Important activites during Tirumala Brahmotsavam

Among the 450 odd festivals that are being observed in Tirumala every year, the annual Brahmotsavams are considered to be the most important festival as it highlights the celestial grandeur of the Universal Supreme Lord, Sri Venkateswara Swamy in all His religious splendour and charm.

During this nine-day mega festival, Sri Malayappa Swamy, the processional deity of Sri Venkateswara, takes a ride on 16 different carriers (including two chariots) and blesses the huge turn of devotees who hails from across the country.

A glance at some of the main activities carried out during Brahmotsavams:

Aalaya Suddhi: Before the commencement of the annual brahmotsavams, the Tirumala temple of Sri Venkateswara Swamy is cleansed traditionally as per the norms suggested in Vaikhanasa Agama. This activity is called Alaya Suddhi.

Mritsangrahanam: The process of collecting the soil, on a day before the commencement of annual brahmotsavams.

Dwajarohanam: Hoisting of Garuda Dhwaja, (a holy flag with the image of Garuda on temple mast) signalling the commencement of the nine-day mega religious festival. It is believed that Garuda invites the deities of all the worlds to take part in the annual Brahmotsavams.

Vahana Sevas: Sri Malayappa is taken on a procession along four Mada streets encircling the temple while a few carriers are accompanied by His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Every Vahanam has its significance.

Srivari Koluvu: This is the temple court performed after the procession inside the main temple by priests.

Snapanam: Also known as Utsavanantara Snapanam, the processional deities are being rendered holy bath with aromatic ingredients in Ranganayakula Mandapam and this ritual is believed to be the “Stress buster” to the processional deity after day-long hectic activity during the annual fete.

Choornabhishekam: Choornabhishekam involves bathing the lord and his consorts after anointing them with sandalwood powder that is performed on the last day

Chakrasnanam: On the last day of annual Brahmotsavams, along with the processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swamy, Sridevi and Bhudevi, the anthropomorphic form of Lord, Sri Sudarshana Chakrattalwar is rendered holy dip in the sacred waters of Swami Pushkarini

Devatodwasanam: On the last day of Brahmotsavam, the ritual of seeing off the rishis and Gods to Devalokam is called Devatodwasanam. It is performed after the daily Archana. Lord Brahma is praised for organising the utsavam, and He is honoured by the temple priests and officials traditionally by reciting relevant shlokas.

Dhwajavarohanam: The Garuda flag which was hoisted on the temple pillar on the first day of the annual Brahmotsavam, is lowered marking the successful completion of the nine-day mega religious festival.