Tirumala Sreevaari Brahmotsavam (Concept-Glory-Significance-Merits)

Unique, world famous and the most sought after temple festival; Tirumala Sreevaari Brahmotsavam is held every year at the most sacred Tirumala Kshethra (Tirumala Hills); seat of the supreme God; Lord Sri Venkateswara also called Sreenivaasa; who is Lord SriManNaaraayana himself.  Scores of people from all walks of life participate in this nine day annual festival with utmost devotion and spirituality; will be longing to visit this sacred place during Brahmotsavam. It is a universal truth that we don’t find any other deity or temple as sacred; as famous; as powerful and as popular as Tirumala Kshethra and its presiding deity Lord Venkateshwara.

Venkataadri Samam Sthaanam; Brahmande Naasthi Kinchana

Venkatesa Samo Devo; NaBhootho; NaBhavishyathi

There is no sacred place which is equivalent to Venkataadri (Tirumala) in this universe; there is no God who is comparable to Lord Venkateswara neither in the past nor in future going to be.

Kruthethu Naarasimho Bhoo Trethayaam Raghunandana

Dwapare Vasudevascha Kalau Venkatanaayaka!

In Krutha Yuga; Lord Narasimha; in Tretha Yuga; Lord Sri Raama; in Dwaapara Yuga; Lord Sri Krushna and in Kaliyuga; Lord Sri Venkateswara are known as Prathyaksha Dhaivams (perceivable Deities).

As per pouranic legends it is believed and said that, Lord Maha Vishnu left his abode Sri Vaikunta and dwelling in Aananda Nilaya at Tirumala Kshethra in Archaroopa (worship form); in order to protect his devotees from the clutches of Kali in this Kali Yuga. That’s why Tirumala Kshethra is also known as Kaliyuga Vaikunta or Bhuu Vaikunta where; Lord Sri ManNaaraayana himself is present along with his consort Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi in his chest (Hrudaya) making Aananda Nilaya as his abode. Tirumala is known as Swayam Vyaktha Kshethra (self manifested) and the Lord here also is swayam vyaktha. Sri Venkataachala Mahaatmya; an exclusive and comprehensive collection of sacred scripts from twelve great puranas, eulogizes the origin, glory, significance, merits, dos and don’ts of the Seven Hills (Saptha Giri) and it’s Lord Sri Venkateswara (Sreenivaasa).

One can imagine what would be the significance of rituals and festivals performed for such a majestic deity; Lord Sri Venkateswara. Every moment at Tirumala is a festive occasion. While performance of festivals and rituals at Tirumala temple is a daily affair (Nithya Kalyaanam); annual celebrations called Brahmotsavam has attained special uniqueness and significance among such celebrations.

What is Brahmotsavam? Who has started? What is its uniqueness?

In general, Brahmotsavam is an annual temple festival performed to its deity that is celebrated on a large scale. But the one that is performed at Tirumala is called as Brahmotsavam since, it is said as per the sacred scripts; to have been initiated and performed for the first time by Lord Brahma himself in honour of and in obeisance to Lord Sri Venkateswara; and to mark the occasion of Lord's entering Aananda Nilaya along with His consort Goddess Padmaavathi Devi at Tirumala Kshethra. Since then, the ritual of Brahmotsavam is in vogue and is being celebrated every year without fail. As a symbolic representation that, Brahmotsavam was initiated first by Lord Brahma; a small chariot known as Brahma Ratham will move daily in front of the procession Deites during the nine day festival.

What are the types of Brahmotsavams?

Various types of Brahmotsavams are performed at Tirumala temple viz. Nithya Brahmotsavam; Shanthi Brahmotsavam; Sraddha (Aarjitha) Brahmotsavam;

Nithya-Brahmotsavam is the one that is celebrated on specific days in a year on the basis of coincidence of a particular star. These celebrations are held for a period of three or five or seven or nine or eleven or thirteen days. The one that is held currently at Tirumala every year on annual basis is called Nithya Brahmotsavam that is held for nine days.

Shaanthi-Brahmotsavam is the one that is held especially as a remedy for draught, famine, fear of war, calamities and other mundane problems etc. In olden days they were held by the Kings for the welfare, peace and prosperity of people living in their kingdoms. These were generally held for five days.

Sraddha-Brahmotsavam also known as Aarjitha Brahmotsavam is held by any devotee for his own welfare by contributing the required amount on any day. We find this in the list of Aarjitha Sevas that are held daily at Tirumala Temple.

When is annual Brahmotsavam held?

Annual Brahmotsavam also known as Saalakatla Brahmotsavam is held every year during Kanyaa maasam; when Sun is transiting Kanyaa (Virgo) raasi in the zodiac; that generally coincides with Devi Navarathri festival in Aaswayuja maasam as per lunar calendar, immediately after Mahaalaya Pithru Paksha. It is held continuously for nine days during the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Aaswayuja maasam; generally starting from Sukla Prathipada (Paadyami) and ending on Navami day. Ninth day of the festival should invariably coincide with Sravana (star) constellation which forms the basis for dating of Brahmotsavam schedule. It is said and believed that, Lord Maha Vishnu incarnated at Tirumala Kshethra as Sreenivaasa (Lord Venkateswara) in Sravana constellation during Kanyaa maasam. Hence, that is the rationale behind holding of Brahmotsavam during Kanyaa maasam.

What is Adhika maasa Brahmotsavam?

Whenever there is an occurrence of Adhika maasam (intercalary month); it is a tradition at Tirumala temple to hold Brahmotsavam festival twice in that year. First one; called Saalakatla (annual) Brahmotsavam held for nine days as per schedule; after the transit of Sun into Kanyaa raasi and ninth day coinciding with Sravana Star. Second one known as Navarathri Brahmotsavam held again for nine days during the Navarathri festival. Occurrence of Sravana Nakshathra on the ninth day becomes a parameter for the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Generally, there will be a gap of one month between the two festivals; with first one performed during Bhaadrapada maasam and second one held during Aaswayuja maasam. Whenever two Brahmotsavams are held; significant feature would be Dhwaja-arohana; Dhwaja-avarohana rituals are held only once; that is, during the first one.

How is Brahmotsavam celebrated?

During Brahmotsavam; celebrations are held both morning and evening to the Utsava Moorthi (idols) of Lord Venkateswara known as Malayappa Swamy; after performing pooja and other rituals. During these nine days; Lord will be taken out in procession along with his consorts; Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi except on certain days; fully decorated on different vehicles (Vaahanaas) around the four streets of the temple complex called Maada streets.  

In between the daily festival, a ritual known as Snapana Thirumanjanam will be held to the Utsava Moorthis on a daily basis. These celebrations and rituals are held as per Vikhanasa and Aagama Shaastras. Each day of the festival is denoted by a unique name based on vehicle in which Malayappa Swamy; the procession deity of Lord Venkateswara is taken out. Each Vaahana  has its own significance and conveys a message in its own way.

Originally the idol (utsava moorthy) of Ugra Sreenivasa was used on all festive occasions. But, due to a fire mishap that occurred on one of the occasions, the Temple stopped using Ugra Sreenivas Moorthi and started using Malayappa Swamy instead; as per divine directions. Utsava Moorthi (idol) currently being used is known as Malayappa Swamy since, the idols were found in a cave called Malayaappa Kona about 650 years back.

Brief description of Brahmotsavam:

Ankuraarpana-Senaadhipathi-Utsavam: Nine day festival begins with a ritual called Ankuraarpana and Senaadhipathi Utsavam held one day before the commencement of Brahmotsavam; when Vishvakksena; chief of army of Lord Venkateswara is taken out in procession as a protocol around the four streets of the temple; as a symbolic significance that the festival will be held under his supervision and control.  Ankuraarpana literally means making a beginning or inauguration or making a sankalpa. According to Aagama shaastra it is said to be one of the important rituals to begin with especially during Brahmotsavam and it means sowing the seed and this ritual is performed in the evening.  During this ritual, seeds of Nava Dhaanya are sown in a pot by the chief priest and are kept throughout the nine days. Sprouts grown from the seeds are believed to be an indication of how perfectly the celebrations were held without any blemish.

Dhwajaarohanam: It is a flag hoisting festival that is held on the first day morning; by hoisting a flag (Garudadhwaja) with a picture of Garuda (vehicle of Lord Vishnu) on the top of Dhwajah Sthambham. It is said to be a symbolic significance of a formal invitation to all the Deities to attend the festival. A flag known as Dhwaja; in religious parlance is denoted as a symbol of pride; honour; recognition and prestige of that particular deity.

Pedda-Sesha-Vahanam: After Dwajaarohanam; Lord is taken out in a procession in the evening on Aadi Sesha the thousand headed Chief Serpent God as his vehicle.  Aadisesha is the seat on which Lord SriManNarayana rests in his abode Sri Vaikunta. Tirumala hills the abode of Lord Venkateswara is said to be the manifestation of Lord Aadisesha.  That is why it is also called as Seshaachala.  From a distance Tirumala hills appear in serpentine form. In Tretha Yuga, during Sri Raamaavathara, Aadi Sesha took the form of Lakshmana; Sri Rama’s younger brother and in Dwaapara Yuga during Sri Krushnaavathara he took the form of Balarama the elder brother of Sri Krushna. Aadisesha vaahanam will be seven headed.

Chinna-Sesha-Vahanam: On the second day morning; Lord is taken out in procession on Vaasuki (Serpent God) as his vehicle. During Ksheera Saagara Madhanam, Vaasuki the Serpent God was used as a rope for churning the ocean. In Bhagavadgeeta Lord Sri Krushna says that; He is Vaasuki (Sarpaanaam-asmi Vaasukih) among the serpents. Chinna Sesha Vahanam will be five headed.

Hamsa-Vahanam: On the second day evening; Lord is again taken out in procession on Hamsa (Swan) as his vehicle in the attire of Goddess Saraswathi the presiding deity of Vidya (learning); holding Veena in both the hands. Hamsa or swan means ‘pure’. Hamsa is believed to have a high intellectual capability and can distinguish the good from the bad. Hamsa is also symbolized as the vehicle of Goddess Saraswathi. By riding on Hamsa Vahanam; Lord Venkateswara is giving a message that He is the supreme God of learning.

Simha-Vahanam: On the third day morning; Lord is taken out in procession on Lion symbol as his vehicle.  Lion is a symbol of royalty and power.  Lord assumed the form of half man and half lion in his Narasimha Avathara. Lord Sri Krushna says in Bhagavadgeeta that he is the Lion (Mrugaanaam cha Mrugendro-aham) among the animals. Specific purpose of this avathara was to prove a point and to make true the words of his devotee that God is in existence every where. Lord Narasimha is depicted as a great protector at the time of need. He is the God of Gods; Mruthyu for the Mruthyu.

Muthyaala-Pallaki-Vahanam: On the third day evening; Lord is again taken out in procession along with his consorts; Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in a palanquin decorated with a canopy of pearls.  Pearl is said to be a symbol of purity and royalty.

Kalpavruksha-Vahanam: On the fourth day of the festival; Lord is taken out in procession in the morning on Kalpa Vruksha as his vehicle signifying that he is the giver of boons to his devotees and fulfills their wishes.

Sarvabhoopala-Vahanam: On the fourth day evening; Lord is again taken out in procession on a vehicle called Sarva Bhoopaala Vahanam signifying that He is the Lord of Lords the Supreme Lord.

Mohini-Avatharam: On the fifth day morning; Lord is taken out in procession decorated in the attire of Mohini Avatharam (Ksheera Sagara Madhanam episode) the one who has distributed the Divine Nectar to Gods using his Chaturatha; sharpness of wit and quickness of intellect.

Garuda-Vahanam: On the fifth day evening; Lord Venkateswara is taken out in procession specially decorated on Garuda Vaahana. Garuda is his ardent devotee and chief vehicle; Garukmantha also known as Vynatheya the divine and mighty king of birds. In Bhagawadgeeta Lord Sri Krushna says that, He is Garuda among the birds (Vynatheyatcha Pakshinaam). Said to be an embodiment of Vedas (Veda Swaroopi) Garuda is prominently eulogized in Puranas for his knowledge, strength and power.   

Garuda Purana one of the Ashtaadasa Puranas is exclusively dedicated in the name of Garuda. Garudaadri one of the seven hills among the Tirumala hills is named after Garuda. It is a unique occasion when thousands gather together and would like to witness the procession known as Garudotsavam. This day is also represented by the Chief Minister, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh by symbolically offering new silk clothes to the Lord as a mark of obeisance and thanks giving to the Lord of the Universe. It is believed and said that it is highly meritorious and mukthi pradham to have darshan of the Lord seated on Garuda.

Hanumantha-Vahanam: On the sixth day morning; the Lord is taken out in procession on Hanumantha Vaahana; Lord Hanuman as his vehicle. Lord Vishnu is known as Vaayu Vaahana. Vaayu is chief of air gods (mukhya praana) and as Vaayu Vaahana; Lord gets things done through Vaayu, making him to move as per His directions. Lord Hanuman (Vaayu avathara) is undoubtedly the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama was a personification of the most trusted and self less service to the Lord in his avathara as Sri Rama during Tretha Yuga. Hanuman is known for his righteousness, courage, strength, valor and discriminative intelligence. Anjanaadri one of the seven hills where Lord Hanuman is said to have born is named after Anjanaa Devi, divine mother of Lord Hanuman.

Gaja-Vahanam: On sixth day evening; Lord is taken out in procession on Elephant (Gaja); Airaavatham (white elephant) as his vehicle. We find in Sri Madbhagavatham Gajendra Moksham episode; Lord instantly coming to the rescue of Gajendra and got him relieved from the clutches of Crocodile (Makara). Elephant (Gaja) also known as Airaavatha (four tusked white elephant) is vaahana of Lord Indra that got manifested from ocean during Ksheera-saagara mathanam. Lord Vishnu is also known as Upendra (Vaamana-avathara) who suppressed the pride of King Bali and restored the lost glory and power over the Heaven to Indra. In between the two processions on the sixth day, there will be a ritual known as Swarna Rathotsavam when Lord Venkateswara will be taken out in procession on a golden chariot.

Surya-Prabha-Vahanam: On the seventh day morning, Lord Venkateswara is taken out in procession with Sun God driving the Chariot. Purusha Sooktha describes Sun as born from the eyes of Lord SriManNaaraayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajaayathah!); who is the Sun Himself, who glitters always and makes the Sun shine, the one who creates the worlds, and the one who has Sun for his eyes. That’s why Sun is also called as Surya Naaraayana. Sun promotes in human beings their physical, mental and spiritual abilities. Sun grants health, individuality and will power. He is the destroyer of darkness, sins and afflictions. Sun is also known as Savitha; which is one of the several thousand names of Lord Vishnu.

Daily during our nithya karma (Sandhyavandana) we worship Sun as Suryanaaraayana; pray with popular sloka "Dhyeyassadaa Savithrumandala Madhyavarthee...." meditate upon the Supreme Lord SriManNaaraayana who resides in the Solar orbit seated on the lotus set, wearing armlets, alligator shaped ear rings and diadem, garlanded, having golden body and holding conch and the discus.

Chandra-Prabha Vahanam: On the seventh day evening; the Lord is again taken out in procession with Moon as symbol of his vehicle. Purusha Sooktha describes Moon as Chandrama Manaso Jaathaha.  Moon is born from the mind Lord Maha Vishnu. Moon is the commander of mind and is a symbol of cool and pleasantness.

Both these rituals are symbolic significance that the Lord is the cause for day and night; in other words the Time; arising out of Lord Vishnu who is Kaala Swaroopa and Kaala Niayaamaka, the governing Lord of Time. His is also known as Kaala Purusha the personification of Time and presiding Deity of Time.  

Rathotsavam:  Car or chariot festival known as Rathotsavam proclaims  distinctiveness of Brahmotsavam. Malayappa Swamy (Lord Venkateshwara) gives darshan to his scores of devotees in a majestic style on this day seated on a highly decorated chariot. Idols of Daaruka (the charioteer of Lord Sri Krushna) and the four horses’ viz. Sugreevam; Shaibyam; Meghapuspham; and Valahakam are placed before the decorated idols of Lord and His consorts. Tirumala will be flooded with devotes to witness this grand occasion. Darshan of Lord Venkateswara seated on the chariot is a memorable experience to all devout Hindus. Many pious Hindus consider it as once in a life time opportunity. It is believed and said that those who witness the Lord seated on the Chariot during Rathotsavam will not be reborn; rathostham kesavam dristva punarjanma na vidyate;

Govinda means the One who is the Lord of Cows, protector of Cows, the one who has lifted the hill called Goverdhanagiri with His little finger to save and protect the Cows and Cowherds, also the one who is the protector of Earth. Go also means Vedas. One who is the protector of Vedas and who is eulogized by Vedas. Go means Cow and Vinda means one who helps to survive or surmount. Go+Vinda = Govinda means the One who helps us to survive and surmount the earthly existence and reach Supreme realization of the Self.  Lord Sri Krishna is popularly known and called as Govinda and who is also called as Gopaala the protector of cows.

On the penultimate day of Brahmotsavam (eighth day); Lord Sri Venkateshwara is taken out in procession along with his consorts; Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi; seated on a fully decorated chariot pulled by the devotees chanting Govinda naama that reverbrates the Seshaadri hills of Tirumala. We find lakhs of pilgrims chanting this Govinda manthra while they enter the abode of Lord Venkateshwara. The power of this Govinda manthra is such that; it gives them the required energy to stand in long ques; wait for long hours just to have a glimpse of the presiding Deity of Tirumala.  Not only that, it also gives them the stamina to come on foot trekking 3661 steps and walk 9 km from Tirupathi.

Ashwa-Vahanam: On the eighth day evening the Lord is again taken out in procession with Ashwa (Horse) as his vehicle; symbolizing forthcoming Kalki Avathara. Lord Venkateswara used to ride on a horse during hunting of wild animals. Horse is a symbol of energy. Lord assumed the form of Horse head during his avathara as Hayagreeva; the great protector and savior of Vedas; the supreme Lord of knowledge and wisdom. 

Chakra-Snaanam: On the ninth day morning; last day of the Brahmostavam, special abhishekam known as Avabhrutha Snaanam is held for utsava moorthy of Lord Venkateswara and his consorts; Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in the complex of Lord Varaha Swamy temple; on the banks of sacred Swamy Pushkarini. Later Sudarshana Chakra (weapon of Lord) will be immersed in the waters of Swamy Pushkarini. We find large number of devotes simultaneously taking a dip in Pushkarini waters at that time. It is believed and said that one will get absolved from sins by taking a dip in Swamy Pushkarini along with the Sudarshana Chakra at this particular occasion.

Dwajaavarohanam: On the ninth day evening; the Garuda flag will be lowered as a mark of completion of the grand Brahmotsavam festival.

It is befitting, sacred, celestial and highly meritorious to visit Tirumala during the days of Brahmotsavam and have the darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara.  Blessed are those who witness the Brahmotsavam festival of Akhilaandakoti Brahmaanda Naayaka (presiding deity & lord of the universe); Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala.

 
Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu

Useful links….

http://www.tirumala.org

http://www.svbcttd.com

LORD VENKATESHWARA

Brahmotsavam Schedule

Day	Morning	Evening/night
Preceding Day		Senapathi Utsavam Ankuraarpana
First	Dwajaarohanam	Golden Tiruchi Utsavam (Evening) Pedda Sesha Vahanam (night)
Second	Chinna Sesha Vahanam	Hamsa Vahanam
Third	Simha Vahanam	Mutyapu-Pandiri Vahanam
Fourth	Kalpavruksha Vahanam	Sarvabhoopala Vahanam
Fifth	Mohini Avataram	Garudotsavam Garuda Vahanam
Sixth	Hanumantha Vahanam	Swarna Ratham Vasanthotsavam  Gajavahanam
Seventh	Suryaprabha Vahanam	Chandraprabha Vahanam
Eighth	Rathotsavam	Ashwa Vahanam
Ninth	Pallaki-utsavam Chakrasnanam	Dwajavarohanam

If you would like to download the above text in a pdf format you may do so from the following link...

                                                                                           

http://www.scribd.com/doc/20034522/TIRUMALA-SREEVAARI-BRAHMOTSAVAM-Concept-Significance-Merits

! Kalyanadbhutha Gaatraaya Kaamithaartha Pradaayine!

Sri MadhVenkatanaathaaya Sreenivaasayathe Namaha!