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Once in a year, the Brahmotsavams are being celebrated to Lord Venkateswara. In the procession, the Lord takes a majestically reclined posture on the various ‘vahanams’ (this page is dedicated to Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam)
‘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 a period of ten days.
Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam - Pearl Bower Car
On the third day, Malayappa Swamy goes in procession in the streets around the temple of Tirumala, accompanied by his Sridevi and Bhudevi.
Lord Malayappa Swamy appears in a chariot decorated with pearls like the stars dazzling in a dark sky. It reminds us that the mind should be like a pearl – pure, white, cool, and peaceful. The Lord is presented as Lord Krishna killing the demon bird Bakasura
The pearls emanate coolness.
In the Swathi Karthe, a drop of rainwater enters an oyster shell in the ocean's shell and becomes a pearl.
Sri Krishna is described as wearing a fresh pearl at the tip of his nose -- ‘nasagre navamouktikam’.
Venkateswara is praised everywhere as “Mouktika Sragvi’ (one who wears a garland of pearls)
Malayappaswamy goes here and there, enticing the sight of the devotees.
Srimannarayana is one who stays under Adisesha’s thousand hoods that look like an umbrella made of pearls, an air conditioned temple, with it as vahanam
Unjal Seva before procession of Lord
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’.
Pearl bower glittering - Shining stars
During the nine festive nights of Aswayuja, the car with the pearl bower glittering amidst electric lamps that excel shining stars goes in procession, bliss to look at.
The appearance of Sri Venkateswara, who is treated for cool delight, dispels the trials and tribulations of the devotees.
Beak - Punishes the Evil One
Lord Venkateswara preaches, a drop of water on a lotus leaf looks like a pearl. The same drop in an oyster shell shines, having become a pearl.
So, my devotees, unlike a drop of water, you should take shelter for true bliss, like a drop of water that becomes a true pearl rather than taking shelter under other gods, obtains ephemeral bliss.
In the annual Brahmotsavas, Venkateswara appears in the pearl bower car in the guise of Sri Krishna, who shears Bakasura’s beak and punishes the evil one.
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.
