Sri Venkateswara Swamivaari Brahmotsavam: Glorifying the Lord of Thirumala through Nava Vidha Bhakthi by Prerana

By Pravindra Adari

Sri Venkateswara Swamivaari Brahmotsavam is one of the most significant festivals celebrated at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Thirumala, Andhra Pradesh. This grand festival, rooted in deep spiritual significance, is held annually during the Telugu month of Bhaadhrapadamu or Aasveeyujamu (Gregorian months of September or October). The first recorded festival at the Thirumala Venkateswara Temple dates back to 966 CE when the Pallava queen Samavai endowed land to support temple celebrations.  In years when there is an extra month (Adhika Maasa) in the lunar calendar, two Brahmotsavams are celebrated: the Salakatla Brahmotsavam and the Navaratri Brahmotsavam. However, in 2024, since there is no Adhika Maasa, only one Brahmotsavam will be observed, the Salakatla Brahmotsavam. This year, the celebrations will take place from Friday, October 4 to Saturday, October 12.

To commemorate Brahmotsavam – Prerana will present a divine program with a special theme of the nine forms of devotion, known as Nava Vidha Bhakti, pathways to attain closeness with God. These are described in ancient Hindu texts like the Bhagavata Purana and emphasize different ways a devotee can express their love and devotion to the Divine. These forms offer flexibility in worship and include shravanam, keerthanam, smaranam, padhasevanam, archanam, vandhanam, dhaasyam, vaathsalyam and atmanivedhanam.

The Brahmotsavam festival is known for its grandeur and devotion, attracting pilgrims from across India and around the world. It features elaborate processions of the temple's Utsava-murti, or processional deity, Lord Venkateswara, along with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi. These deities are taken on various vahana’s (vehicles) around the streets of Thirumala, creating a divine and festive atmosphere that envelops the temple town.

The term "Brahmotsavam" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Brahma," meaning grand or large, and "Utsavam," meaning festival. According to legend, it is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator, was the first to organize this festival to honour Lord Venkateswara. Brahma is said to descend to earth to conduct the festival, which makes the celebration particularly sacred. The Brahmotsavam is a nine-day event, and each day is filled with various religious activities, homas, and processions. Processions of the deity occur twice daily during the festival. Lord Venkateswara is seated on different vahanams each day.

Day 1 - The festival begins with Ankurarpana. Following this, the Garuda flag is hoisted during Dwajarohanam, marking the official start of the festival. This ritual invites the Gods to partake in the celebrations. Peddha Sesha Vahanam (serpent vehicle) on the first evening

Day 2 – Chinna Sesha Vahanam - Morning and Hamsa Vahanam in the evening

Day 3 – Simha Vahanam – Morning and Muthyala Pandiri Vahanam - Evening

Day 4 – Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam – Morning and Sarvabhoopala Vahanam - Evening

Day 5 – Mohini Avatharam – Morning and Garuda Vahanam in the evening

Day 6 –Hanumantha Vahanam – morning, Pre Evening - the Swarna Rathotsavam (Golden Chariot) and Gaja Vahanam in the evening

Day 7 – Surya Prabha Vahanam – Morning and Chandra Prabha Vahanam in Evening

Day 8 - One of the most anticipated events during Salakatla Brahmotsavam is the Rathotsavam (Big Chariot) procession on the morning of the eighth day and Aswa Vahanam in the evening

Day 9 - Saturday, 12 October, the final day of Brahmotsavam is marked by the Pallaki utsavam and Chakra Snanam, a ritual bathing of the Sudarshana Chakra in the temple tank. Devotees walk under the Chakra as it drips water, receiving divine blessings. The flag-lowering ceremony (Dwajaavarohanam) is held on the ninth day to mark the end of the festival in the evening.

Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam Official Brahmotsavam Song

Brahmotsavam is more than just a grand celebration; it is a journey of spiritual ecstasy where devotees immerse themselves in the divine energy of Lord Venkateswara. The vibrant processions, soulful chants, and sacred rituals create an atmosphere of unparalleled devotion and joy. As the temple streets come alive with faith and fervour, each participant feels a deep connection to the Divine, uplifting their hearts and souls. The festival is a celebration of not only religious significance but also cultural heritage, inspiring unity and devotion among millions. Brahmotsavam leaves devotees enriched, blessed, and spiritually rejuvenated in the Lord's divine grace.

Let’s commemorate the Brahmotsavam festival on Friday, 4th October 2024 with “NAVA VIDHA BHAKTHI” – a divine offering Annamayya sankeerthanams by Prerana to invoke the blessings of Lord Srinivasa and celebrate Sri Venkateswara Srivaari Brahmotsavam.

Om Namo Venkateshaya!

𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘨𝘶 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘨𝘶 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘤𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢, 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘨𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘨𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨. 

Contact: Sri Pravindra Adari on +27798715154 or email pravin.adari@icloud.com 

JAI TELUGU THALLI - VICTORY TO MOTHER TELUGU 

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