Umbrellas Archives - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

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.

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 Offering Umbrellas

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

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

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

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

Procession of Garuda Vahanam on Mada Streets with Celestial Umbrellas

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

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

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

Worship of Offering New Umbrellas

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

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

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

Procession of Kalpavriksha Vahanam on Mada Streets with Celestial Umbrellas

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

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

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

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

Tag: umbrellas

Making of Umbrellas for Garuda Seva