Category: Utsavam

The utsavas or Utsavams of the Lord held throughout the year can be divided into (i) Nityotsavas (daily ceremonies), (ii) Varotsavas (weekly ceremonies), (iii) Masotsavas (monthly ceremonies) and (iv) Varshikotsavas (annual ceremonies)

Paruveta Utsavam in Tirumala on Kanuma Day

Paruveta Utsavam in Tirumala on Kanuma Day

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The special celebration that is held in Kanuma, the universal omnipotent God Lord Venkateswara is regarded as Paruveta Utsavam.

Malayappa Wears Hunting Dress

 

Kanuma Paruveta UtsavamLord Malayappa wears a hunting dress, head guard, and five weapons such as

  • Sudarshana Chakra,
  • Panchajanya Conch,
  • Nandaka Sword,
  • Koumodaki Gada and
  • Sargabow besides Sword, Shield, and Sphere,

boarding Silver Chariot and reaches Paruveta Mandapa in Papavinasanam road nearly two kilometres away from the temple by procession.

Along with Lord Venkateswara, Lord Krishna also reaches Paruveta Mandapa where both of them are made to sit and conduct musical and cultural concerts at 2 PM by singing the songs of Annamayya.

In the evening offerings are made to the Lord. After that Lord Krishna on the invitation of Sannidi Golla visits their habitat, eats butter, and returns to Paruveta Mandapam.

At that moment Sannidhi Golla as a token of gratitude offers burning camphor and appellations to the Lord. After that Lord Srinivasa starts Hunting.

Even the Archaka swamis follow the Lord with weapons to hunt animals, three times forward and three times backward and receive Harathi. Ultimately, returns to the Temple. With this, the Paruveta Utsavam comes to an end.

Malayappa Swamy Along with Krishna

The Paruveta Utsavam symbolizes His intolerance towards injustice and safeguards the devotees eternally who seek his benediction. It signifies that His incarnation is to establish dharma in kaliyuga by saving His devotees from the attack of all evils.

 

Paruveta Utsavam Swamy on Hunting

Besides, He annihilates, ever-present arishadvargas and five senses in humanity to foster tremendous concentration on Him. So, whatever the celebration of the Lord is for the sake of universal good, peace, and harmony.

All these would shower the Lord’s mercy on His devotees.

Pavitrotsavams in Tirumala

Pavitrotsavams in Tirumala

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Reason for Pavitrotsavams

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 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).

When it started

Evidence suggests that Pavitrotsavas were conducted till 15-16 centuries in Tirumala. It stopped abruptly later. The temple has restored the practice since 1962. It takes place for three days.

In Tirumala Hill shrine

Pavitrotsavams (Sacred Festival) is usually celebrated for Three days with ‘Triyahnika Deeksha’, with Ankuraropanam on the previous day, during Sravana Sukla Ekadasi, Dwadasi and Trayodasi.

Pavitrams are adorned on Dwadasi. Ankuraropanam Ritual must be performed 9, 7, 5, 3 or 1 day before the day of Adorning the Pavitram garlands. It is common in all temples, including the Tirumala Hill Shrine, to use Pure silk for making Pavithram garlands.

Pavitrotsavams

In Tirumala Hill Shrine, the Pavitram garlands are adorned on the second day (Dwadasi) and removed on the third day.

The festival begins with Vaasthu Homa and purification with Panchagavyam must be performed. Turmeric water is sprinkled on Pavitrams by reciting appropriate Vedic hymns. In the night Sayanadhivasam Ritual is performed to Pavitrams as prescribed in Pratishta procedure of Vaikhanasa Bhagavachhastram.

On the Sayya Vedika (Bed), for the Pavitram garlands along with Utsava or Snapana Berams, the Adhivasam Ritual is performed. Before putting the Pavitrams on the bed, they must be placed on a heap of paddy and ‘Avahanam’ is performed (invoking Cosmic energy).

Reason for Pavitrotsavams

Snapana Tirumanjanam

Snapanam (Sacred Bath) is performed to the Utsava deities after Homam. In the Homam Ritual, for the purification of Pavitram garlands and Yagasala, Vaasthu Homa is performed.

Snapana Tirumanjanam 26

On the day of ‘Adhivasa’, in the Sabhyagni or Nityagni Homa Kunda, Homa is performed by reciting the Vaishnava mantra. After Sayanadhivasam, in the night, the Houtra Prasamsanam ritual is performed by inviting the respective devathas (god/goddess), and the homa is performed by Appam, Ghee, Laaja by reciting Sukthas.

And in the Poundarikagni, Maha Santhi Homa is performed. This is performed in all Utsavas, to rectify all types of errors [Errors in the recital of hymns, Procedure, procuring necessary articles (dravyas)] committed, knowingly or unknowingly in the current Utsava.

Rectification of Mistakes

By performing this, all the mistakes are thus rectified and results in overall well-being along with peace, prosperity health. While adorning the Pavitram garlands, the texts insist that these Pavitrams must adorn the idol at least for a day.

On the last day of removing the garlands, Purnahuthi ritual is performed and these garlands are distributed to the devotees as prasadam. Other special anna prasadams are offered to the Lord and distributed to the devotees.

Reason for Pavitrotsavams

Reason for Pavitrotsavams

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To Protect Devotees from Evil

Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He descended from Vaikuntam to Earth to protect his devotees from all sins and evils of Kaliyuga. The sevas and poojas are being performed as per the Vaikhanasa Agama Sastras.

Vaikhanasa Agama

The sacred Vaikhanasa texts prescribe the pavitrotsavams must be performed every year on a specified day.

Pavitrotsavams involve adorning Pavitrams” (the sacred garlands made with pure silk thread of different colors) to the idols of Malayappaswamy and other sacred vessels into which the immense power of the Lord is invoked and saved.

It also means “The sacred garlands which are equal to Vajrayudha (the weapon of Indra) in strength are capable of removing any mistakes, known or unknown, and are rectified by performing the Pavitrotsavams”.

These Utsavams form an important and necessary ritual in all Agama texts like Saiva, Pancharathra, Bodhayana including the much revered Sri Vaikhanasa Bhagavachhastram.

Reason for performing Pavitrotsavams

According to Vaikhanasa texts, the reason for performing Pavitrotsavams are stated as:

In a Vishnu temple, there is a possibility of expiations to occur in all the rituals performed (due to not reciting the prescribed Mantras, due to not performing the correct procedure, and non-availability of the articles (dravyams), throughout the year.

To ward off from these expiations one must perform Pavitrotsavams to Lord Vishnu. (As mentioned in Bhrigu’s Prakeernadhikara, a sacred Vaikhanasa textbook in Sanskrit) – “It is possible for expiations to occur when we perform several Rituals and worship throughout the year.

The reason is that even Lord Brahma is unable to perform Worship without mistakes says Bhrigu. Hence it is understandable that faults do occur when worship is performed by humans. And to remove all the doshas, which occurred knowingly or unknowingly, Pavitrotsavams must be performed.”

As per Bhrigu

According to Bhrigu, the results achieved by performing these Utsavams are:

  • All the mistakes hence incurred are rectified,
  • All desires of devotees, who participate in these Utsavams are fulfilled,
  • They are blessed with health and long life, and
  • All the denizens of the country are blessed with the same.

According to Bhrigu’s Kriyadhikaram,

  • On the day of Bhadrapada month, Sravana Star and Dwadasi Tithi or
  • On the day of Dwadasi (Krishna and Sukla), Sravanam Star in the 6 months of Dakshinayanam during the Vishnu Panchaka days

are ideal for performing the Pavitrotsavam Ritual.

Pavitrotsavams in Tirumala

Tanniramudu Utsav

Tanniramudu Utsav

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Tanniramudu Significance

During the 11th century, there lived a great devotee of the Lord on the “Sri Sailapurna” hills. He dedicated his entire life to the services of the Lord and in His Aradhana. He is known as Tirumala Nambi.

Being an ardent devotee of the Lord, Tirumala Nambi used to bring water from Papanasam situated at a distance of 8 kilometres from Tirumala for the puja. One day a fowler approached and demanded for water to quench his thirst after addressing Tirumala Nambi as “Thatha”. He refused to give water as it is intended for the Abhishekam of the Lord.

Thereafter the fowler following Tirumala Nambi pierced the pot with a stone and drank the water which oozed out of the pot. Nambi was saddened by this act as the water was lost. The fowler then discharged an arrow at the hillock nearby and water came gushing from the place hit by the arrow.

The new fountain became popular as Akasaganga. The fowler commanded that the water for the Lord’s puja should thenceforth be brought from Akasaganga and disappeared. Sri Nambi who is also known as Sri Sailapurna was convinced that the fowler was none other than Lord Srinivasa.

Sri Sailapurna performed various kainkaryams such as Akasaganga Theertha Kainkaryam, Thomalaseva, Mantrapushpa Kainkaryam, Saathumurai, Thirumanjanam and Vedaparayanam. Hence he was also called “Uthama Purusha” or “Acharya Purusha” of Tirumala Temple.

Even today, the decedents of Nambi are carrying out the fete in memory of Nambi on the last day of Adhyayanotsavams.

Tirumala Nambi Carrying water

Tirumala Nambi’s Seva to Lord

One day, Yamunacharya was pensive thinking whether he would ever have the opportunity to serve Tirumala Swamy with flowers, water, incense sticks, etc. That time, Tirumala Nambi set out to fulfil the wish of the Acharya. He used to bring water from Papavinashanam Falls, interpret Pasuras, and do flower seva as much as he could.

Swamy  disguised as Young Tribal Boy

Tirumala Swamy wished to announce to the world that he is pleased with the service of Nambi. One day while Tirumala Nambi was bringing water from Papanasanam for temple rituals, Srinivasa in the guise of a young tribal boy blocked his way and asked for water.

Tirumala Nambi shooed him away by saying that the water is for the rituals of the Lord. But the boy followed him and made a hole in the pot and drank the leaking water from the pot.

When Tirumala Nambi noticed this, he turned back looked at the boy, and shouted at him. He was getting ready to bring water again from the thirtha. The boy told him, “Grandpa, don’t you worry! Look at the valley, there is pure water there.”

He shot an arrow into the ground with his bow. Water jutted out of the hole. Nambi collected the water and looked for the boy. But he was nowhere to be seen.

Nambi Reached Temple

When Nambi reached the temple, Swamy told him that he was fully satisfied with the water that he had brought from Akash Ganga. Since the Lord himself addressed him as, “tata”(Grandpa) he is also called ‘Tatagurudu’.

To commemorate this event, even today, “TannirAmudu Utsav” is being celebrated in Tirumala on Nambi’s birth star, Swati in the month of Mesha.

Sri Ramanuja ordained this. That day, the descendants of Tirumala Nambi would be welcomed and honoured reverentially in the temple.

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.

Significance of Jyeshtabhishekam

Significance of Jyeshtabhishekam

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Significance of Jyeshtabhishekam

Jyeshtabhishekam ( or Abhideyaka abhishekam) is an annual ritual performed to Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi at Tirumala (Google Maps location) in the Jyeshta masam (May / June). The main purpose of this ritual is, to protect the icons/idols with utmost care. Hence, this ritual is conducted.

In this ritual, Sri Malayappa Swami along with His Consorts can be seen in the truest form, without any ornaments. First, all the ornaments/armours are removed from the deities. Then the deities are carefully anointed with specially made herbal preparations called ‘Visesha Sugandha Tailam’.

An important Vaikhanasa text, ‘Prakeernadhikara’ prescribes a sacred ritual, Abhideyaka abhisheka for preserving the deities is done. During the ritual, all three deities are brought to the special platform. A sacred Abhishekam with auspicious contents is offered amidst chantings of divine mantras. Then the armours are also being worshipped in a sacred manner.

Jyeshtabhishekam at tirumala / Significance of Jyeshtabhishekam
Jyeshtabhishekam at tirumala

Three-day Event

In all three days, the ritual starts with a sacred bath (Abhishekam).

  1. On the first day, the deities are adorned with a most exquisite and dazzling armour called ‘Vajra Kavacha’ (cover) entirely in diamonds. Then the deities are taken out in a procession along the four mada streets around the temple.
  2. On the second day, the deities were adorned with a charming ‘Muthangi’ (an armour of pearls) and Kavacham (shield).
  3. On the third day, the ‘Golden armour’ is adorned to the Lord.

Significance

Jyeshtabhishekam is essentially an annual ritual performed on the holy processional deities at Tirumala. It is held on the full moon day of the month of “Jyeshta”, in the GreeshmaRitu, the hottest period of the year.

It is at the time when the moon is nearest to the constellation of the Jyeshta star and it is when Sri Maha Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Trivikrama, the conqueror of all the worlds.

Jyeshtabhisheka is also called Abhideyaka abhisheka since Abhideyaka (Sanskrit) means “protective shield” for Malayappa.

The holy deity of Malayappa and His Consorts were found, about 800 years ago in a deep valley called Malayappa Kona, a valley in the dense forests of Seshachala Hills, also part of the seven hills of Tirumala.

Since the icons are so ancient, they need to be preserved with utmost care. Hence, for this reason, every year “Jyeshtabhishekam” is conducted.

Tirumanjanam / Thirumanjanam – Ashtottara Sata Kalasha Snapana Tirumanjanam

The protective golden armour that always adorns Malayappa, Sridevi and Bhudevi deities are ceremoniously extracted a fortnight before the actual ritual. During the ceremony, all three deities are brought onto the special dais called the ‘Kalyana Mandapam’, which lies within the Sampangi prakaram (the second circumambulatory path) of the ancient temple.

A holy bath, comprising 108 silver pots filled with holy contents (Kushodakam, Ratnodakam, Haridrodakam, Ksheerodakam, etc, 9 sets of 12 different dravyams) are offered amidst divine chantings of the Panchasuktas.

The divine event is rightly termed as ‘Ashtottara Sata Kalasha Snapana Tirumanjanam’. In the evening, the deities are adorned with a most exquisite and dazzling armour called ‘Vajra Kavacha’ covered entirely in priceless diamonds.

Ashtottara Sata Kalasha Snapana Tirumanjanam - Jyeshtabhishekam

Thus bedecked in one of His most precious and beautiful jewels, Malayappa, along with His divine Consorts are taken out in a procession along the four streets around the temple. Thousands of devotees throng the streets to witness the Lord in His most dazzling attire.

Similarly, on the evening of the second day, devotees can feast their eyes on the Lord bedecked with a charming “Muthangi” or an armour of pearls. The third day begins with a special ritual for sanctifying the redone golden armour. It is then adorned to the Lord in an elaborate ceremony.

Once the armour is fixated, all holy ablutions are offered only to the feet of the deity. This practice ensures minimal wearing of the divine icons. Thus the ancient practices not only protect the sanctity of the temple and the deities but also play a significant role in preserving the 5000-year-old shrine.

Procession

In the evening, the deities are adorned with a most exquisite and dazzling armour called ‘Vajra Kavacha’ covered entirely in priceless diamonds. Thus bedecked in one of His most precious and beautiful jewels, Malayappa, along with His divine Consorts are taken out in a procession along the four streets around the temple.

Unjal Seva - Vajra Kavacham
Unjal Seva of deities with Vajra Kavacham

Thousands of devotees throng the streets to witness the Lord in His most dazzling attire.

  • Similarly, on the evening of the second day, devotees can feast their eyes on the Lord bedecked with a charming “Muthangi” or an armour of pearls.
  • The third day begins with a special ritual for sanctifying the redone golden armour. It is then adorned to the Lord in an elaborate ceremony.

Once the armour is fixated, all holy ablutions are offered only to the feet of the deity. This practice ensures minimal wearing of the divine icons. Thus the ancient practices not only protect the sanctity of the temple and the deities but also play a significant role in preserving the 5000-year-old shrine.

It usually begins on the 13th day of the month of Jyeshta and concludes on the Purnima, the full moon day.

Even to this day!

It is of some significance that a mention can be made of a statement that can be found in, AhanAnUru, a Tamil literary work of the latter half of 1st century A.D. It speaks of the glorious festivals and celebrations that were held at the Hillshrine then known as Thiruvengadam, the name that lives on even to this day.

Thus it can be easily concluded that though the management of the temple changed several times in history, each of the administrators contributed significantly to the ever-increasing glory of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala.

Tirumala Temple

Also, the Vaikhanasa Archakas (priests), along with the Ekangis under the aegis of Jeeyangar of Tirumala, the acharyapurushas have carefully protected the sanctum and the decorum of the temple through centuries of dedicated service, practised to the last word, as dictated by ancient texts even to this day!

Importance of Anivara Asthanam

Importance of Anivara Asthanam

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Anivara Asthanam – Importance

The uniqueness of the festival is that the previous year’s accounts of the temple are presented before the Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

New account books will also be presented at the feet of the Lord for recording the accounts of the next financial year. The entire process is called ‘Asthanam’ which will be performed in the Sanctum Sanctorum near Bangaru Vakili in the presence of Processional Deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and his two consorts.

Pilgrims are not allowed for this Anivara Asthanam festival.

Sarvabhoopala Vahanam

On the day of Anivara Asthanam, after completion of Suprabhatam and Tomala Seva, Sri Malayappa Swamy along with his consorts will be placed on the Sarvabhoopala Vahanam in Ghantamandapam towards the east opposite Garudalwar.

Close to Sri Malayappaswamy, Senapathi Sri Viswaksena are placed towards the southern side and will be decorated with sword and armour as Supreme Commander.

Abhishekam, Archana will be done to the Lord Malayappa Swamy and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi and Sri Viswaksena. Naivedyam is offered to the Main deity and Utsava deities in Ghantamandapam.

Sarvabhupala Vahanam
Sarvabhoopala Vahanam / SarvaBhupala Vahana Seva

 

After offering Naivedyam, the Executive Officer, Jiyangars, Ekaangas, Peshkar, and other temple officials, bring Silk Clothes and offer to the deities. Then Koluvu will take place and priests offer Mangala Harathi to the deities.

There is an interesting incident for this tradition. In 1843 the British Government issued orders giving Executive and Administrative powers to Sri Hathiramji Mutt for the maintenance of the temple.

In 1843 on 16th July, the starting day of Dakshinayana, Sri Seva Dasjee, the then Head of the Sri Hathiramji Mutt received the entire properties of the Lord including Jewelry, Ornaments, Crowns, etc., to his Custody.

A new book has been opened for entering the income and expenditure of the temple. From that day, it has become a practice to keep the temple keys before the Lord offering puja and handing over the keys to the Executive officer.

*Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Sri Rama Pattabhishekam

Sri Rama Pattabhishekam

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Sri Rama Pattabhishekam in Tirumala

On the auspicious day of Chaitra Suddha Dasami ‘Pattabhisheka Asthanam’ or “Sri Rama Pattabhishekam” will be celebrated to Lord Sri Rama in the divine presence of Lord Venkateswara every year in Tirumala.

Procession on Four Mada Streets – Around the temple

After the performances of ‘Pratakkalaaradhana’ and ‘Madhyaanikaalaradhana’ to Lord Venkateswara, Sri Sita-Rama-Lakshmana will be placed in golden ‘tiruchi’ in the evening.

Lord Hanuman will be placed in another ‘tiruchi’. They will be decorated with beautiful flower garlands. Adorned with privileged ornaments, and costly robes, Lord Sri Rama will be placed opposite Lord Hanuman.

This utsavam will be performed in four Mada streets (starting from East Mada Street) followed by innumerable devotees and a band of traditional musicians playing melodious music.

Sarvabhoopala Vahanam

Later, Sri Swami in Sarvabhoopala Vahanam arrives at the Asthana Mandapam situated in front of ‘Bangaaru Vaakili’. Kapikulachakravarthi Sugreeva, his son the young prince Angada and Lord Hanuman seated in the different ‘peethams’ will arrive at the place sitting opposite to Srivaru.

In the presence of acharyas, archakas, paricharikas, the authorities of the temple and the countless devotees, the worship will be performed in grandeur. The offering of ‘prasadam’ will be done in the Asthana Mandapam.

Asthanam to Divine Personalities

The ‘Asthanam’ is performed in the presence of many virtuous and divine personalities like

  • Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrugna, Vibhishana, Sugreeva, Jambavantha, Angada,
  • Indra, other gods, kings and emperors and
  • ‘‘Maharshis’ like Vasishta, Vamadeva, Valmiki, Vishwamitra, Markandeya and
  • the most dedicated devout public. To protect the universe, Sri Sita Rama Swami

occupies the throne bedecked with precious gems.

Ramayana – Purana at feet of Lord Sri Rama

After the ‘Pattabhisheka Mahotsavam, the ‘pouranikulu’ (a priest who recites puranas) beautifully and melodiously recites the Ramayana as ‘purana’ that is already placed at the lotus-feet of Lord Sri Rama. The floral garlands and gem-studded jewellery will be presented to Sugreeva, Angada and Lord Hanuman at that time.

The courtesies of the temple will be maintained. After the offering of ‘aarati’ to the Lord, temple honours will be given to Sri Jeeyar Garu and the temple authorities. Sandal paste, ‘tambulam’ and ‘prasadam’ will be distributed to the devotees.

According to the tradition of ‘Asthanam’, the ‘goshti’ will be performed. After punishing the wicked and protecting the innocent and the good, Lord Sri Rama receives worship from His devotees.

This is the ‘Asthanam’ of Sri Rama Swami ‘Pattabhishekotsavam’ in the temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

Adhyayana Utsavam

Adhyayana Utsavam

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Adhyayana Utsavam

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.

Adhyayana Utsavam 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 ‘AdhyayanaUtsavam’ or ‘VaikuntaUtsava’ or ‘PrasannaUtsava’ or ‘Moksha Utsava’.

At Tirumala, it is named ‘Adhyayana Utsavam’. 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

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.

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., ‘Adhyayana Utsavam’.

At Tirumala

At Tirumala Srivari temple during Adhyayana Utsavam on the 22nd day, ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ that is praising Lord Krishna as everything is conducted, on the 24th day Sathumurai at Srivari 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 AdhyayanaUtsavam was started and performed. Another inscription of the year 1440 A.D clearly states in Brahmotsavam as performed to, Thirumozhi was conducted.

Procedure of Adhyayana Utsavam 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)