Srivari Brahmotsavam Explained

Holiday Name:Srivari Brahmotsavams
శ్రీవారి బ్రహ్మొత్సవములు
திருப்பதி பிரம்மோத்ஸவம்
Type:Religious
Official Name:Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams
Nickname:Tirumala Brahmotsavams, Tirupati Brahmotsavams
Observedby:Hindus
Duration:Nine days
Frequency:Annual
Celebrations: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.
Relatedto:Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

Sri Venkateswara Swami vari Brahmotsavam or Srivari Brahmotsavam is the most significant[1] annual fête celebrated at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The feast lasts for one month during the Tamil - Hindu calendar month of Purattasi, which falls between the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.[2]

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.[3]

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".[4] Srivari Brahmotsavam is also known as "Venkateswara Salakatla Brahmotsavams" and "Venkateswara Navaratri Brahmotsavams".

Two festivals

When there is an extra month in the lunar 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.[5]

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 will be flag hoisting (Dwajarohanam) on 1st day and flag-lowering (Dwajaavarohanam) on the evening of the ninth day.[6]

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.[7]

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. Until 1582, Brahmotsavams were held as often as 12 times a year.

Celebrations

Procedure

See also

Sources

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Srivari Brahmotsavam. The Hindu . 1975 .
  2. News: 8th Day of Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam-Aswa Vahanam on Oct 12. 12 October 2013. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams News. https://web.archive.org/web/20140318182257/http://news.ttdevasthanams.com/8th-day-of-srivari-salakatla-brahmotsavam-aswa-vahanam-on-oct-12/. 18 March 2014. live.
  3. Web site: Brahmotsavam: Why is Brahmotsavam Celebrated. Ygoy. https://web.archive.org/web/20140318173943/http://hinduism.ygoy.com/2011/08/17/brahmotsavam-why-is-brahmotsavam-celebrated/. 18 March 2014. live.
  4. News: Mother of all Festivals . The Hindu . 21 September 2017 . 25 October 2017.
  5. Web site: TTD Brahmotsavam 2024. Tirupati Balaji Online. 25 June 2024.
  6. Web site: K. Kandaswamy. Detailed Schedule of Brahmotsavam in Tirupati - 2 Brahmotsavam if Adhika Maas (Extra Month) comes in Lunar Calendar. Live Trend. K Kandaswamy. 28 August 2021.
  7. News: Tirupati dresses up for Brahmotsavam . Times of India . 7 October 2002 . 1 August 2017.