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The Brahmotsavam or the annual festival is
celebrated in Tirumala for nine days when the sun enters Kanya Rasi from "Aswayuja
Shuddha Padyami" to "Aswayuja Shuddha Dasami" during
September - October.
This
Utsavam is said to have been first celebrated by Brahma Himself; hence the
name. Every morning and evening 'Utsavamurtis' are taken round the temple
on different "Vahanams" (vehicles) decorated in varied raiments,
glittering ornaments etc.
The Car Festival
The fifth and the eighth days of the festival are especially significant
as the "Garudotsavam" and the "Rathotsavam" or Car
Festival takes place on these days. "Arjithabrahmotsavam" can be
celebrated by devotees upon payment on days other than the days of the
Brahmotsavam. In fact, no Arjitha Sevas are performed during Brahmotsavam.
Brahmotsavam- A Nine Day Celebration
Dhwajarohana is conducted on the first day of Brahmotsavam. Near the "Srivari
Alaya Dhwajasthambham", "Garudadhwaja" (flag with the
emblem of a black 'Garuda') is hoisted. This signals the start of
Brahmotsavam.
Tirumala Hills, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, is believed to be the
manifestation of "Adisesha". In commemoration to this, the Lord
is carried in a procession around the streets of Tirumala on the "Seshavahana"
(vehicle shaped like "Adisesha") during the first two days of
Brahmotsavam ('Pedda Seshavahana' and 'Chinna Seshavahana'). The meaning
of 'Sesha' is 'to serve'. 'Adi Sesha' is a thousand-headed serpent, on
whom Lord Sri Maha Vishnu rests in his abode, 'Vaikuntam'.
Second Day
On the second day, the Lord is taken around the streets of the
Venkateswara temple on the 'Chinna Seshavahana' in the morning. In the
night, the 'Unjal Seva' is performed at "Uyala Mandapam", after
which the deities are taken around the streets of Tirumala on the "Hamsavahana"
('Hamsa' or swan means 'pure').
Third Day
Lord Venkateswara uses the "Simhavahana" ('Simha' meaning
lion), as his vehicle on the third day morning of Brahmotsavam. In the
night, Unjal Seva is conducted and the deities then ride in the "Mutayalapandiri
Vahana" (a vehicle made of pearls).
Fourth Day
On the fourth day, the deities are carried in a "Kalpavriksha Vahana"
in the morning. Kalpavriksham is a tree that is believed to grant boons
and fulfill devotee's wishes. The vehicle shaped like the 'Kalpavriksham'
signifies that the Lord grants boons and fulfils the wishes of his
devotees. In the night, after the Unjal Seva, the deities are carried in a
"Sarvabhoopala Vahana". ('Sarvabhoopala' means 'all the kings of
Mother Earth').
Fifth Day
On the fifth day
morning, "Mohini Avatarotsavam" is celebrated to commemorate the
Lord's incarnation as Mohini. The Lord is dressed like Mohini, and taken
in a procession in a Palaquin.
The Legend
According to legend, the Devatas and the Demons performed
Ksheerasagaramadhanam" that resulted in 'Amrit' (nectar which when
consumed grants immortality) and other sacred qualities. The 'Devatas' and
the Demons fought for possession of the Amrit. Lord Vishnu then assumed
the form of 'Mohini' (a beautiful woman) and procured the Amrit for the
Devatas.
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord is decorated with
'Mahaakanti', 'Sahasranaramala', and is carried along with his consorts on
"Garuda Vahana". Lord Vishnu is the God of the Vedas, and
Garuda, the king of birds is a replica of the Vedas. The Lord sees Himself
in Garuda, and therefore He selected Garuda as his vehicle for the most
important day of the Brahmotsavam. Garuda Vahana is the greatest of all
the Vahanas and on this day large number of pilgrims come to visit the
temple.
Sixth Day
Hanumad Vahana is a beautifully decorated vehicle, on which the Lord is
carried on the sixth day morning. Devotees believe that they are indeed
blessed if they catch a glimpse of the Lord on Hanumad Vahana (The Vehicle
of Hanuman). Unjal Seva is not performed on the sixth day. Instead,
Vasantotsavam (spring festival) is celebrated. In the night, the Lord is
mounted on the Gaja Vahana (Gaja meaning elephant) and taken in a
procession.
Seventh Day
On the seventh day morning, the Lord rides on "Suryaprabha Vahana"
(Sun chariot). After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord is taken in the
"Chandraprabha Vahana" (moon-shaped vehicle) around the brightly
lit streets of Tirumala. It is believed that riding in the Chandraprabha
Vahana is a soothing experience for the Lord. The Lord's contentment will
bring peace to devotees' minds and result in a good crop.
Eighth Day
'Rathotsavam'
is celebrated on the eighth day, in which the Lord is seated in a "Ratham"
(chariot) and taken in a procession in the morning. It is believed that
those who witness Rathotsavam will not be reborn. The idols of "Daruka"
(the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna) and the four horses ('Saibyam',
'Sugreevam', 'Meghapushpam' and 'Valahakam') are placed before the
decorated idols of the Lord and his consorts.
This symbolises that the lord's charioteer is driving the chariot. The
chariot is pulled along by devotees, who chant Govinda! Govinda! This is
the only opportunity that devotees get to be of service to the Lord during
Brahmotsavam, and so on this day too pilgrims gather in large numbers.
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the deities are taken in the "Aswa
Vahana" ('Aswa' meaning horse).
Ninth Day
On the last day, 'Pallaki Seva' and 'Chakrasnana Mahotsavam' in the
morning and 'Dhwajavarohanam' in the evening are performed. The
processional images are anointed with oil, turmeric powder and other
auspicious ingredients and "Abhishekam" is performed. 'Sudarsan
Chakram' is given a bath in the "Swami Pushkarini".
Dhwajavarohanam or lowering the Garuda flag is carried out in the evening
of the last day and it signals the end of Brahmotsavam.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Tirupathi .
Rail: Tirupati is the nearest railway station. There are trains
that travel via Renigunta or Gudur, but do not touch Tirupati. In such
cases, Renigunta (just 10-km from Tirupati) or Gudur (100-km from
Tirupati), are convenient points to alight. From Renigunta/Gudur, you can
reach Tirupati by train, bus, or taxi.
Buses: APSRTC buses run from all the important places in the state
and between Tirupathi and Tirumala. TTD also runs buses between Tirupati
and Tirumala, free of cost. Taxis are also available.