Thanks to NUTAN PRASAD - Story Behind Tirumala Tirupati Bramhostsavam

[Sandeep Deshmukh]

Thanksmuch ti Nutan for sharing  such a precious article.We hope all Sainikas are reading and all articles shared...

 

Jai Hindu...

On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 10:05 AM, nuthan <nutha...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Friends,

An ‘Utsavam’ is said to contribute peace and nourishment to the people
(‘utsavam sarva-lOkAnAm sAnti-pushtikaram viduh’); and it is a sort of
‘yajna’ where common folks participate. Utsavams or Festivals are of
three kinds, according to Vaikhanasa Scriptures:
(1) Kalotsavam : Those take place without fail on certain days every
year,
(2) Sraddotsavam : the festivals which are arranged by devotees out of
their faith to be conducted on a day that they chose (‘ishta-mAsE dine
cheshtE’) and
(3) Nimittotsavam : the festivals that are conducted in times of
distress, draught, fright and unrest, and for bringing about peace and
plenty.
Brahmotsavams are part of kalotsavam, Brahmotsavam can be given two
meanings :
As it was first started by Lord Brahma, to the Archavathara of Lord
Venkateswara, to achieve Universal Peace. To signify the special
nature of Brahmotsavam, a well decorated, small and empty chariot
called `Brahma Ratham' leads every vahanam procession of Sri Malayappa
swami, the utsavamurti of Sri Venkateswara. This indicates even today
that the festival is conducted under the guidance and supervision of
Brahma. Brahma is believed to be seated in that chariot overseeing the
celebration. Thus this festival has a significant name, i.e.,
Brahmotsavam.
'Brahma' means 'Brihat', 'Utsavam' means 'Yagnam', That means among
all the utsavams, rituals, pujas performed inside the temple, this is
the best and the biggest one.
Why we celebrate Brahmotsavams? In short, To facilitate all walks of
people to have the darsan(divine view) of the Lord, who dont have the
chance to enter inside the temple and have the darsan of MulaVirat,
due to Physically disabled, Old Age, traditionally not allowed in
temple(in some communities if death happens they should not go to
temple for particular no. of days).
It is possible that even after performing all the rituals, utsavams
daily throughout the year, mistakes do occur due to common human
faults. Due to this the Cosmic Energy(Saannidhyam) present inside the
idol will slightly decrease.




In Brahmotsavams, a Kumbham(Kalasam or a Pot with divine water) is
installed inside the temple and homams, special rituals are performed
for 9 days to this Kumbham, so as to store the cosmic energy. This
energy will be transferred to the main idol at the end of the
Brahmotsavam, so as to compensate the slight loss occured due to
mistakes. So to overcome the mistakes also, Brahmotsavams are
performed.(There's another utsavam called 'Pavithrotsavam' which is
performed to correct the mistakes in rituals that occured throughout
the year. It is some what different than Brahmotsavams)

So whats the result of Brahmotsavam? After performing Brahmotsavam
according to the rites specified in Agamas, the one who
performed(partcipated,seen) this utsavam, his all sins immediately get
destroyed. Also 10 generations before and 10 generations after he,his
ancestors and family members will attain mukthi(salvation) and also he
attains Vaikunta(or Vishnu Saayujyam) which is very difficult to
attain even for demigods(Devathas). After celebrating Brahmotsavam all
the diseases in that village, city, state etc will get cured, and
their(people) families will prosper in all respects.

In Tirumala Hill Shrine, the Brahmotsavams are celebrated to mark the
incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Venkateswara in Kaliyuga. Bhadrapada
Month, Sukla Paksham, Dwadasi Tithi, Sravana Nakshatram, Monday Lord
Vishnu selfmanifested as archavathara murthy. According to Vaikhanasa
Scriptures, when to celebrate Brahmotsavam is decided, based on the
birthstar(one amoung many ways) of the presiding deity. So here
Sravana nakshatra is the birth star of Lord Srinivasa and should fall
on last day ie on Chakra Snanam(Avabridha Snanam). So the Brahmotsavam
will start before nine days to Sravanam. Other methods of deciding
time for utsavams are : Consecration (Pratishta) day of the Temple, 2.
Birthstar of Yajamani (The Executive Officer of the Temple), Conducted
as Shraddotsavam or Kaamyotsavam as desired (sponsored) by devotees.
Brahmotsavam usually will have the following set of procedures as
ordained by Vaikhanasa Bhagavachastram,



Acharya Ritwikvaranam (Selection of officiating priests for the
performance of Brahmotsavams), Kankanadharanam (wrist band) to Utsava
Muthi and priests.
Mritsangrahanam ( Collecting divine sand for use in Ankurarpanam and
Yagasala Rituals), Visesha Puja (Goddess of Earth {bhudevi} is invoked
in the sand and worshipped), Ankurarpanam (Sowing of seeds to signify
fertility, prosperity and abundance) is performed along with a
procession of Sri Vishvaksena (the leader of Narayana’s retinue who
removes obstacles and protects worship).
Dwaja Danda Sthapanam (Consecration of the wood pillar which holds the
celestial flag, Dwaja Patam).
Vastu Puja (Purification rites connected with Yagasala{ the place
where fire oblations are performed}), Homams (Fire oblations), Dwaja
Pata Pratishta (Rituals in connection with consecrating the celestial
Flag which contain an image of Garuda).
Veesa, Santa, Anapayina Archanam (Worship to the attendent deities
viz., Ananta(Ananta denotes the cosmic serpent on which Vishnu
reclines), Garuda (the bird vehicle of Lord Vishnu), Sudarsana (the
divine discus and weapon of Lord Vishnu).
Bheri Puja, Bheri Tadanam (In this rite, the divine sound produced by
an instrument called ‘Bheri’ or ‘Sanna Dolu’(in Telugu), is given
sacred rites and the man who produces the sound is also given this
task by peforming special rites and reciting vedic hymns).
Aalaya Bali ( ‘Bali’ or ‘Plain Rice with tulasi, water’ are offered to
the dikpalakas and parishad devathas surrounding the first enclosure
of the temple).
Grama Bali (In this rite, ‘Bali’ is offered, while inviting the Asta
dikpalakas (the deities of the eight cardinal points) are invoked
around four mada streets{the surrounding four streets of the temple},
by reciting Vedic hymns and worshipping them) and enjoined to see that
the utsavam is conducted properly.
Dwajarohanam, Dwaja Devarchanam ( Worship is offered to Garuda and the
adidevathas of Dwajam, there will be snapanam(sacred bath), for Garuda
present on Dwajasthabham(the flag pillar), And ‘Mudgannam’ or Rice
mixed with pepper, Bengal gram is offered to Garuda. Then the
celestial flag is hoisted on the Dwajastambham to send Garuda to
invite all devata ganas for Brahmotsavams).
Snapana Tirumanjanam (Sacred bath to processional deities are
performed as part of Utsavam, articles like milk, curd, honey, tender
coconut water, turmeric paste, sandal wood paste are used in the
bath).
Dviguna Aradhanam, Dviguna Nivedanam (During the Brahmotsavams for 9
days, the Dhruva bera and other 4 beras are worshipped and offered
with different food offerings , double to the normal daily offerings).
Nava Kumbharopanam ( A sacred pot is installed in the Vedika( Seat) in
Yagasala, to invite the cosmic energy in to this pot and worship the
same for 9 days).
Sabhyagni Agharam (Fire Oblations in connection with Nava
Kumbharopanam).
Navamurtyarchanam ( Inviting the cosmic energy( 9 forms of Lord
Vishnu) in to the Kumbham, and worshipping the same for 9 days).
Yaga Deeksha Kautuka Bandhanam (wrist band tied to all deities
involving in Brahmotsavams).
Sabhyagni Pradhana Homam (Fire oblations in connection with the first
day of Brahmotsavams).
Kumbhadeva Aradhanam (Worship to Kumbham, special worship is offered
to this Kumbham daily in the morning and the evening, along with
normal daily worship at the sanctum sanctorium ).
Utsava Bali (Apart from the normal Bali offering to the dikpalakas
around the first Prakaram, for these 9 days, in the morning and in the
evening, Bali is offered to the invited Astadikpalakas around four
mada streets, along with Sri Sudarsana’s procession).
Processions (There will be procession of Chariots daily in the morning
and in the evening, in different chariots).
Snapanam (Part of 9 day festival, this sacred bath is offered daily in
the afternoon).

Return of Procession to temple (After returning back to temple, the
processional deities are worshipped with Rajopacharas{ different
respectful oblations made to a king}).
Nivedanam (After this Rajopacharams, Special Food offerings are
offered to the deities).
Upachara Stuti, Pushpanjali, Pranamam (Different respectful oblations,
offering flowers at the feet of Lord Vishnu, and respectful
prostration before the deities).

All the above rites have to be performed on the first day of a 9 day
Bramhotsavams. From 2nd day onwards, till the end of Bramhotsavams
i.e. till the 9th day, daily in the morning and in the evening,
worship is offered doubled and also the food offerings. Apart from
this the installed Kumbham is worshipped, also the Garuda Flag. Fire
oblations daily in the Yagasala, Bali procession around four mada
streets are performed.
For these 9 days, daily processions in the morning and in the evening,
Snapanam according to usage and customs of the temple, different
varieties of Special food offerings are performed. Everyday at the end
of the Utsavam or Procession, Asthanam has to be performed to the
deities with Rajopacharams (like Stuti, Pushpanjali, Pranamam …. 14
Upacharas).
In some temples there’s the practice of performing ‘Jala
Kumkumotsavam’ on the 6th day morning. Though prescribed by Vaikhanasa
Bhagavat Sastram, all of these rites may or may not be performed in
temples following Vaikhanasa mode of worship. The reason being,
Scriptures give more emphasize to the Usage and Customs prevailing in
that particular temple. Also indicated is, Usage and Custom are always
given higher priority than the rites prescribed by the texts. On the
7th day evening ‘Gandhotsavam’ and ‘Rathotsavam’ are suggested. In
some temples like the Tirumala Shrine, this rite is performed on the
6th day evening. On the 8th day, after daily worship, ‘Sriya
Samvadam’, meaning dispute between Lord Vishnu and his consorts is to
be celebrated.




On the 9th day, after the daily worship, Dolotsavam, Churnotsavam are
performed. After which ‘Avabritha Snanam’ is celebrated. Then the
deities return to temple, special worship is offered, different Vedic
hymns praising Lord Vishnu are recited. In the Evening, after
nityarchana, Purnahuthi(Conclusion of Fire oblations) is performed in
Yagasala. The Cosmic power in the Kumbham is transferred to Dhruva
beram thereby correcting any lapses in the Cosmic power. After that
Utsava idols are taken for Procession, while the Chief officiating
priest will offer Bali to Astadikpalakas, and they are sent back
(celestial farewell) by reciting the connected Vedic hymns. On return
to the temple, the Garuda flag on Dwajasthambham is lowered and
‘Brahma Gosha’ (A set of Vedic hymns, which contain verses, praising
Lord Vishnu, for being protecting the world) is recited infront of
Dhruva beram.

This is the actual procedure most of the temples follow but as
described earlier, according to Usage and Custom of that particular
temple, there will be minor omissions of the above rituals as well as
the performance of rituals at a different timings. In this 9 day
Utsavams( or Navahnika Brahmotsavam), the main procedures are Acharya
Ritwikgvaranam, Raksha Bandhanam, Mritsangrahanam, Medini puja,
Ankurarpanam, Dwajarohanam, Navakumbharopanam, Asthanam, Vahana Sevas,
Vasantotsavam or Gandhotsavam, Rathotsavam, Dwajavarohanam and
Avabritha Snanam.

Acharya Ritwikgvaranam :
Before the start of the Navahnika Bramhotsavams, Acharya
Ritwikgvaranam has to be performed. This procedure involves selection
of officiating priests for Bramhotsavam, who will perform all the
rituals. 1 Chief Priest, 4 Priests and 5 assistant Priests are
prescribed by the texts. This may change according to the local
requirements. After taking the formal resolve (Sankalpam), these
priest are given the ‘Deeksha Vastrams’ (or officiating dress, usually
yello dhothi in tirumala). These priest will perform ‘Panchagavya
Prasanam’ (taking the holy items of Cow viz., milk, curd, ghee, dung,
urine) and ‘Akalmasha Homam’ to get the ritualistic eligibility. The
next ritual is ‘Pratisara bandhanam’. This is nothing but wearing
‘Raksha Bandhanam’ (wrist band) on the right hand of priests so that
they will be eligible to perform rituals without any doshas (like
Jatasoucha and Mritasoucha).
Mritsangrahanam :
‘Mrit’ means sand and ‘Sangrahanam’ means collecting it. So
Mritsangrahanam means collecting sand where no one stepped on the
sand. Usually the sand from Ant hill is taken for this rite. This is
part of Ankurarpanam and is performed everytime there is Ankurarpanam.
The Acharyas, Ritwiks, Paricharakas, Devotees, Yajamani will start
from the temple for collecting the sand. The direction prescribed for
collecting sand is either East or West or South-West corner of the
temple. The chief of Vishnu’s retinue Sri Vishwaksena is also taken
around in the procession. The Ant hill is dig and the sand is
collected. In this sand, at the centre, an image of Bhudevi (Goddess
of Earth) is shaped. The image can be upto shoulder hight or Chest
hight equal to Dhruva bera, facing towards North-East. Decorations
like Saree and other usual things are adorned to this Bhudevi image,
while reciting Bhu-Suktham. 11 Upacharams are given to this image.
Chakra, Vishwaksena, Garuda, Sesha are worshipped. In a gold vessel,
the sand is collected and then celestial farewell is given for
Bhudevi. Then the procession will go to temple Yagasala and this sand
is used to fill the ‘Palikas’ or Earthen Pots in the Ankurarpana
mantapam.
Ankurarpanam :
It means ‘ Sowing a seed’. This is usually performed during the
examination of suitable land for a temple, consecration, Utsavam,
Snapanam. Also it is performed either 9, 7, 5, 3, 1 day before the
start of the Utsavams. This is an important ritual in all Vaikhanasa
mode of Utsavams. The texts indicate that any Utsavam that is
performed without Ankurarpanam is of demonic in nature and hence, not
desirable. Seeds like Saali, Vreehi, Yava, Mudga, Masha, Priyangu,
Godhuma, Sarsha, Pachanaka, Tila, Tilva, Masoora are used for sowing.
It is indicated in scriptures that the sprouts that emanate from seeds
provide useful hints about how perfectly the festival is being
celebrated. For instance, if the sprouts are black in color, they
denote
loss of wealth. Red color shows possibility of enimity with others,



Sprouts growing down shows diseases and no sprouts indicate death.
These results are to be predicted for the Country or Yajamani of the
Utsavam. The governing power of sowing is Moon(or Soma). So it is
usually performed in the evening moon. The Adidevathas are duly
worshipped by reciting Vedic hymns and the seed are carefully looked
after for these 9 days by offering daily worship to Soma.
Dwajarohanam :
The Utsava deities Lord Malayappa Swamy with two consorts are adorned
with precious ornaments and flower garlands. They are seated opposite
Yagasala to perform invocatory rituals before Dwajarohanam(Celestial
Flag Hoisting).
The image of Garuda along with Sun and Moon, Asta Mangalams(Eight
auspicious symbols) are drawn on a Yellow Cloth and this is called
‘Dwaja Patam’ or ‘Celestial Flag’ used for hoisting. The image can be
either equal to shoulder height, Ear height, Chest height or Stomach
height of Dhruva bera. This flag has to be consecrated by duly
performing several fire oblations and recital of Vedic hymns. Garuda
is invoked in the image present on the cloth and is duly worshipped
with Sayanadhivasam, Houtram etc. Now Bheri Puja, Bheri Tadanam are
performed. ‘Bheri’ means the drum which produces divine sounds while
inviting several demigods for the Utsavam. Before the flag hoisting
ceremony the gods like Brahma, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirruti, Varuna,
Vayu, Kubera, Eesana are invited by Pradhanacharya, at respective
places around four mada streets and they are worshipped for these 9
days during Brahmotsavam. After the procession, the Pradhanacharya
will return to temple and worship is offered to the Flag. Now the gods
for 8 cardinal points are praised by reciting ‘praising hymns’ or
‘Gadyams’. 8 Upacharas(respectful oblations) are given in the worship
of Garuda. Now the Flag is hoisted in the prescribed time set for this
event(Sumuhurtham). Garuda is offered ‘Mudgannam’ and it is believed
that this prasadam of Garuda called ‘Kodi Pongal’(in local
terminology) if taken inside, women wishing for children get their
wishes fulfilled and those with ill health also believed to become
healthier.
Navakumbharopanam :
After the Celestial flag hoisting, it is believed that Garuda is sent
to




invite all gods for Brahmotsavams. In the Yagasala, Navakumbharopanam
ritual is performed now. In this ritual, 9 pots (or Kalasams made of
Gold/Silver/Copper/Mud) are kept on a Vedika. With a pradhana Kumbham
in the centre, surrounded by other 8 Kumbhams. Navamurthies or 9 forms
of Lord Vishnu are invited into these pots, after performing Vedic
fire oblations in Yagasala. In the Pradhana Kumbham, Lord
Vishnu(Venkateswara) with consorts are invited. Similarly, in the
Kumbha on East- Purusha, South Kumbham- Satya, West Kumbham- Achyutha,
North Kumbham- Aniruddha, South East-Kapila, South West-Yagna, North
West-Narayana, North East-Punya are invited. The invited 9 forms of
Lord Vishnu are offered worship for 9 days with 8 or 11 upacharas, 2
times a day, with food offering at the end.
Kautuka Bandhanam or Celestial thread wearing is done to processional
deities and consorts, Chakra, Ananta, Garuda, Viswaksena and Kumbham.
For these 9 days, fire oblations are performed in Yagasala, in the
morning and in the evening. Apart from the Homams, there will be
procession of Utsava idols on different chariots around four mada
streets. The order of different Chariots on which Lord Malayappa Swamy
is taken for procession are Pedda Sesha Vahanam on the evening of
first day. Second day – Chinna Sesha Vahanam and Hamsa Vahanam, Third
day – Simha Vahanam and Sarvabhupala Vahanam, Fourth day –
Kalpavriksham and Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanams, Fifth day – Ivory
Palanquin and Garuda Vahanam, Sixth day – Hanumantha Vahanam and
Swarna Ratham(in the evening after Vasantotsavam), Gaja
Vahanam(night), Seventh day – Surya and Chandraprabha Vahanams, Eighth
day – Rathotsavam and Aswa Vahanam, Ninth day – Palanquin and Chakra
Snanam(Avabritha Snanam) and Tiruchhi, Dwajavarohanam in the night.
People, who will have the darsan of Lord during processions in the
bramhotsavams will get the punyam of performing fire sacrifices in the
temple.
Everyday Snapana Tirumanjanam has to be performed to the Processional
idols. In Tirumala hill shrine the custom is to perform Snapana
Tirumanjanam on the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th day of Navahnika



Brahmotsavams. Totally out of 9 days, only 4 days, Snapanam is
performed to the idols.
During Bramhotsavams, everyday in the morning and in the evening,
after Utsavam returns to temple, Asthanam is performed to the Utsava
deities. In this Asthanam Rajopacharams like darpanam, chamaram,
chatram, vyajanam, turangakam, nrityam, geetam, vaishnava mantras,
veda stotrams, dhupam, deepam, nivedanam, neerajanam, pranamam are
performed.

On the 6th day evening, Vasantotsavam or Gandhotsavam is celebrated.
After performing the Vedic recitals and Upacharams, the Gandham is
sprinkled on the deities and after that the idols are taken for a
procession in a Gold car(Swarna Rathotsavam) around four mada streets.
On the 8th day morning, Maha Rathotsavam(Wooden Car) festival is
celebrated. After the daily worship the Car has to be offered
purificatory rituals and the Utsava idols are kept inside the Car, the
Car is dragged around four mada streets in the auspicious time fixed
for it. It is believed that, devotees who have the Darsan of Lord
Vishnu in the Car, will have no rebirth(‘Rathatsam Kesavam drustvaa
Punarjanma na vidyate’). On the 9th day morning, Churnotsavam is
performed to the deities. A fragrant oil is sprinkled on Utsava idols
and are taken for a procession in a Palanquin around four mada
streets. Now Avabritha Snanam( the Conclusion bath) is performed near
the holy tank associated with the temple. In Tirumala, the Malayappa
Swamy with consorts, along with Sudarsana(the discus) are taken to the
Varaha Swamy Shrine and Snapana Tirumanjanam is performed to these
idols. Then after completion of Tirumanjanam, the divine discus is
dipped in the holy tank(Swami Pushkarini) for three times.

In the evening, Dwajavarohanam (Flag lowering ceremony) is performed.
Before that there will be procession around four mada streets(just
like in Dwajarohanam), and the Pradhanacharya will give celestial
farewell to the invited Asta dikpalakas at 8 cardinal points around
mada streets. After coming back to the temple, on the Dwajasthambham,
Garuda is offered worship and by reciting appropriate Vedic hymns, the
flag is traditionally lowered. This bunch of flag with the thread is
kept at the feet of the Lord and Special Worship is conducted in the
Sanctum to the Dhruva beram. In this worship the cosmic energy in the
Navakumbham is transferred to the Dhruva beram with a Koorcha( made of
sacrificial grass).


Now let us briefly look at how the Navahnika Brahmotsavams are
celebrated at famous Tirumala Shrine. The purpose of different
Vahanams are given below from a poetic verse.
1) Sesha vahanam for the sake of Bhaktas, 2) Hamsa vahanam to indicate
Lord's esoteric instruction to Brahma whose vahanam is also a Hamsa,
3) Simha vahanam showing his destruction of Hiranya kasipa, father of
Prahlada, 4) Pushpaka vahanam representing that Venkateswara and
Padmavati (mahisuta) travelled in to the spot, 5) Garuda vahnam to
denote the episode of Gajendra moksha, 6) Hanumanta vahanam indicating
the bhakti of Hanuman who carried the Lord on his shoulders in Rama
Ravana yuddha; 7) Gaja vahanam to denote His royalty riding on an
elephant called Satrunjaya and ruled over Ayodhya as Sri Rama, 8)
Surya prabha vahanam to show his residence in the middle of the orbit
of the sun, the eye of the world; 9) Ratha vahanam to show Lord's
victorious charioteering to Arjuna in the Mahabharata war, 10) Asva
vahanam foreshadowing his intended destruction of Mlecchas (wicked
people) in the Kaliyuga, and II ) Sibika (pallaki) vahanam indicating
Sri Venkateswara's determination to protect His devotees.
Preparation for Brahmotsavam starts with a suddhi Karyakramam on the
preceding Tuesday. The garbha gruha and other shrines are cleaned with
a paste of white clay, kumkum, turmeric, camphor, sandal wood and
other herbs, a ritual known as ‘Kovil Alwar Tirumanjanam’. The day
prior to Dhvajarohanam, Vishwakesena, Vishnu's commander, will be
taken to the Vasanta mandapam(or Nirruti side), wherein a little
quantity of earth is collected with Bhusuktam etc, and brought on an
elephant to the temple and with it the Ankurarpana rite was done by
sowing navadhanya seeds for germination in decorated palikas (earthen
plates). In this procession Vishvaksena inspects all the arrangements
made for the festival is well and good. After the procession
Vishwaksena is honoured by an Asthanam in Tirumala-raya mandapam. Then
he goes to Ankurarpana mandapam with Ananta, Garuda and Sudarsana and
they stay there during Brahmotsavam period.

The Brahmosavam actually commences on the next day after Ankurarpanam
with the Dwajarohanam ceremony. The Tamil devotees call the
Brahmotsavam 'Tirukkodi Tirunal' signifying the Dhvajarohanam event.
For this purpose Sri Malayappa swamy, the utsava murti of Sri
Venkateswara and His consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, are brought in a
golden tiruchhi, beautifully decorated with ornaments and garlands, to
the Tirumalaraya mandapam. At the auspicious muhurtam, with the
chanting of Vedic mantras and mangala vadyas, the Garuda flag is
hoisted on the Dhvaja-stambham. After this event, Asta dikpalakas (the
deities of the eight cardinal points) are invoked and enjoined to see
that the utsavam is conducted propertly. Thus, the Brahmotsavam goes
on for nine days with grand processions on various vahanams both in
day and night. Each Vahanam has a reference to memorable events in
puranas and connected with avataras of Vishnu. They are sixteen in
number.
On' the first night, the Lord and His consorts were taken in
procession around the temple on pedda sesha vahanam (the big seven-
hooded serpent, Adisesha). On the morning of the second day the Lord
alone comes out for a procession on Chinnasesha vahanam (five hooded
serpent) ,to show His association with Vasuki. It is mentioned as
'Bala sesha vahanam' in an article published in the Asiatic journal ,
Calcutta, May-August, 1831 A.D., Probably, this is the first article
on Tirumala Temple published in an English journal. On the second day
night, the Lord decorated as ,veena-pani is taken for a procession on
Hamsa vahanam. Simha and Mutyala pandiri or a pavilion decorated with
springs of pearls form the processional vahanams of the Third day of
the festival. On the fourth day morning the Lord with His consorts
comes out for a procession on kalpa-vrksha (mythical tree) vahanam
which is capable of giving whatever is desired. It shows the Lord's
determination to save and bless the devotees. On the night of the
fourth day Sri Venkateswara and His consorts will be taken in a
procession on an attractive gold-covered vimanam known as Sarva
bhupala vahanam'. Here the Lord appears as the ruler of the universe.
This vahanam is very pleasant and is about seven feet high, fully
covered over with gold sheets. Thus the night procession of this
vahanam which dazzles in numerous brilliant lights with richly
decorated deities seated in the same, simply baffles the devotees.
The fifth day is the most important day of Brahmotsavam. In the
morning Sri Malayappa swami is decorated as a lady-Mohini-who
captivated the hearts of Rakshasas in distributing event of the divine
amrutha. This Mohini wears a gold brocade as a saree and precious
ornaments and a diamond kiritam with stone-set chandra and surya
jewels and karna patras and above all She wears a diamond bulaki on
her nose. Mohini wears two golden lotus blooms sprout out from Her two
rear hands in the place of the usual sankha and chakra. She is taken
in procession along with Sri Krishna in an ivory pallaki. This is the
only occasion where the utsavamurti is given a different posture. On
this day Sri Malayappa swami is decorated as a seated image. His right
hand which is in varada pose is changed to Abhaya mudra with which


she blesses all devotees. The Mohini alankaram captivates the hearts
of the devotees. The fifth day night utsavam-Garuda seva-is the
greatest event of the Brahmotsavam. In this utsavam Malayappa swami
alone is taken in procession on the golden Garuda vahanam. The
consorts of the lord are not seated by His side on the Garuda. On this
sacred night, the utsava murti of Lord Venkateswara arrives
majestically, adorned with rare jewels like Lakshmi-hara, makara-
kanthi and sahastra nama haram etc of Moola murti on his most
favourite vahana, the Garuda. On behalf of the government of Andhra
Pradesh, the chief minister personally presents special silk clothes
to Sri Venkateswara in the evening of Garuda seva. Special garlands
adorned and abandoned by Godadevi, befitting the occasion of
Garudotsavam of Sri Venkateswara, are sent by the officials of
Godadevi temple at Srivilli puttur, Tamilnadu. Special and new
umbrellas for this occasion are brought every year all the way from
Chennai to Tirumala on foot and offered to Sri Venkateswara for Garuda
seva by pious devotees of Chennai; The darsan of the Lord Venkateswara
on the Garuda vahanam is enthralling and the fervent devotion that
surges within one self at this sight has to be enjoyed and
experienced.
On the sixth day morning, the utsavamurti comes out on a procession on
Hanumantha vahanam. The decorations are simple and yet impressive. In
the afternoon, Sri Malayappa swami and His consorts proceed to the
Ranganayakula mandapam in second prakaram. There He enjoys vasantham a
refreshing abhishekam-with His consorts. After an Asthanam He returns
to the temple. In the evening the utsava murti of Sri Venkateswara
along with Sridevi and Bhudevi were taken in procession around four
mada streets on a gracefully decorated golden car. This procession of
the golden car which dazzles in the evening golden sun rays, simply
baffles the devotees. That night the Lord's procession is on Gaja
(elephant) vahanam.
On the seventh morning, the Lord goes in procession on surya prabha
vahanam to signify that He resides in the orb of the sun. Sri
Malayappa swami bedecked with vajra kavacham and a stone-set kiritam
on head, seated in the centre of the golden arc of the sun is worth
seeing. The devotees remember the prayer "Namah Savithre Jagadeka
Chakshushe. .." (Pranams to Narayana who resides in the orb of the sun
and is the eye of the world). The devotees rejoice to see the Lord on
Chandra Prabha vahanam on the night of seventh day.
Rathotsavam takes place early in the morning of the eighth day. It
attracts largest crowds during Brahmotsavam. Sri Malayappa swami and
His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi were taken in procession with floral
wreaths, flags and festoons, on a richly decorated wooden car round
the temple. The wooden car is pulled on through the four streets of
Tirumala by the devotees with fervour. The lord remains in the chariot
till the evening giving darsan to the numerous devotees. That night
the Lord's procession is on Asva (horse) vahana.


On the last day of Brahmotsavam combined with sravana nakshatram the
utsava murti and his consorts go around the temple after
churnabhishekam, to Sri Varahaswami temple, on the west bank of Swami
Pushkarini. There Sri Malayappa swami and Sridevi and Bhudevi enjoy a
refreshing abhishekam. Then the Sudarsana chakram of the Lord gets a
bath in the sacred waters of Swami pushkarini which is known as
'Avabrutham' or 'chakra snanam' to mark the conclusion of
Brahmotsavam. At the same time the devotees of the Lord also plunge
into pushkarini. A bath in this occasion in Swami pushkarini is
considered to be very holy and merit giving. Ardent devotees do not
take food till this function is over. Then the Utsavamurtis return to
the temple. The 'Sarva darsanam' of the Mula virat for this day
commences only after Avabrutham event and the return of Utsavamurtis
to the temple. On the night of the ninth day, Sri Malayappa swami,
Sridevi and Bhudevi go on a procession around the temple in a
tiruchhi. The procession returns to the Dhvaja stambham in the temple.
Puja and naivedyam are offered to Garuda as on the first day in the
presence of the Lord and then the Garuda dhvajam is brought down. With
this dhvaja-avarohanam function, Brahmotsavam comes to an end.
In these festival days utsavamurti Sri Malayappaswami alone is taken
in procession on Chinnasesha, Hamsa, Simha, Garuda, Hanuman, Gaja,
Suryaprabha, Chandra prabha, Asva vahanams and pallaki as Mohini. His
consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are not seated by his side on above
vahanams. Sri Malayappawami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi were taken
in procession round the four mada streets of Tirumala on pedda sesha,
Mutyala pandiri, Kalpavaksha, sarvabhupala, suvarna Ratha, daru Ratha
and Tirucchi vahanams.
Brahmotsavam of Sri Venkateswara is conducted according to Vaikhanasa
Agama. As a part of the festival ritualistic practices of Homa and
Havana are conducted every day in Yagasala. Lord Venkateswara has
usual paraphernalia during all processions of this fetival such as
chhatra, chamara, bulls, horses and elephants,mangala vadyas, bhajans,
kolatams and recital of Vedas and divya Prabandhas. Uyyala seva or
Unjal Seva is performed every evening in unjal mandapam outside the
temple. Every day after procession Sri Malayappa swami with His
consorts is taken away into the temple and kept in Ranganayakula
Mandapam and an Asthanam is conducted in which special naivedyam and
haratis are offered.
The present day procedure of Brahmotsavam is in concurrence with the
system originated by Brahmadeva. He performed the 'Pushpayagam' on
tenth day by placing various kinds of flowers covering Lord's body
from foot to head with chanting Veda mantras and praising His
exaltation. It ceased to be in vogue long ago. It was renewed in 1980
but not on the specified day.
Brahmotsavam thus conducted at Tirumala is indeed a unique festival.
The celebration of Brahmotsavam is stated to bring peace, prosperity,
rain, health, progress and strength to the people and to the country.
After attending Brahmotsavam the devotees leave Tirumala with a mute
appeal to Sri Venkateswara--
"0 Lord, be not satisfied with this abode on the hill,
Make an abode in the cave of my heart" .

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Sandeep Deshmukh
ITL , Hyd