Sri Venkateswara Swamivari
Brahmotsavam or Srivari Brahmotsavam is the most significant annual fete
celebrated at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati. The feast lasts for
one month during the Hindu calendar month of Ashwayuja, which falls between
September and October.
The utsava-murti (processional deity) of the presiding deity, Venkateswara, and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are taken on a procession on several vahanams on the streets surrounding the temple. The celebration attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over India and around the world. A Brahmotsavam is a cleansing ceremony in honor of Lord Brahma, and the ceremony at Tirumala is the largest.
Two festivals
When there is an extra month in
the lunar calendar, two Brahmotsavam are held: Salakatla and Navarathri.
In Salakatla Brahmotsavam,
Rathotsavam (Big Chariot) is held on the morning of the eighth day; during
Navratri Brahmotsavam, Golden Chariot (Swarna Rathotsavam) is held that morning
of the eighth day. In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, there is a flag-lowering
(Dwajaavarohanam) on the evening of the ninth day.
History and Legend
According to the legend of Tirumala, Brahma descends to earth to conduct the festival. Sri Venkteswara Sahasranamastotra refers to Brahma performing the festival, signified by a small, empty wooden chariot (brahmaratham) which moves ahead of the processions of the Venkateswara processional deity Malayappa.
Celebrations
The Brahmotsavam is held over nine
days at the beginning of Ashwayuja, paralleling Navaratri. The evening before
the first day, the rite of Ankurarpana
(the sowing of seeds to signify fertility and abundance) is performed. The main
first-day activity is Dwajarohana,
the raising of the Garuda flag to signify the beginning of the festival.
Religious activities during the festival include daily homas and processions on
streets surrounding the temple.
The final day commemorates
Venkateswara's birth star. The Sudarshana
Chakra is bathed in the temple tank with the devotees. The Chakra is then placed
on a high platform, and the devotees walk under it and are blessed with its
dripping water. The festival ends with Dhvajavarohanam,
the lowering of the Garuda flag.
Dwajarohanam
A ceremony on the first day, when a flag with a picture of Garuda (the
vehicle of Vishnu) is hoisted over the temple. The flag is believed to be a
symbolic invitation to the Hindu deities to attend the festival.
Garuda Vahanam
On the evening of the fifth day, Venkateswara and Garuda are carried in
a procession and decorated with garlands of flowers. Every year, the Tirupati
Venkateswara garland is sent to the Srivilliputtur Andal Temple for the
marriage festival of Andal.
Hanumantha Vahanam
On the morning of the sixth day morning, Venkateswara and Hanuman are
taken out in procession.
Chakra Snanam
On the morning of the ninth day, the Malayappa, his two consorts and the Sudarshana Chakra are carried in procession to the Varahaswamy Temple. After the abhishekam and presentation of food offerings, the Sudarshana Chakra and its devotees are bathed in the temple tank.