from April – May.  The Lord’s marriage took place in Narayanavanam and the TTD selected Narayanagiri a befitting place for the event in Tirumala. The Narayanagiri Gardens is the venue of the celestial wedding of Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavati. This three-day Annual festival is performed in the evening under the moonlight in the Parinayotsava Mandapam decorated artistically.

This three-day festival is conducted on Navami, Dasami and Ekadasi in the month of Visakha. Sri Malayappa Swami the processional deity of Lord Venkateswara arrives in the Gaja, Aswa and Garuda vahanams on each day and Sridevi and Bhudevi arrive on separate palanquins.

This Divine re-cap wedding ceremony takes place as per the Hindu orthodox tradition elaborately and interestingly in the beautiful garden with special decorations of the flora. Lord Malayappa Swami occupies the centre stage of the mandapam and His consorts are on the opposite side in a decorated place.

As per the tradition ‘Edurkolu’ receiving each other, Poola Banthulata (game of flower balls), and Vastradharanam (offering new clothes) are conducted.

Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam / Srinivasa Parinayam / Padmavati Parinayam

Padmavati Srinivasa Parinayam – 3 days

The same process will take place on all three days. At the end of this grand divine marriage, there will be a display of crackers. The most important of all the above will be the recitation of four Vedas by Vedic Pandits and the music programme by TTD Annamacharya project. After the above programme, Lord Malayappaswami and His consorts return to the temple as usual. Hence Vaisakha Sudha Dasami is the wedding Day of Lord Srinivasa and Padmavati.

The Kalyanotsavam which was celebrated in that (Brihaspathi’s) time is celebrated every year during April-May on that particular day in addition to the Nitya Kalyanotsavam of the Lord every day in Tirumala. The devotees attend in large numbers the wedding (parinayam / kalyanam) to seek the blessings of the Lord and His consorts.

Sriyah Kaantaaya Kalyaana
Nidhaye Nidhayertinaam
Sri Venkata Nivaasaaya
Srinivaasaaya Mangalam

Bhashyakara Utsavam

Bhashyakara Utsavam / Bhashyakara Jayantotsavams / Bhashyakara Arudranakshatrotsavams

The celebrations of Bhashyakara are being organized grandly, especially ten days before Arudra star during Mesha masa i.e., Vaisakhamasa every year. During these ten days, after completing Lord Sahasra Venkateswara’s deepalankarana Seva, Bhagavad Ramanuja on his own ‘Peetham’ moves along the mada streets of Tirumala facing Sri Malayappa Swami in a procession. After the procession, ‘Asthanam’ will be held in the presence of ‘Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu.’

Bhashyakara Utsavam or BHASYAKARULA UTSAVAM

 

Later, Naivedyam’ will be offered. After ‘Nalvedyam’ the garlands worn by Srivaru will be offered to Bhashyakarulu. Later, Srivari ‘Harati’ will be given to Sri Ramanuja. This ‘Harati’ is called ‘Sesha Harati’. After the routine rituals L.e., ‘Sethaarl Maryadalu’, done to Ramanuja Moola Murti and Utsava Murties, prasadam will be distributed among the devotees. The Arudra nakshatrotsavam or Bhasha kara jayantyutsavam will come to an end when Srivaru enters the Anandanilayam.

Based on the Vishistadwaita theory, Bhagavadramanujacharya wrote a remarkable commentary on Mimamsa titled ‘Sri Bhashyam’. So he became famous as ‘Sri Bhashyakara‘. He was born in the Telugu year ‘Pingala’ in the month of ‘Vaisakha’ in ‘Arudra’ star, a thousand years back i.e., in 1017 as an incarnation of Adisesha in Perumbudur.

He regulated the procedures of worship as per the ‘Agama shastra’ which were in utter chaos and confusion in the past and established a systematic procedure of worship in temples. It is a known fact that Sri Ramanuja visited Tirumala thrice during his long lifetime of one hundred and twenty years between 1017 and 1137.

Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple

Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu

He appointed great spiritual personalities like Tirumalanambi and Ananthalvar to conduct more privileged services and utsavams of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. He offered his stone idol to his dear disciple Ananthalvar. That stone idol in the Tirumala temple is called “Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu”. From that time, utsavams are being conducted to Bhagavadramanuja at Tirumala.

Since the birth star of Bhagavadramanuja is Arudra, every month on the day of Arudra star Masotsavam and in the Vaisakha month of every year Bhashyakara utsavams are being performed. Every month in Arudra star, Sri Malayappa Swami participates along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi in Sahasradeepalankarana Seva at Tirumala.

Sahasra Deepalankarana -
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva

Meanwhile Bhagavadramanuja on his own ‘peetham’ move in the Mada streets of Tirumala in a procession facing Sri Malayappa Swami. This is ‘Bhashyakara Utsavam’ which is held during Arudra Star every month. These utsavams are called ‘Bhashyakara Arudranakshatrotsavams’ or ‘Bhashyakara Jayantotsavams’.

Surya Jayanthi

Surya Jayanthi / Rathasapthami

Rathasapthami is also known as ‘Surya Jayanthi’ because it celebrates the power of the Sun God who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Surya is considered Lord Vishnu and hence called Suryanarayana or Pratyaksha Daivam.

Rathasapthami is the festival that falls on the Seventh day of the bright fortnight after the new moon day, in the month ‘Magha’.

Rathasapthami is especially auspicious if it falls on a Sunday. This is a special writeup on the significance of Rathasapthami and How it is celebrated in Tirumala Hill Shrine. It is a festival in which the Sun god (in the form of Surya Narayana) is worshipped. It is also celebrated as the birthday of Sun God as the season changes from this day.

Surya Jayanthi or Rathasapthami

Kumbha Sankramanam

The importance of this Rathasapthami is that the sun is moving from the Makara Rasi (i.e. Capricorn) to the Kumbha Rasi (i.e. Aquarius) known as ‘kumbha sankramanam’.

The charioteer, Aruna, has his feet deformed. Aruna means the dawn. On this day some people go to take a bath in the river before dawn carrying a lamp on their head. Then in the courtyard in front of the house, the sun is worshipped. A picture of the chariot and the seven horses is drawn on the ground. On the four sides ‘rangoli’ is made (designs made with powders) and in the centre, cow dung is burnt.

Then the milk is boiled in earthen vessels while facing the Sun. When the milk boils it is believed it reaches the Sun.

Story of Aruna, the Charioteer of Lord Surya

Rishi Kasyapa had two wives; Kadruva and Vinata (daughter of Daksha). The first wife became the mother of a thousand snakes (Nagas), while the second wife, Vinata gave birth to two eggs, one of which was very late in opening. Therefore, she hastily broke the eggshell because of this a handicapped child (without legs) was born. The loving parents named the child ‘Aruna’.

The second egg opened naturally and ‘Garuda’, the bird with large wings, was born.

Aruna, even though disabled, rose to an exalted position as the charioteer of the Sun-god, Surya. Since ancient times, he continued to spread the Sun’s energy daily around the world, sustaining us with vital nourishment without which life would be impossible. His brother Garuda, also known as Vainateya, became the Vahana (vehicle) for Lord Vishnu.

Early in the morning every day, all living beings look eagerly to the eastern sky awaiting the arrival of Aruna; he does not fail them even a single day. He is ever punctual and appears with his master, Lord Sun, brilliantly painting the sky red (Aruna also means red). Riding majestically across the sky, he guides the seven horses in their majestic travel towards the Western horizon. No wonder that the ancients gratefully named sun-rise after him as Arunodaya, the appearance of Aruna!

Lovingly, his master Surya, the Sun-God, identified himself closely with his devoted charioteer and wanted himself also to be known as Aruna!

Then an offering of ‘khir’ made of wheat is shown to the Sun. In the ‘sup’ (basket for sifting corn) twelve heaps of grain are offered to the sun, the number corresponding to the twelve constellations through which the sun goes. Grain is offered to the Brahmins. Some people show their respect to the sun by bowing twelve times every day to the sun (Surya Namaskar).

Surya Temples

The Sun temple at Konark in Orissa is a famous and ancient temple dedicated to the Sun god. One of the beautifully stone-carved temples at Lakkundi, Gadag District of North Karnataka, built by the Chalukyas in the 10th century, is dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana.

Puranas

The worshipping sun god is nothing new, our Puranas have many instances of it. Lord Sri Rama worshipped the sun god before going for the battle against the King of Lanka, Ravana (also known as the king of Asuras i.e. Rakshasas). King Satrajit also worshipped the sun god and got a gem from him called the Samanthakamani, which is the cause of prosperity, which later on was given to Lord Krishna along with Satyabhama in marriage.

In Tirumala, Rathasapthami figures as one of the important festivals of the year. A one-day Brahmotsavam is held and the Utsava Murthi is carried out in seven vahanams around the main temple precincts during the day.

On Rathasapthami day a special bath is taken with seven yekka/arka/calotropis procera leaves along with ‘Mantrakshathas’ (Rice mixed with Turmeric). One leaf is kept on the head, 2 on the shoulders, 2 on the knees and 2 on the foot while having a bath.

The following mantra on the Sun god is chanted while taking a bath.

“Saptha Saptha Maha Saptha |
Saptha Dweepa Vasundara |
Sapth Arka Parna Madaya |
Sapthamyam Snana Machareth ||”

The Festival performed in Tirumala / Rathasapthami at Tirumala

Rathasapthami or Surya Jayanti is a festival at Tirumala and is a celebration of the Lord as Surya Narayana. Aruna Prasnam, katakam are recited.

As the Sun moves from Dhanur raasi to Makara raasi, the days get warmer. In this important annual festival at Tirumala, Sri Malayappa Swami with Ubhaya Naacchiyars are taken around the four Mada streets on seven different Vahanams from Sunrise to Sunset.

Sapthami’ denotes the number ‘7’, So Lord Malayappa Swami is taken for a procession around four mada streets in 7 Vahanams in a single day.

Surya Prabha Vahanam during Rathasapthami / Surya Jayanthi
Surya Prabha Vahanam on the day of Rathasapthami

The 7 Vahanams in the order of usage

  • 1. Surya Prabha Vahanam
  • 2. Chinna Sesha Vahanam
  • 3. Garuda Vahanam
  • 4. Hanumanthavahanam & Chakra Snanam
  • 5. Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam
  • 6. Sarva Bhupala Vahanam
  • 7. Chandra Prabha Vahanam

In the middle of the Utsavam Chakra Snanam is grandly conducted at Swami Pushkarini.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

Laghu Brahmotsavam

Rathasapthami is celebrated as the Surya Jayanti festival at Tirumala. So it is called a ‘Laghu Brahmotsavam’. Lord Malayappa Swami splendidly adorned with precious Jewels and ornaments will come out for a procesion on Surya Prabha Vahanam from 5:30 AM to 8 AM.

The Procession stops near Nairruti side (South-West Corner) and waits until the Sunrise (Calculated according to Local Sunrise) as soon as the Sun rises, Lord Malayappa Swami in the Surya Prabha Vahanam is offered with Karpoora Harathi (camphor) who bless us in Surya Narayana form and offered with ‘Bakala Bath’ (Curd Rice) Naivedyam. Now the procession reaches the Vahana Mandapam.

  • Lord Malayappa Swami is now seated on the Chinna Sesha Vahanam, and again Visesha Samarpana is performed. He now blesses the devotees in this Vahanam from 9 AM to 10 AM.
  • The next Vahanam is the sacred Garuda Seva. This is the only time the devotees can view the Garuda Vahanam in the Morning, which is a very nice divine experience. This procession goes from 11 AM – 12 NOON.
  • Now Lord Malayappa Swami is taken for a procession on the sacred Hanumantha Vahanam from 1 PM – 2 PM. Lord Malayappa Swami is taken back to Sannidhi.
  • At 2 PM, to perform the Chakra Snanam, Sri Sudarsana Chakram is brought from the Sannidhi and is given a holy dip in the Swami Pushkarini.
  • The Madhyahnika Aradhanam is performed to the Lord now in Sannidhi. Second Bell and Bali are performed.
  • After the Second Bell, Lord Malayappa Swami now blesses devotees along with Consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, in Kalpa Vriksha Vahanam from 4 PM – 5 PM.
  • Sarvabhupala Vahanam is the next one, where Sri Malayappa Swami again comes out for procession with Thayars from 6 PM – 7 PM.
  • The last one and the coldest one, Chandraprabha Vahanam is from 8 PM – 9 PM, after which Lord Malayappa Swami will return to Sannidhi for Night Kainkaryams.

It is spectacular to watch Lord Malayappa Swami on this Rathasapthami day, with 7 Vahanams. Those who miss Brahmotsavam, those who wish to cherish the divine bliss of Brahmotsavam again, can enjoy the divine ecstasy on a single day.

There is also an account stating that in the era of Kings, Brahmotsavams were conducted every month and over time this procedure went out of practice. Now, the remaining Utsavams are conducted on a single day. That is the reason Chakra Snanam is also conducted during Rathasapthami at Tirumala.

3 day Annual Festival Pavithrotsavams in Tirumala – 2024

This year Pavithrotsavams will perform at Tirumala from 14-08-2024 to 17-08-2024.

Pavithrotsavams

Of the many festivals that are celebrated in the hill shrine of Lord Sri Venkateswara, the three-day annual festival Pavithrotsavams is important. The main objective of this festival is to get rid of the evil that might have been caused due to omissions and commissions in the performance of various rituals throughout the year.

On the first day, the temple priests specially dressed in Yellow colour silk vastrams offer “Pavitra Harati” to the presiding deity before they commence the day one ritual as a part of Pavitrotsavams.

Later Snapana Tirumanjanam will be performed followed by Visesha Samarpana to Sri Malayappa Swamy and Ubhayanancharulu.

In the evening, the processional deities will be taken around four mada streets in a procession.

Pavithrotsavams in Tirumala - 2024

On the second day of the three-day annual Pavithrotsavam festival in Tirumala temple, the holy silk threads, Pavithrams will be adorned to various deities inside the sanctum sanctorum as well as the deities of sub-temples located inside the hill shrine.

After Snapana Tirumanjanam, a special puja will be performed on the silk-woven holy threads which are in black, blue, red, yellow and green colours. These threads will adorn the processional deities and other deities of various sub-shrines located inside the hill temple and also to Sri Bhuvarahaswamy located adjacent to Swamy Pushkarini.

These holy silk threads called “Pavithrams” will be woven out of special high-quality cotton. The three-day annual festival of Pavithrotsavams will conclude with Pavithra Purnaahuti.

Pavitrotsavam / Pavithrotsavams

Why Pavitrotsavam

As per the Vedic tradition, one is not supposed to enter the temple with jatashoucham (impurity due to the birth of offspring) and mrithashoucham (impurity due to death of close relatives). But sometimes, this rule is violated knowingly or unknowingly by the tourists and staff.

The purification ceremony that takes place to dispel the evil of such lapses is called Pavitrotsavam. It is different from the general purificatory programmes like temple cleansing, or punyahavachanam (purification through mantra).

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Pranaya Kalahotsava (Lovers’ Quarrel)

Pranaya Kalahotsava

There will be utsavas for the Lord of the Seven Hills on certain special days in the year. They are called Samvatsarotsavas. There will be Pranaya Kalahotsava (Lovers’ Quarrel Ceremony) every year for the Lord on the sixth day after Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

That day after the usual second bell naivedyam, Sri Malayappa Swami goes to the Pushkarini (Holy Pond) in a palanquin in Maha Pradakshina Marga (big circumambulation path), while His consorts on separate palanquins come there in an opposite direction face to face with the Lord. As the Puranas are recited, Jiyyengar beats the Lord with flower balls on behalf of the Goddesses.

Pranaya Kalahotsavam - Tirumala

The Lord pretends to be afraid and pleads with His consorts that He did not commit any mistake. Pacified Goddesses join Him on either side and receive Karupur Harathi along with the Lord. Asthanam is held after they reach the temple.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Shuddha Ekadashi in Dhanurmasa is called Vaikuntha Ekadashi. In the early hours of this day, the Vikuntha Dwaram (door) will be opened and again closed in the early hours of the next day, i.e. Vikuntha Dvadashi.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala / Vaikuntha Ekadashi

There will be a procession for the well-adorned Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi in the golden chariot, followed by Asthanam in the temple.

For more about Pranaya Kalahotsava (Lovers’ Quarrel) – click here

Adhyayanotsavam at Tirumala

Adhyayanotsavam

The Lord of Seven Hills is worshipped every moment in the form of one or the other seva or Utsavam (procession). These utsavas provide a blissful experience to the devotees.

Around 1000 years ago, the famous Sri Vaishnavaite, Bhagavad Ramanujacharya also visited the divine shrine and made arrangements to assist in the performance of Nithya, 15 days (Paksha), Monthly (masa), yearly (varshika) special pujas and especially the brahmotsavams, the grandeur of which not only reverberates the entire hills of Tirumala.

Adhyayanotsavam is one such ritual that is described and detailed in Divya Prabandhas.

Divya Prabandhas

Divya Prabandhas are the recitals composed in Tamil, having 4000 (Nalayira) pasurams (verses). In all Sri Vaishnavite temples, Divya Prabandhas are recited at appropriate times. The places where it is recited are treated as Divine Places (DivyaDesas). There are 108 such DivyaDesas even to this day.

All Holy men like Peethadhipatis accept teertha, the sacred water, from these 108 DivyaDesas as a tradition and this tradition is followed by other religious practices.

The day when Sri Nammalwar attained the abode of the Lord, is observed as ‘Adhyayanotsavam’ or ‘Vaikunta Utsava’ or ‘Prasanna Utsava’ or ‘Moksha Utsava’.

At Tirumala, it is named ‘Adhyayanotsavam’. Every day at Tirumala Srivari temple the disciples and representatives of Sri Bhashyakara, the PeddaJeeyar Swami, and as his successor ChinnaJeeyar Swami along with disciples (ekangis’) recite the divine verses of DivyaPrabandhas at a specific time.

Four parts

Having 4000 ( Nalaiyaram in Tamil means ‘four thousand’) verses, these DivyaPrabandhas are divided into 4 parts

  1. MudhalAyiram,
  2. Periya Thirumozhi,
  3. Iyarpa and
  4. Thiruvaaymozhi’.

This Divya Prabandha is a complete Prabandha Parayana, (recital) towards adhyayana (dedicated study and recital) of Dravida Veda popularly known as ‘Adhyayana Utsavam’.

Adhyayana Utsavam / Adhyayanotsavam at Tirumala

AlwarTirunagari, in Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of Sri Nammalwar. Tirumangaialwar installed a statue of Nammalwar and also carried the same to Srirangam in a pallaki. At Sri RanganthaSwamivari temple, starting from VaikuntaEkadasi the first part of DivyaPrabandham, the Thiruvaaymozhi is recited.

The recitation of Thiruvaaymozhi indicates the beginning of ‘Adhyayana Utsavam’ as a customary tradition. At the end of the ‘Adhyayana Utsavam’ the Nammalwar is placed at the lotus feet of the Utsava Murthy at certain divya desams such as Srirangam and GovindarajaSwamy temples.

Festive image of Nammalvar
Festive image of Nammalvar

Nammalwar is once again sent back for the well-being of this eternal world. Later with the blessings of Nammalwar, the disciples re-procured the Nalayiram and conduct the Utsavam for 22 days. This tradition has continued till date and the recital of all the 4000 verses.

For the first ten days before Vaikunta Ekadasi, two thousand verses are recited, and the next ten days following Ekadasi, the remaining verses are recited during night time (Irappatthu).

On the 21st day RamanujaNootrandadi, UpadesaRathnamala followed by Sathumurai, and the next day conducting Thirupallandu Thodakkam completes the 4000 verses i.e., ‘Adhyayanotsavam’.

At Tirumala

At Tirumala Srivari temple during Adhyayanotsavam on the 22nd day, ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ that is praising Lord Krishna as everything is conducted, on the 24th day Sathumurai at Sri Vari temple and the 25th-day ThaneerAmudu that is a descendant of Thozhappa Chary brings water from a holy spring called Akasa Ganga with temple honors.

Abhishekam is conducted to the feet of the Lord Venkateswara by the Vaikhanasa Archaka and this ritual of Adhyayana Utsavam concludes with fervour.

During this period, starting from Karthikapournami ending with Koorathalwan’s ThiruNakshatram (birthday) that is in these two months the DivyaPrabandhas recitation is restricted, but during these two months the equivalent of Thiruvaaymozhi having 120 pasurams, ThiruvaaymozhiNootrandadi is recited as a tradition.

This commemorates the incident of TirumangaiAlwar inviting Nammalwar to Srirangam during these two months. 

Vaishnavites thus decided that DivyaPrabandhaAdhyayana (study and recital of the sacred hymns) has to be conducted every day regularly, if not possible, at least once a year for 22 days Divya Prabandha Adhyayana is a must.

In the Beginning

At Sri Venkateswara Swamy vari temple at Tirumala, the Adhyayana Utsavam, in the beginning, was performed by TirumangaiAlwar and continued by Nadhamunis. This was further propagated by Bhagavad Ramanuja Acharya.

As evidence, there is an inscription dated 1253 in temple premises that indicates the performing of a partial DivyaPrabandhaAdhyayana.

By the year 1360 complete DivyaPrabandhas Adhyayanotsavam was started and performed. Another inscription of the year 1440 A.D clearly states in Brahmotsavam as performed to, Thirumozhi was conducted.

Procedure of Adhyayanotsavam at Srivari Temple, Tirumala

After conducting and completing regular rituals of the day, the processional deity UtsavaMurti is seated upon a vahanam, and in another vahanam opposite to UtsavaMurthi, the Alwar’s Murthi is placed which is carried from Srivari temple up to Dwajasthambam in a Pradakshinam.

In between these two vahanams in two rows all Nadhamunis join. The temple priests perform various Upacharas to the Utsava Murtis and Alwars. Later, the sacred cloth (parivattam) is tied around the head to Sthanacharyas as a mark of respect which is followed by Veda Vinnapam.

DivyaPrabandhas are recited, further, Satari is offered to all Nadhamunis. The vahanam is then carried inside the temple into Sanctum Sanctorum.

Finally, both the vahanams are placed opposite each other and this completes the Adhyayana Utsavam for the day. Naivedyam, satumurai, distributing theertham, prasadam is conducted in an orderly manner.

On the final day, at Tirumala, Nammalwar paramapada utsavam concludes the AdhyayanaUtsavam successfully. Lord Malayappa on Garuda Vahanam is taken out in a procession along with Alwars, in the four mada streets.

All the disciples are blessed after the Vahanaseva. Vadadi Vyapam and the final recitation of Thirumozhi are done after entering the temple. Alwars are placed at the Lotus Feet of the Lord along with Thulasi and Harathi is performed. Thirumanjanam and decoration are performed for Alwars. Pongal is offered as Naivedyam.

Later Sathumorai is offered to Lord Venkateswara. Finally, the Stanaacharyas’ are given appropriate Sathkaras along with Theertha, and Prasadam. Then Theertham and Prasadam will be distributed to all the devotees.

Author: Amt N.Kalpana (Saptagiri Magazine)

Anivara Asthanam at Tirumala – 2024

Anivara Asthanam 2024

Every day is filled with festivity at Tirumala. There are many daily, weekly, monthly and yearly seva at Tirumala. Among them, Anivara Asthanam – the Annual budget festival is an annual ritual being performed to Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala.

Anivara Asthanam at Tirumala this year will be conducted on 16th July 2024

The traditional temple cleaning fete, Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam will be held as a prelude to the Anivara Asthanam. On this day, utsava idols of Sri Malayappa Swami and His consorts are brought on Sarvabhoopala Vahanam to the Golden threshold (Bangaru Vakili) along with the idol of Senadhipathi ‘Sri Viswaksena’. Special pujas, Prasadam and Kainkaryams are performed for them and also for the Main Deity simultaneously.

Pushpa Pallaki - Anivara Asthanam Tirumala

Then, the Executive Officer, Jeeyangars and other temple officials bring sacred silk clothes to be offered to the deities. As part of the Asthanam, a special flower palanquin is arranged in the evening. TTD Garden Department will take care of the flower palanquin.

Every year, they will decorate palanquins according to some theme like dasavatharas theme etc. The exquisite palanquin with decorated flowers feasts the eyes of the devotees. Participate in this ‘Pushpapallaki Seva’ and be blessed by the Lord.

Click here to know the Importance of Anivara Asthanam

Nakshatrotsavas – Tirumala

MASOTSAVAS / Nakshatrotsavas

There are a few ceremonies in the Tirumala Lord’s temple every month on certain days of special stars. These stars come once a month, and they are also called Masotsavas.

ROHINI Nakshatrotsavam

There will be Abhisheka to Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy along with Rukmini and Srikrishna in the morning on the day of Rohini star every month after Suprabhatam. The same evening Lord Sri Krishna along with Rukmini is brought out of the temple to participate in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva of the Court Hall (Koluvu Mantapam).

After the procession, Rukmini and Sri Krishna enter the temple through the greater circumambulation path (Maha Pradakshina Marga). The visitors of the seva are purged of all the evil effects associated with stars, especially that of the Rohini star.

Utsava Murthy - Suprabhatam - Sri Malayappa Swamy

ARDRA Nakshatrotsavam

Ardra is the ruling birth star of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. On the evening of Ardra star every month, Sri Malayappa Swami participates in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja is placed on another pedestal before the Lord is also taken out in procession in the streets of Tirumala.

The utsavas of Sri Bhashyakara commence on a grand scale ten days before Ardra star, especially in the Mesha masa.

The procession of Sri Ramanuja during these ten days takes place face-to-face with the Lord. The Asthanam of the Lord (Court meeting) is held in the premises of Sri Bhashyakara of the temple.

After the Nivedana, the garlands and the Shesha harathi (lit camphor) of the Lord are offered to Ramanuja. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Ardra are pacified through the seva.

PUNARVASU Nakshatrotsavam

Punarvasu is the ruling birth star of Sri Rama. There will be abhishekam for Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana along with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy after Suprabhatam on the day of Punarvasu star every month. There will be Asthana (court meeting) for Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana on Sri Rama Navami and the next day, i. e. Dashami before the Golden Entrance.

The same evening Sri Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Ajnapalaka Anjaneya Swami participated in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. After the procession in the Tirumala streets, Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana come to Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swami to offer the garland and shesha haarathi of Sri Rama to him.

Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana later enter the temple. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Punarvasu are pacified through the seva.

SHRAVANA Nakshatrotsavam

Shravana is the ruling birth star of Lord Sri Venkateshwara. On that day of the star in the morning, there will be abhishekam for Sri Malayappa Swami and His consorts along with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy. After all sevas and participation in the Sahasra Deepaalankarana Seva and procession in the evening, Sri Malayappa Swami will enter the temple.

There will be special utsavas for the star shravana in certain months in Tirumala.

Brahmotsavas always end on the day of shravana in every Kanya Masa. There will be Pushpa Yagotsavam for the Lord on the day of shravana star in Karthika Masa.

Punnami Garuda Seva

Besides nakshatrotsavas, there will be Punnami Garuda Seva at night for Tirumalesha on Full Moon day every month. That day around 7 pm, Sri Malayappa Swami is adorned with diamond armour, crown and other ornaments.

PUNNAMI GARUDA SEVA - Tirumala

Mounting Him on the golden Garuda vahana, a procession is taken in the Tirumala streets with the servants holding the chatra and Chamara while elephants, horses and oxen participate in it.

Ardra Nakshatrotsavam (Monthly Ceremony) – Tirumala

Ardra Nakshatrotsavam

There are a few ceremonies in the Tirumala Lord’s temple every month on certain days of special stars. These stars come only once in a month, and hence they are also called Masotsavas.

Ardra

Ardra is the ruling birth star of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. On the evening of Ardra star every month, Sri Malayappa Swami participates in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja is placed on another pedestal before the Lord is also taken out in procession in the streets of Tirumala.

The utsavas of Sri Bhashyakara commence on a grand scale ten days before the Ardra star, especially in the Mesha masa. The procession of Sri Ramanuja during these ten days takes place face-to-face with the Lord.

Ramanuja - Jeeyar

The Asthanam of the Lord (Court meeting) is held in the premises of Sri Bhashyakara of the temple.

After the Nivedana, the garlands and the Shesha harathi (lit camphor) of the Lord are offered to Ramanuja. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Ardra are pacified through the seva.

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