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Once a year, the Brahmotsavams are celebrated to Lord Venkateswara. In the procession, the Lord takes a majestically reclined posture on the various ‘vahanams’ (this page is dedicated to Kalpavriksha Vahanam - Wish Bearing Tree).
‘Padakavita Pitamaha’ Annamacharya eulogizes Lord Venkateswara as ‘Tiruveedullo merese Devadevudu,’ and ‘Naanaadikkula Narulella vaanalalone vatturu.’ Lord Brahma initiates the ‘utsavams’ following the command of Lord Venkateswara.
So these ‘utsavs’ are called ‘Salakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavams.’ These ‘utsavams’ will be celebrated for ten days.
Kalpavriksha Vahanam - Wish Bearing Tree - fulfill the desires of his devotees.
On the fourth day, Lord Venkateswara with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi goes in procession on the Kalpavriksha vahana, delighting the devotees.
When gods and demons were churning the ocean for Amritha, the Kalpavriksha that could fulfill the wishes of all, and which is evergreen, irrespective of the season, was born from the milky ocean.
Kalpavriksha showers only worldly blisses.
Parijata tree from heaven to earth
Venkateswara who has Kalpavriksha as his chariot or vahana confers both worldly and spiritual bliss.
The Lord is a Kalpavriksha for all those who seek his shelter. The Lord brought the Parijata tree from heaven to earth and installed it at the request of Satyabhama. Now, in the epoch of Kali, he goes in procession on the Kalpavriksha Vahana, to fulfill the desires of his devotees.
On the same vahana, Lord Venkateswara delights the sight of his devotees, in the guise of a cowherd.
Kalpavriksha is an emperor among trees born of earth
Govinda who saves the cattle, protects the devotees as well.
Kalpavriksha fame for charity is venerated in all the three worlds and it is in heaven.
In this epoch of Kali, the Lord who is the devotee’s Kalpavriksha, goes in procession in front of the devotees on Kalpavriksha vahana and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.
Venkateswara is a Kalpavriksha for all his devotees.
With tons of flowers
Throughout the ‘utsavam’ on all days, the entire temple, the Mada Veedhis, the Vahana Mandapam, and the Swamy Pushkarini are decorated with tons of flowers and festive lights. The lighting almost transforms night into day the ‘vahanas’ in the night appear much more radiant and dazzling in the dark. Every day the Lord listens to the chanting of the Vedas and Dravida Vedas (Divya Prabhandas) with Tirumalai Kelviappan Pedda Jeeyar and Chinna Jeeyar Swamies at the forefront leading the scholars.
Eminent musicians are brought to play ‘nadhaswaram’, clarinet, drums, and devotees sing and dance in large groups before the Lord expressing their joy. The procession with the Brahma Radham in the front comprises of decked-up elephants, horses, and oxen.
Many groups of devotees register with the TTD to participate in the ‘Srivari Seva’ activities in various capacities. With boundless enthusiasm and devotion, they dance, sing, and chant the holy names of the Lord in his presence. Huge quantities of divine 'prasadams' are offered to the Lord and distributed to the devotees.
The quantities of food items prepared at the Free Annadanam Complex are truly gigantic which is appropriate considering that the Lord of the Seven Hills was described as ‘Ulagam unda peruvayan’ by Nammalwar. Ancient, priceless exotic jewelry and many new additions like diamond crowns are worn by the Lord during the ‘utsavam’.
Snapana Tirumanjanam
Every year during Brahmotsavam, a special Snapana Tirumanjanam will be held at Ranganayakula Mandapam in Tirumala.
The processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swami along with Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi will be seated on a special platform and were offered the sacred bath with aromatic ingredients.
As part of this, some special decorations to match the occasion will stand as a special attraction every year. Apart from decorating the stage, with colourful flowers, orchids, fruits, creepers, the garlands that were offered to Sri Malayappa Swami remained unique.
The garlands made of Finger Millet (Ragi Mala), Green Pavitras and Coral malas which have also made their maiden way in Snapana Tirumanjanam in addition to Cardomom, Cuscus, Grapes, Tulasi garlands etc.
It is not only the Desi cereals, fruits, flowers, spices that sanctify their lives in the divine service, but also the apples, Grapes, Pears, Mangoes and Cherries that sailed all their way travelling thousands of kilometres from their homelands to bliss their lives in the service of Universal Lord, Sri Venkateswara.
