Srivari Brahmotsavam
Annual lunar festival
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Through Andhra Pradesh, India and Gregorian calendar
The Utsava-murti (processional deity) of the presiding deity, Venkateswara, and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are taken on a procession on several vahanams on the streets surrounding the temple. The celebration attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over India and around the world. A Brahmotsavam is a cleansing ceremony in honor of Lord Brahma, and the ceremony at Tirumala is the largest.
Etymology
The word Brahmotsavam is a combination of two Sanskrit words—Brahma and utsavam (festival)—and Brahma reportedly conducted the first festival. Brahma also means "grand" or "large". Srivari Brahmotsavam is also known as "Venkateswara Salakatla Brahmotsavams" and "Venkateswara Navaratri Brahmotsavams".
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Two festivals
When there is an extra month in the Telugu calendar, two Brahmotsavam are held viz., Salakatla and Navarathri. Both festivals were held in 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2023
Brahmotsavam 2024
This year, in 2024, since there is no Adhika Maasa, there will only be one Brahmotsavam, which is the annual Salakatla Brahmotsavam.
The Salakatla Brahmotsavam and the Navaratri Brahmotsavam will be held together..
The TTD Brahmotsavam 2024 will take place from October 3 to October 12.
In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, Rathotsavam (Big Chariot) is held on the morning of the eighth day; during Navaratri Brahmotsavam, Golden Chariot (Swarna Rathotsavam) is held that morning of the eighth day. In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, there will be flag hoisting (Dwajarohanam) on 1st day and flag-lowering (Dwajaavarohanam) on the evening of the ninth day.
History and legend
According to the legend of Tirumala, Brahma descends to earth to conduct the festival. Sri Venkteswara Sahasranamastotra refers to Brahma performing the festival, signified by a small, empty wooden chariot (brahmaratham) which moves ahead of the processions of the Venkateswara processional deity Malayappa.
The first reference to festivals in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple was in 966 CE, when the Pallava queen Samavai endowed land and ordered its revenue to celebrate festivals in the temple. Until 1582, Brahmotsavams were held as often as 12 times a year.
Celebrations
The Brahmotsavam is held over nine days at the beginning of the Hindu calendar month of Āśvina, paralleling Navaratri. The evening before the first day, the rite of Ankurarpana (the sowing of seeds to signify fertility and abundance) is performed. The main first-day activity is Dwajarohana, the raising of the Garuda flag to signify the beginning of the festival. Religious activities during the festival include daily homas and processions on streets surrounding the temple. The final day commemorates Venkateswara's birth star. The Sudarshana Chakra is bathed in the temple tank with the devotees. The Chakra is then placed on a high platform, and the devotees walk under it and are blessed with its dripping water. The festival ends with Dhvajavarohanam, the lowering of the Garuda flag.
- Dwajarohanam
- A ceremony on the first day, when a flag with a picture of Garuda (the vehicle of Vishnu) is hoisted over the temple. The flag is believed to be a symbolic invitation to the Hindu deities to attend the festival. After the ceremony, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister offers new silk clothes to Venkateswara.
- Pedda Shesha Vahanam
- On the evening of the first day, The processional deity of Sri Malayappa Swami is carried on a Seven - hooded golden Pedda Shesha Vahanam. The serpent represents Adisesha, the divine serpent that serves as the couch of Lord Vishnu. The vahana symbolizes the universe's support and balance, as Shesha is believed to hold the world.
- Chinna Shesha Vahanam
- On the morning of the second day, The processional deity of Sri Malayappa Swami, donning the role of Sri Krishna, will be taken for a pleasure ride on the five - hooded golden Chinna Sesha vahanam in all his majestic display of power and strength.
- Hamsa Vahanam
- On the evening of the second day, The processional deity of Sri Malayappa Swami, will be taken around for a ride on a golden swan. The swan symbolizes purity, knowledge, and wisdom. It is said that Lord Vishnu himself took the form of a swan in ancient mythology, and this procession is a reminder of divine wisdom and enlightenment. It is also associated with the goddess of knowledge - Saraswati, and the creator god - Brahma, who is often depicted riding a swan.
- Garuda Vahanam
- On the evening of the fifth day, Venkateswara and Garuda are carried in a procession and decorated with garlands of flowers. Every year, the Tirupati Venkateswara garland is sent to the Srivilliputtur Andal Temple for the marriage festival of Andal.
- Hanumantha Vahanam
- On the morning of the sixth day morning, Venkateswara and Hanuman are taken out in procession.
- Chakra Snanam
- On the morning of the ninth day, the Malayappa, his two consorts and the Sudarshana Chakra are carried in procession to the Varahaswamy Temple. After the abhishekam and presentation of food offerings, the Sudarshana Chakra and its devotees are bathed in the temple tank.
Procedure
- First day
- Morning : Dwajarohanam [The official commencement of the Brahmotsava]
- Evening : Pedda Shesha Vahanam [Seven hooded Adishesha]
- Second day
- Third day
- Morning : Simha Vahanam [Golden Lion]
- Evening : Muthuyapu Pandiri Vahanam [Pearl-studded Palanquin]
- Forth day
- Morning : Kalpavriksha Vahanam [Wish-fulfilling Tree]
- Evening : sarva bhoopala Vahanam [Carried as Ruler of the world]
- Fifth day
- Morning :Mohini Avatharam [Mohini]
- Evening :Garuda Vahanam [Eagle - Garuda]
- Sixth day
- Seventh day
- Eighth day
- Morning :Rathotsavam [Big Chariot]
- Evening :Aswa Vahanam [Golden Horse]
- Ninth day
- Morning :Pallaki utsavam [Palanquin], Chakra snanam [Bath of Vishnu Chakra]
- Evening :Dwaja avarohanam [The closing ritual of Brahmotsava]