During the auspicious Pushya Masam, some of the important festivals at Tirumala are Pranayakalaha Mahotsavam (Pranaya Kalahotsava), Parveta Utsavam, Swami Pushkarini theertha Mukkoti and Kakapudi Utsavam. Every Utsavam or Ritual at Tirumala Hill Shrine has its own story or itihyam related to Lord Srinivasa.
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.
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.
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
Pushya Masam
Tirumala Hill Shrine is known for its number of colourful Utsavams celebrated throughout the year as we glean from the Sangam Literature of Tamil, which dates back to the 2nd and 3rd Centuries AD. It speaks about the beauty of fairs and festivals celebrated in the ancient shrine of Vengadam.
Among the many festivals that are celebrated in Tirumala Hill Shrine, the festival of Pushya Masam is celebrated with great religious fervour. According to the Hindu Lunar Calendar, when the moon is at or near the constellation of the star Pushyami, that month is known as ‘Pushya Masam’.
The Pournima of Pushya masam is very auspicious to start a study of the Vedas. The auspicious Uttarayanam also begin in this Pushya Masam. The transition of Sun from South to North is considered as Uttarayana Punyakalam, and from this auspicious time, the ‘day’ time for Devas begins. This is also traditionally called as ‘Makara Sankranti’.
It is the time when Sun enters Makara Rasi, which is also called as ‘Makara Sankramanam’. ‘Makara Sankranti’ is also traditionally celebrated as a ‘Pongal’ festival in South India and is mainly related to harvesting.
Mahabharata gives an account of Bhishmacharya, who after being incapacitated by Arjuna’s arrows in the battle waited for this Makara Sankramanam and the arrival of Uttarayana. Bhishma had a rare boon of ‘Ichha Maranam’ and he waited till Uttarayana Punyakala, as he knew that leaving his material body in Uttarayana would lead him to Devaloka.
