Tag: brahmotsavams

Although many utsavas are conducted for the Lord throughout the year, the brahmotsavams which take place for nine days a year assume greatest prominence in the history of Tirumala.

Brahmotsavams 2024 - The Festival Performed by Lord Brahma

Brahmotsavams 2024 – The Festival Performed by Lord Brahma

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Srivari Brahmotsavams 2024

The celebration of Srivari Brahmotsavams is the grandest spectacle of the year. Hundreds of thousands congregate at Tirumala to have the grand darshan of Lord Venkateswara as He moves around the streets on a different mount each morning and evening for nine days.

Filled with excitement and devotion, the atmosphere is charged. These days, even those who cannot participate in person can participate virtually because of television and live streaming on the TTD SVBC channel and other websites and the sharing of photos and videos on social media.

CHANDRA PRABHA VAHANAM
Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva

Celebration of festivals has been part of the culture of the temple at Tirumala since ancient times. For example, there is a reference in the Ahananooru, one of the eight anthologies (ettuthokai) of the Sangam Tamil literature to ‘Vengadam, prosperous because of the festivals celebrated there.’

The earliest epigraphic references can be traced back to 966 CE citing the endowments made by the Pallava queen Samavai, and subsequently others such as the Telugu Pallava king Vijaya Ganda Gopala Deva, Tribhuvana Chakravarthi Tiruvenkatanatha Yadava Rayalu and Veera Prathapa Rayalu to organize the Brahmotsavams to the Lord at Tirumala.

But why the name ‘Brahmotsavam’, Brahma’s festival?

Srivari Brahmotsavams 2024 – will be celebrated between 4th October and 12th October 2024.

Venkataachala Maahatmyam – Bok

In his book, ‘Venkataachala Maahatmyam’, Paravastu Venkata Ramanuja Swamy cites the Varaha Purana explaining the origin of the Brahmotsavam. Many eons ago, sages and yogis were being harassed by ‘asuras,’ especially Ravana. They went to Vaikunta in search of Mahavishnu, the only one who could save them. ‘He is visiting the earth’, said a dweller of Vaikunta. So, they made their way to the earth.

On the way, they met the sage Narada and he suggested that they all go and ask Lord Brahma for a solution. They prostrated before Lord Brahma and prayed for his help. Lord Brahma narrated the story of how Ravana’s power was built through penance and that he could be killed only by a non-human. The only solution was to seek the help of Lord Mahavishnu. But where is he on earth? Lord Brahma opined that Lord Vishnu was at that time believed to be in Venkatadri, because it was after the Varaha ‘avatara’ and it was ‘Varaha kshetram‘.

Sri Varaha Swami - AdiVarahaKshetram
Sri Varaha Swami – AdiVarahaKshetram

Now, all the sages along with Lord Brahma trudged to Seshachalam. They searched here and there but could not find Lord Vishnu. Led by Lord Brahma, they performed penance. Meanwhile, the king Dasaratha who had no sons was advised by the sage Vasistha to head to Venkatadri. Bathing in the sacred waters and washing off his sins, he wandered around and saw many rishis immersed in the worship of Lord Vishnu.

Amidst them was Lord Brahma on a tiger skin, His four faces glowing brilliantly as He meditated on Lord Srinivasa. Vasistha initiated Dasaratha with the ‘Venkatesa Ashtakshari Mantra’ and Dasaratha devotedly chanted. Lord Mahavishnu would not deny His beloved devotee a glimpse!

There was a blinding flash of light and suddenly they all found themselves in the abode of Lord Mahavishnu! Ecstatic at this rare divine vision, everyone eulogized the Lord. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Srinivasa asked them what their problem was. Lord Brahma, the sages like Agastya and Sanaka, and Dasaratha explained their difficulties to Him. The Lord smiled and said that He would solve all their problems. Full of relief and happiness, the sages and others left. But Lord Brahma stayed behind.

Seeing him, Lord Srinivasa asked how he could help. Lord Brahma explained that it went to His heart that the Lord was not visible to the people. In Kaliyuga, people couldn’t do penance to be able to see the Lord. It was important for the Lord to take care of His people as otherwise they would be condemned to Hell. Lord Brahma requested Lord Mahavishnu as Lord Srinivasa to stay back in Venkatadri in His physical form for all to see. And the Lord agreed that He would stay here in Venkatachala till the end of this ‘Kalpa’ along with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Lord Brahma still stood there. Then Lord Vishnu asked Lord Brahma about his wish. To this, Lord Brahma replied that He wanted to celebrate Lord Srinivasa’s glory by hoisting His ‘dwaja’ or flag and holding a festival. The Lord agreed to this also. This happened on the day of Shravana star in Kanya Month. Since Lord Brahma Himself conducted ‘utsavas’ for nine days ending on the day of the Lord’s self-manifestation, this event is known as ‘Brahmotsavams’.

Just as Lord Brahma invited all the gods, demi-Gods and others to participate in the festival, before the auspicious ‘dwajaarohana’, the ‘utsava murthis’ along with the ‘parivar’ (family) deities are taken around the four Mada streets in procession. Garuda flying high invites everyone to participate.

Let’s take part in the grand divine festival and obtain the graceful blessings of Lord Srinivasa!

Brahmotsavams 2024 - The Festival Performed by Lord Brahma

 

Brahma Ratham

To this day, in commemoration to Brahmotsavam, a small empty chariot known as the ‘Brahma Ratham’ goes before the daily procession of the ‘utsava murties’ (processional deities) twice on the Brahmotsavam days.

Divine Verses (4000) During Brahmotsavams at Tirumala

Divine Verses (4000) During Brahmotsavams at Tirumala

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4000 Divine Verses

Srivari Brahmotsavams

Srivari Brahmotsavams of this year will be celebrated between 4th October and 12th October 2024.

The holy Thiru Vengadam Hills, perhaps the most famous place of pilgrimage, always carries a festive atmosphere with the crowds pouring in from all parts of the world and this vast land of ours.

To many who come from faraway places, this pilgrimage is a sacred duty to be undertaken at least once in a lifetime. For many others, Lord Srinivasa is the family deity and the trek up the hills has to be done to mark occasions like marriages, the birth of children, and the fulfilment of prayers. Other groups make it to the hills during the Tamil month ‘Purattasi’ (September-October) with utmost devotion.

Punnami Garuda Seva - Tirumala

The Saturdays of this month are considered to be very sacred. The pilgrims light lamps at the base of the hills and worship the hills. This crowd swells to a lakh and more during the annual Brahmotsavams!

The structure of the temple and the narrow interiors allow only a split-second darshan of the main deity to the devotees, though the sanctum sanctorum remains open and the Lord gives His grand ‘darshan’ through the day and night with a break of hardly an hour or so. This is of course a very special moment to be cherished, but most of the devout pilgrims come out longing for more.

Most console themselves saying, “What if I can’t see the Lord for long? He surely saw me and will shower His immense blessings on me! He has come from His celestial abode and is standing here to see us”.

Ashtadikpalakas and their role in Brahmotsavams - Heading

The unfulfilled desire in the hearts of all pilgrims is satisfied by the grand Brahmotsavams conducted in the holy month of Purattasi when the Lord incarnated on the hills in Sravanam asterism. The Utsavam brings the processional deity, Malayappa Swami, with His divine consorts from the temple into the broad Mada streets in various floats twice every day in the morning and the evening.

Thousands of devotees who can sit on the stands have a glorious darshan and give their humble offerings to the Lord. The SVBC channel of the TTD brings the entire festive ambience into our homes through their live telecast. Millions can watch the hoisting of the flag at the Dwaja Sthambha, the Agama rituals, the Vahana Sevas, and the salubrious environment of the hills and get a complete experience. Many elderly devotees used to stick to the television all nine days and feel blessed by the Lord.

The most important part of the Vahana Seva is the chanting of the Vedas in Tamil (the 4000 divine verses of the Alwar saints) leading the procession which is headed by the Jeeyar swamies in Tirumala. This demonstrates that the Lord of Thiru Vengadam is the Supreme Almighty who has been praised by both the Vedas. It is heartwarming to see the very large number of scholars taking part in this service. The role of the educational institutions run by the TTD for nurturing the Vedic, Prabhandha and Agama studies is highly commendable.

Four thousand verses are chanted

In the course of the nine days of the Brahmotsavams, the entire four thousand verses are chanted. On the very first day when the Malayappa Swami ascends the Big Sesha Vahanam flanked by His consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, the Mudal Thiruvandadhi of Poigai Piran is chanted. This Alwar’s birth asterism was on the sacred Thiruvonam star which also is the ‘Aavathara Thirunakshatram of Lord Srinivasa.

Divya Prabandha Ghoshti - Tirumala
Divya Prabandha Ghoshti – Tirumala

Iyarppa Perumal

Poigai Alwar has sung about many Divya Deshas but the Seven Hills of Tirumala are very special to him and the Alwar’s magical verses on the ‘kshetra’ are very special to the Lord. At Tirumala, the chanting of Nalayira Divya Prabhandam is always started with Poigai Alwar’s Mudal Thiruvandadhi verses followed by the entire “Iyarpa” on subsequent Vahanas.

The Lord of the Seven Hills is fondly called ‘Iyarppa Perumal’.

Iyarpa is the last thousand verses of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham and consists of Poigai Alwar’s Mudal Thiruvandadhi, Bhoodath Alwar’s Irandam Thiruvandadhi, Pei Alwar’s Moondram Thiruvandadhi, Thirumazhisai Alwar’s Nanmugan Thiruvandadhi, Nammalwar’s Thiruviruttam, Periya Thiruvandadhi and so on.

On the day of Garuda Vahanam the Lord listens to the rendering of Nammalwar’s glorious Thiruviruttam wherein the Alwar describes the glory of the Thiru Vengadam Hills in numerous verses.

In many Srivaishnava ‘kshetras’, the chanting of Divya Prabhandham begins with mundane desires, men of wisdom, great souls like the Alwar saints who blessed the Lord with their powerful words of ‘mangalasasanam’ and the residents of the celestial land too.

In verse 37 of the same Prabhandham, Poigai Alwar describes an enchanting scene that unfolds before him. Streams of Vedic Scholars converging on the hills from all directions hurrying towards the temple are observed by the Alwar. These enlightened souls are carrying lamps, incense, pure water, and fresh flowers for the worship of the Lord.

Swami Periyavachan Pillai in his commentary on this verse observes that the depiction of the Alwar seems to convey that there is a big festival, most probably the Brahmotsavams being conducted in the temple.

The Mangalasasanam of the Alwar was conferred on the ‘kshetra’, the Lord of the Seven Hills, the devotees and the ‘utsavam’ too!

THANEERAMUDU-FESTIVAL-TIRUMALA-NAMBI-TEMPLE

Today, as we watch the ceremonial commencement of the Divya Prabhandham recital during the Brahmotsavam in the South Mada Veedhi near the shrine of ‘Tirumalai Nambi’, a deep conviction arises in the heart that it is the benedictory power of the Alwar’s verses that has blessed Lord Venkatesa.

It has made him the Supreme Deity of Kaliyuga and the Seven Hills a replica of the celestial land (Bhooloka Vaikuntam) on the earth. It has ensured that the flow of the faithful will always increase and the Lord’s grace will flow towards all of them at all times. The Vedas and the devout devotees who abide by it will be protected by His abundant grace!

Adhika Masa - The Extra Month

Adhika Masa – The Extra Month

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Annual Brahmotsavas – Adhika Masa

Today, the annual Brahmotsavas in Tirumala is celebrated for nine days during the month of Kanya. But, whenever there is an extra month as per the Chandramana, two Brahmotsavas are celebrated.

It is an established tradition to hold the festival, having fixed the Avabritha on the day with Sravana nakshatra [the star in which Sri Venkateswara was incarnated]. Kanyamasa is related to Souramana.

As per the Candramana (lunar almanac), Kanyamasa Sravana occurs generally in the month of Aswayuja. The Souramana (solar almanac) has a year with 365 days, with no extra months. A year in the lunar calendar has 354 days, allowing for extra months.

As it has eleven days less, now and then there can be a month without Suryasankranthi (the transit of the Sun from one house to another in the Zodiac) in the Chandramana. Such is the extra month [a Chandramasa without Suryasankramana].

Cultural and folk arts - Brahmotsavams
Cultural and folk arts during Brahmotsavams

In general, such an extra month occurs once in three years. In a year with the extra month (adhika masam), Kanya Sravana falls in the month of Aswayuja of the Chandramana. In such instances, the Brahmotsavas are celebrated from Aswayajuja Vidiya up to Vijayadasami. In a year with the extra month, Kanya Sravana falls in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Chandramana.

In such instances, the annual Brahmotsavas celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada are the prominent ones. During such a year, the Brahmotsavas are celebrated a second time even in Aswayuja. Such second Brahmotsavas are called Navarathri Brahmotsavas. Between these two annual Brahmotsavas, the ones in the month of Kanya Bhadrapada are more important.

Hence these Brahmotsavas start with Dhwajarohana and end up with Dhwajavarohana.

Garuda Seva Tirumala - Adhika Masa
Before the procession of GARUDA SEVA during Brahmotsavams – Tirumala – Adhika Masa

Lords of the Eight Directions

The Lords of the Eight Directions and other gods are not invited to the festival. The car festivals are celebrated as in the first Brahmotsavas.

In the Navaratri Brahmotsavas, there is neither Dhwajarohana nor Dhwajavarohana. The Lords of the Eight Directions are not invited to these festivities. The car festivals are celebrated in order as in the first Brahmotsavas. In the first Brahmotsavas, a wooden chariot is used in the car festival, and in the second, a silver chariot.

Today, a golden chariot is being used in the place of the silver one. Where is the silver chariot, now? We don’t know. Probably, it is safe in the Tirumala museum. In the first annual Brahmotsava, after the car festival at night, an assembly is held every day for the festive idols in the golden Tirucchi [golden palanquin] in the Tirumalaraya Mandapa (Tirumalaraya pavilion).

In the second Navarathri Brahmotsavas, after the car festival every day at night an assembly of the festive idols in golden Seshavahana is held in the Rangamandapa [Ranganayakulu Mandapa].

Religious and Spiritual Significance of Adhika Masam

  • There are no festivals observed during this lunar month. All festivals, muhurtas for auspicious ceremonies like marriage, housewarming, initiation of mantras, etc will be postponed to Nija Maasam.
  • Rather this month is treated as a special and holy month and people perform the adhik mass vrat. Extra mala japas, pradakshinas, pilgrimages, scriptural reading, and parayans.
  • Few even practice strict celibacy and avoid alcohol, meat, tobacco, etc during this month.
  • This is the best month to do any Puja or Havan. Also, if a person wants to chant any specific mantra, he/she should get initiated by a guru in the earlier month itself and continue the practice.
  • Any graha dosh or specific dosh nivaran puja and remedies performed in Adhika Maasam to rectify the horoscope gives a better result to the individual.

Lord Sri Venkateswara is the supreme God. Devotees across the world throng the holy shrine in Tirumala throughout the year to offer their vows on the fulfilment of their wishes. A glimpse of God even for a few seconds will make them forget their travails of the journey.

They would like to personally participate in each ritual performed to the Lord every day despite the constraints of time, space, and availability. To obviate the problems faced by the large section of devotees, the TTD is telecasting all programs live on SVBC.

Glory of Divine Mother - Tiruchanur

Glory of Divine Mother – Tiruchanur

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The Glory of the DIVINE MOTHER

Sriman Narayana, the Almighty manifests Himself in five distinct forms namely the Param, Vyuham, Vibhavam, Antaryami and Archa. In all these forms the Lord is always inseparably united with His divine consort Sri Mahalakshmi.

The Parabrahamam is identified only by the presence of the “Sri”, the Divine Mother.

The Vedas, the verses of the Alwars, the Itihasas, and the Puranas authored by the sages like Valmiki, Vyasa, and Parasara all established the divine couple as the ‘Paratatvam’. While praising the Lord, the Vedas identify him as the one who is “Sripati”. Likewise, while speaking of the Divine Mother, the Sri Suktam hails Her as “Vishnupatni”.

The Almighty has two kinds of determination namely Anugraham and Nigraham. He is undoubtedly an ocean of mercy, the protector of all. He also has the crucial role of establishing ‘dharma’ for which it is necessary to annihilate the demonic forces.

The benign Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is the abode of unalloyed grace and mercy and has no intent of punishing even the worst sinners like Ravana or Kakasura.

“I pray to the goddess who being the consort of the Lord is with Him in all the acts of protecting the whole universe. She is the very personification of mercy and is incapable of the very thought of punishing anyone” says Swami Desikan in his stotra, Yathiraja Saptathi.

Padmavathi Ammavaru

The Almighty is resplendent as Sriman Narayana in all His manifestations. In Srivaikunta, His permanent abode, He is the Lord of the Celestials and is worshipped by Nityasuris like Ananta, Garuda, Viswaksena, and Muktas who reach the land of bliss after liberation. In this Nitya Vibhuti, His permanent abode, He is ever present with His consort the Divine “Sri”.

This land of bliss is beyond the reach of mortals and even Devatas. When the Devatas want to approach the Lord, they do so in His abode in the Milky Ocean. The Lord is present with Sri Mahalakshmi reclining on the Adi Sesha here.

The Almighty in all His mercy comes down to the mortal world, His ‘Leela Vibhuti’, from time to time to protect the virtuous, annihilate demonic forces, and uphold ‘dharma.’ These incarnations are called the ‘Vibhava Avatharas’.

In all these appearances, the Divine Mother incarnates with Him in every ‘avathara.’ When He appeared as Lord Rama, the Goddess Srilakshmi appeared as Sita. When He incarnated as Lord Krishna, She appeared as Rukmini. The sage Parasara in his Vishnu Puranam shows that in every form the Lord assumes, Sri Mahalakshmi too assumes a form that is eminently suitable to His divine ‘leela’.

Varalakshmi Vratam Tiruchanoor

The Almighty is present within every object in His creation. The Paramatma’s presence within our soul is called ‘Antharyami’. This very minute manifestation too is in unison with His ‘Sri’.

All the above manifestations are beyond the reach of the human beings. Param and Vyuham cannot be attained with the physical body. ‘Vibhava Avatharas’ can be enjoyed only by those who lived in the times of the incarnation.

The Lord within the human beings can be realized only by great ‘yogis’ with immense spiritual strength. The form which is easiest to attain, infinitely merciful, and available always to all the seekers without any discrimination is the Archa (idol) form.

This Thirumeni is “Subhasrayam” meaning it is divine and can destroy the evil ‘karma’ of all who worship it and confer all boons. It is always available. The Lord is waiting for His devotees to come to Him.

Varalakshmi Vratam Tiruchanoor 4

In the Archa form, the Almighty in all temples is seen with His divine consort who is ever present in His chest as ‘Thirumarbu Lakshmi’.

The Lord’s holy chest is a temple for Her to reside both to be ever-present with Him and to be ever-available to bless His devotees. In some temples, she resides in exclusive shrines like ‘Thani Kovil Nachiyar’ like in Srirangam and Kanchipuram. In some temples, She resides with the Moola Moorthi as in Uppiliappan Kovil, Thirunaraiyur. In most temples, one finds Her as Ubhaya Nachiyars along with the ‘Utsavar’.

In Thiruvengadam (Tirumala) the most prominent among the Divya Desams the Lord is named Srinivasa as the Devi is inseparably wound up with Him. She showers grace as the ‘Thirumarbu Lakshmi’ and as Sridevi and Bhudevi in the Bhoga Archa. There is no separate shrine for the goddess within the temple on the Hills. The separate Sannidhi (Shrine) to the Alarmel Mangai

Thayar (Sri Padmavathi Devi) is at the base of Tirumala Hills in Alarmelmangapuram or Tiruchanur. This ‘kshetra’ has been widely spoken of in the Puranas like the Padma Puranam and the Varaha Puranam as the ‘avatara kshetra’ of the goddess. She is said to have emerged here in a golden lotus in the Padma Sarovaram, the temple tank when Lord Srinivasa performed penance and worshipped Her with divine golden lotus flowers.

Padmavathi Ammavari Temple - Tiruchanur - Shanti Nilayam

This Pushkarini is compared with the celestial Milky Ocean where the Devi incarnated when the Lord churned it assuming a thousand arms to help the ‘devas’ get ‘amruta’ to empower them to fight with the ‘asuras.’ The task was so mighty that the Lord enticed the ‘asuras’ to participate for a share of ‘amruta.’ He assumed numerous forms to join both sides and also became a divine tortoise (Koormavatara) to support Mandara Hill from below.

The Divine Sri emerged from the churning Ocean and was bathed with golden pots from the heavenly waters carried by the clouds Pushkala, Avartaka which was showered by eight elephants. The Goddess rose from Her Padmasana, walked straight to the Lord and garlanded Him as all the Devas watched the extraordinary scene. What started as an exercise to procure ‘amruta’ for the Devas turned out to be a clever plot with a concealed plot for the Lord to be united with His consort.

The Devas got their ‘amruta’ while the Lord, the Universal Charmer got back His Devi who is also known by name ‘Amruta’. The incarnation of the Goddess Padmavathi Thayar in the Padma Sarovaram at Tiruchanur is a divine ‘leela’, very similar to the mind-boggling effort of churning an ocean with a mountain.

Lord Srinivasa performed ‘Tapas’ in this sacred ‘kshetra’ to be united with His consort.

Various Utsavams

At Tiruchanur, her ‘avatara sthalam,’ Goddess Padmavathi resides in the ‘archa’ form ever ready to shower Her benign grace on Her devotees. It has been an age- old tradition to worship the goddess before ascending the hills to secure ‘darshan’ of the Lord of Thiruvengadam.

All the rituals are performed according to the ‘Pancharatra Agama’ tradition in Tiruchanur. The Golden Vimanam in Tiruchanur is called ‘Shanthi Nilayam. This is a temple where the goddess enjoys a pre-eminent position and is hailed by the Agama Sastra as ‘Svatantra Veera Lakshmi’.

She enjoys all kinds of ‘utsavas’ (Nithyotsava, Pakshotsava, Masotsava, Samvatsarotsava and Pavitrotsava), Thirumanjanam on Fridays, Unjal Seva and daily Kalyanotsavam. During the annual Karthika Brahmotsavam, the Goddess comes out of the temple in various mounts like Chinna Sesha Vahanam, Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Gaja Vahanam, etc.

The Vahana Seva tells Her devotees that the celestial beings like Garuda and Sesha serve the Lord’s consort just as they serve the Lord. In the Brahmotsavams for the Padmavathi Thayar the Gaja Vahanam is the highlight just as Garuda Vahanam is special for the Lord.

This is because the elephant is regarded as the symbol of royalty, great wealth, and regal splendour. It is fitting that the goddess of wealth should ride the elephant. Moreover, the temple flag hoisted in the Dwajasthambham too is adorned with an elephant.

Tiruchanur 2023 Elephants

The goddess is present in many temples as Gaja Lakshmi with two elephants offering garlands with utmost devotion and reverence. The Puranas describe the story of Lord Indra’s elephant throwing and stamping Lakshmi Devi’s ‘prasadam’.

Since then, all elephants are atoning for the great sacrilege by devoted service to the Devi.

The glorious ‘darshan’ of the goddess Padmavathi Thayar, Her Thirumeni sparkles with the glow of gold and her holy face and eyes brim with grace. Her rich silk robes, exquisite ornaments and her huge floral garlands complete the picture of perfection.

The goddess is seated on a lotus flower and holds lotus flowers in Her hand. Unlike the Lord She carries no weapons as She is the personification of grace and mercy.

The Brahmotsavams of Sri Padmavathi Devi in this year will be conducted between 10th November 2023 to 18th November 2023. The grand festival will conclude with the Theerthavari on 18th November 2023 which is famous as ‘Panchami Theertham’ as it falls on Panchami Thithi of Suklapaksham, Karthik month to mark the holy ‘avatara’ of the goddess Padmavathi Thayar.

TIruchanur 2023 Panchami Theertham

Auspicious Presents from Swami to Ammavaru

Lord Srinivasa sends an array of auspicious presents like turmeric, sandal paste, rich silks, dazzling ornaments, and garlands to greet His consort. All these offerings are brought from the Tirumala Hills by the officials, and priests and carried to Tiruchanur on an elephant. Lakhs of devotees pour into Tiruchanur to take a dip in the Padma Sarovar to celebrate the day joyously and receive the blessings of the Goddess.

The SVBC channel brings the spectacular ‘utsavam’ live to give ‘darshan’ to people all over the world and to shower the blessings of the goddess Padmavathi Devi on Her devotees forever.

Information Source – SAPTHAGIRI Magazine – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

Cultural and Folk Arts - Brahmotsavams

Cultural and Folk Arts – Brahmotsavams

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Brahmotsavam – A Festival organized by Brahma

According to some of the Epic Sources, it is on the day of Lord Sri Venkateswara’s Self Manifestation on the Tirumala Hills that his son BRAHMA was called by HIM and asked to celebrate a festival in memory of His Manifestation Day.

Ever since this festival has been celebrated under the leadership of Brahma. Hence it is called Brahmotsavam. Secondly, these annual celebrations are called Brahmotsavams because, among all the festivals of Lord Sri Venkateswara, these are the most magnificent annual festivals.

Because of their GRAND nature, they are called Brahmotsavams.

Salutations to Srivaru

During these Nine days of Brahmotsavas while Lord Srinivasa is moving in the Four Mada Streets on these vahanas named earlier the festivity touches the heights of sky everywhere. The auspicious music of the instruments is appealing to the ears.

Devotees from Anga, Kosala, Karnataka, Pandya, Kerala, Kashi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and all other regions arrive and stand on either side of the procession and with folded hands offer their salutations to Srivaru during Brahmotsavam.

Many teams of devotees following the troops of instrumentalists utter repeatedly the name of GOVINDA. Along with them, there are Acharya purushas, Archakasvamins, Jiyyangars, Vedic Savants, and officers.

Tirumala

A classic touch to Sri Vari Procession

The Devotees who come from different forms are experts in many kinds of arts.

In front of the procession,

  • Some teams of devotees sing in praise of the GOD.
  • Some others dance in a blissful state.
  • Still, others lay steps rhythmically doing bhajans.
  • Some devotees play on Trumpets.
  • Some give great Drum Beats.
  • Some devotees appear in the attire of Deities.
  • Some classical dance artists also offer their worship through their skill in dance forms.

Brahmotsavams 2018

Thus all the arts of Music and Performance arts are offered to Srinivasa as a Kainkarya or as a Devoted Service. In this procession, the line between the Earth and Sky disappears. Now everywhere it is divine…serene and noble-spirited.

Here the services of devotees through different classical and folk arts are to be considered as the very gestures of Goddess Sarasvati as She is the spouse of Brahma the chief performer of these festivals.

Cultural and folk arts Brahmotsavams 7

Pancha Bhutas

The pleasing sounds of the Auspicious musical instruments sanctify all the quarters of the Universe till the end. As said by the Sage Bhrugu in the holy treatise Arcana Tilaka the Five Gross elements: Pancha Bhutas serving the Lord Srinivasa through the Mridanga, Conch, Bells, and Nadasvara instruments, and the human voices respectively.

Pancha Bhutas: The Earth, The Water, The Fire, The Air and The Ether (Prthvi, jal, Tejas, Vayu and Akasa)

The Vibrant sounds of Vedic chants fill all directions with a kind of tranquillity and nobility. In the front side and back side of the Vehicle, people of different regions who are experts in different folk arts are formed into some groups and present their talents as a holy offering to the GREAT GOD.

Entire Nature is very calm and pleasant with the impressive utterances of different names of Lord HARI. The Seshadri mountain enjoys the arrival of devotees.

Brahmotsavams 2018 1

Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva 2018

Pedda Sesha 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 next 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).

Serpent Sesha’s Service to the Resident of Ananda Nilaya – Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva)

Seven-hooded Serpent Sesha’s service (Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva) to the Lord along with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Since the Lord is settled on Seshadri making Sesha His bed, Sesha’s carriage is preferred on the very first day of celebrations.

Adisesha serves the Lord variously in different postures as the habitation, bed, seat, shoes, upper garment, pillow, umbrella to shade from sun and shower, pedestal and servant. Hence, he is regarded as Sesha.

This procession suggests the rise of serpentine kundalini from mooladhara (primary consciousness) to Sahasrara (highest consciousness) in yoga.

Chinna Sesha Vahana Seva 2018

Chinna Sesha 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 next 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).

Srinivasa on the Younger Serpent Sesha – Chinna Sesha Vahana Seva

Lord Venkateswara alone proceeds on the younger five-hooded Serpent Sesha’s carriage (Chinna Sesha Vahana Seva) on the second day of Brahmotsavas. Born of the aspect of Narayana, Sesha has the privilege of offering his service twice with his intimacy to the Lord. Vasuki is regarded as the younger Sesha.

 

Hamsa Vahana Seva 2018

Hamsa 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 next 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).

Mother of Learning on Swan – Hamsa Vahana Seva

In the evening of the second day, the Lord appears as Saraswati, Goddess of Learning, on the Swan carriage (Hamsa Vahana Seva). This service suggests discriminating power of the good and the bad. The liberated soul is compared to a swan. God as the wisest swan on the swan carriage offers a delightful sight.

Simha Vahana Seva 2018

Simha 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 next 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).

Lord of Seven Hills on Lion-Carriage – Simha Vahana Seva

The Lord appears on the Lion carriage (Simha Vahana Seva) on the third day morning of Brahmotsavas. Manifesting Himself as the lion, He suggests eradication of violence in human nature.

Just as the animals are scared at the sight of the lion, human beings should restrain themselves from sin for fear of punishment at the hands of the Lord. In yogic science, the lion is a symbol of forbearance and speed. Thus, the lion simile suits the Lord.

Muthyapu Pandiri Vahana Seva 2018

Muthyapu Pandiri Vahana Seva 2018

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Muthyapu Pandiri Vahana Seva

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).

Unjal Seva - Muthyapu Pandiri
Unjal Seva – Before procession of Vahanam on Mada Streets – Muthyapu Pandiri

Lord Srinivasa on the Pearl Canopy

On the night of the third day, the processional deity Malayappa Swami is taken in procession in the Pearl Canopy (Muthyapu Pandiri Vahana Seva) along with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Going on a pleasure ride in a cool Pearl Canopy, the Lord seems to cool down the heat and tensions of the devotees.

Pearl is one of the nine jewels a symbol of the Moon which gives coolness and health.

Hence, wearing pearls not only adds to beauty but the coolness of the body. It also gives all the good fortune to us. This is the purpose behind the pearl canopy ceremony.