The Malayappa (Shree Bhoo Sahita)(processional deity) of Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala is taken on the morning and evening of the nine-day festival on four streets around the shrine. Celebrations include dance, music, elephants and horses.
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.[5]
Etymology
The word Brahmotsavam is a combination of two Sanskrit words—Brahma and utsavam (festival)—and Brahma reportedly conducted the first festival. Brahma also means "grand" or "large".[6] Srivari Brahmotsavam is also known as "Venkateswara Salakatla Brahmotsavams" and "Venkateswara Navaratri Brahmotsavams".
Two festivals
When there is an extra month in the Telugu calendar, two Brahmotsavam are held viz., Salakatla and Navarathri. Both festivals were held in 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2023
Brahmotsavam 2024
This year, in 2024, since there is no Adhika Maasa, there will only be one Brahmotsavam, which is the annual Salakatla Brahmotsavam.
The Salakatla Brahmotsavam and the Navaratri Brahmotsavam will be held together..
The TTD Brahmotsavam 2024 will take place from October 3 to October 12.[7]
In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, Rathotsavam (Big Chariot) is held on the morning of the eighth day; during Navaratri Brahmotsavam, Golden Chariot (Swarna Rathotsavam) is held that morning of the eighth day. In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, there will be flag hoisting (Dwajarohanam) on 1st day and flag-lowering (Dwajaavarohanam) on the evening of the ninth day.[8]
History and legend
According to the legend of Tirumala, Brahma descends to earth to conduct the festival.[2]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.[2][9]
The first reference to festivals in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple was in 966 CE, when the Pallava queen Samavai endowed land and ordered its revenue to celebrate festivals in the temple.[10][full citation needed][2] Until 1582, Brahmotsavams were held as often as 12 times a year.[2]
Celebrations
The Brahmotsavam is held over nine days at the beginning of the Hindu calendar month of Āśvina, 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.
On the evening of the fifth day, Venkateswara and Garuda are carried in a procession and decorated with garlands of flowers.[13] Every year, the Tirupati Venkateswara garland is sent to the Srivilliputtur Andal Temple for the marriage festival of Andal.[14]
Hanumantha Vahanam
On the morning of the sixth day morning, Venkateswara and Hanuman are taken out in procession.[15]
