TIRUPATI: Every Hindu across the globe wants to visit the hill shrine at least once in his lifetime. Accordingly, the TTD is making all necessary arrangements for the convenience of the devotees.
Ankurarpanam will be performed as a prelude to the Brahmotsavams.On the first day of the mega event, the sacred yellow cloth with the imprint of Lord Garuda will be hoisted atop the golden ‘Dwajasthambham’ (flag post) inside the hill temple. After the Dwajaarohanam, the Lord will be taken out in a procession in the evening on Pedda Sesha Vahanam.
On the second day morning, the Lord will ride on Vasuki as his Chinna Sesha Vahanam with five hoods. In the evening, the Lord will be taken out on Hamsa Vahanam. In the guise of Goddess Saraswati holding veena and book in his hands, the Lord enlightens the devotees that he is Parabrahma Swaroopa Paramahamsa.On the third day morning, the Lord will ride on Simha Vahanam, a symbol of royalty and power. In the evening, the Lord along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi will ride the Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam, a symbol of purity and royalty.
The Lord will take a pleasure ride on Kalpavriksha Vahanam on the fourth day morning fulfilling the wishes of his devotees. In the evening, the Lord rides Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam signifying that He is the Universal Lord of Lords.On the fifth day morning, the Lord will adorn Mohini Avataram, the celestial damsel to charm devotees. Garuda Seva on the fifth day evening holds lot of importance as Lord Venkateswara will ride on Garuda Vahanam -the mighty king of birds.
The sixth day is considered as day of Bhaktas where the Lord will ride on Hanumantha Vahanam. In the evening, the Lord will be taken out first on golden chariot and then in procession along with His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Women devotees will pull the chariot on the Mada Streets.
By taking celestial ride on Gaja Vahanam, the Lord enlightens His devotees not to be proud of their mightiness.On the seventh day morning, Lord Venkateswara will be taken out in a procession with Sun God driving the chariot Suryaprabha Vahanam. Purusha Sooktha describes Sun as the one born from the eyes of Lord Srimannarayana.
In the evening, the Lord rides Chandraprabha Vahanam as Moon is born from the mind of Mahavishnu.
On the eighth day morning, Malayappa Swamy along with his consorts seated on a fully decorated wooden chariot is pulled by the devotees amidst chanting of Govinda Nama. In the evening, the Lord rides the Aswa Vahanam, symbolising the coming of Kalki Avatar.On the last day of Brahmotsavams, special abhishekam known as ‘Avabhrutha Snanam’ is held for processional deity Malayappa Swamy and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi along with Sudarshana Chakra at Varaha Swamy Temple.
Later, the Sudarshana Chakra will be immersed in the Swami Pushkarini (temple tank).
Mother of all festivals
Tirumala is the genesis of Brahmotsavam. The word ‘Brahma’ has two connotations — one referring to the Creator and another ‘of massive proportions.’ Here, this festival was structured by Brahma. Thousands gather on the hill to see the grand processions of the deity looking resplendent in gorgeous attire and accessories on various mounts. Varaha Puranam has given in detail the procedures to be observed regarding the vahanas and the decoration of the deity.