It is pompous time again on the seven hills which is the abode of Lord Venkateswara and his consorts. Around Navarathri the temple town celebrates Brahmotsavams that is the most sought after time for the devotees. Thousands throng the temple to have a glimpse of the Lord who takes a stride, in the evenings, in his special vehicle meant for the day, in the Mada Streets of the Temple. It is a cynosure that is sure to drive one into ecstasy moments.
Popular stories trace the origin of this celebration to Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati. Hence, this utsava bears his name as "Brahmotsavam," which means "Brahma’s Utsavam."
As a prelude to the annual Navarathri ritual, the temple performed ‘Ankurarpanam’ festival on Sunday. In connection with the festival Ekantha Thirumanjanam was conducted to Lord Viswaksena, the commander-in-chief of the army of Lord’s domain and to the ‘parivara devathas’ inside the main temple followed by a series of special rituals. Later the Lord and his consorts were taken out on a procession. After the conclusion of the procession the temple priests ceremoniously sowed the 'Navadhanyams' in the earthen pots for germination corroborating with the religious event.
On Monday the first day of Brahmotsavams started off on a pompous note. The Lord was taken out on a procession of ‘Golden Tiruchi’ in the morning. It was the Unjal Seva (swing festival) for the Lord in the evening that was witnessed by several thousands of devotees.
The day ended with the Lord Malayappa Swamy along with his two divine consorts mounted atop the golden Pedda Sesha Vahanam being taken out in a procession in the temple streets.
On Tuesday the festivities continued with the same fervor and devotion. Traditionally in the morning the Lord was taken out in a procession on Vaasuki (Serpent God) as his vehicle. In Bhagawad Gita Lord Sri Krishna says, 'He is Vaasuki among the serpents.' Chinna Sesha Vahanam will be five headed.
In the evening the Lord shall be taken out in a procession on Hamsa (Swan) as his vehicle. Hamsa or swan means ‘pure’. Hamsa is believed to have a high intellectual capability and can distinguish good from bad.
Wishesh brings out a special focus on this utsavam for the benefit of our readership. Keep watching this page on a regular basis to know what happens on the divine hills during these Brahmotsavams. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
