Tirumala is getting ready for Brahmotsavam and the signs are visible miles from the foothills. Arches and cut-outs, which glitter in the night, welcome pilgrims to the abode of the deity, situated on top of Seven Hills, all considered sacred. The spick-and-span temple looks sparkling, the pillars and walls revealing etchings and inscriptions after Kovil Azhwar Tirumanjanam — thorough cleansing ahead of the big festival. The flag goes up tomorrow and the ten-day festival concludes on September 1.
“Tirumala is the genesis of Brahmotsavam,” informs Sri Gururaja Swamigal. “The word ‘Brahma’ has two connotations — one referring to the Creator and another ‘of massive proportions.’ Here, this festival was structured by Brahma,” he explains. Thousands gather on the hill to see the grand processions of the deity looking resplendent in gorgeous attire and accessories on various mounts. Varaha Puranam has given in detail the procedures to be observed regarding the vahanas and the decoration of the deity.
Ankoorarpanam and Senatipati inspection of the town and premises today will set the stage for Dwajarohanam tomorrow. The deity will be taken out on Big Sesha Vahanam. The mounts (vahana) and decoration of the deity are both fixed and varied. For instance, Hamsa Vahanam (September 24) will carry the deity decked up as Saraswati. It is Yoga Narasimha for Simha Vahanam, Sri Rama for Hanumanta. Muthupandal and Kalpavriksha alankaram are improvised. Flowers are sourced from across the country and abroad, we are told.
On the fourth day, the Lord will receive honours from Srivilliputhur — two garlands one each for the Moolavar and Utsavar. The next day, the deity will appear in Nachiyar Tirukkolam and in the evening is Garuda Vahana Seva. “Lakhs will witness the procession, which will extend up to midnight. The hours have been increased this year, the start advanced to 7.30 and darshan up to 1 a.m.,” says Sri Gururaja Swamigal.
Swarna Ratha seva is on the sixth day and Ratotsavam on the eighth, the Sun and Moon mounts carrying the deity on the seventh. With Tirthavari on the ninth day, the festivities will draw to a close. “Tirthavari, always conducted on Tiruvonam (Kanya Masam, Sravana Nakshatram), the Lord’s birthstar, is a speciality of Brahmotsavam here,” observes Sri Gururaja Swamigal, who points to Archaka Venugopal Dikshitar (Kankana Bhattar), who will be the main priest in charge of Brahmotsavam.
“Our family has been in the service of Lord Srinivasa for at least 1,000 years,” says Sri Dikshitar. That makes it at least 40 generations. “Yes,” he confirms. “My forefathers belonged to Gollapulli, a village you might have noticed on your way to Tirumala. They were farmers and would come here to perform the rituals and return to the village,” he says. Sri Dikshitar has literally grown up with the deity as company and the temple precincts his virtual home. “Yes,” he smiles. “My family lives at the foothills. Sastra does not permit them to stay here. They can, however, come up participate in the festival,” he adds. “Only the descendants of two families — belonging to the Bharadwaja and Kausika Gothras — can perform the pujas and rituals connected with Brahmotsavam,” he supplies.
“Sri Venkatesa’s glory finds mention in Smriti, Sruti, Itihasa and Purana. The credit for streamlining the administration and puja goes to Sri Ramanuja. Two swamis, belonging to the parampara of Udayavar, are in place to maintain the tradition,” says Sri Gururaja.
Sri Seshadri Swamigal, scholar, who oversees the temple affairs, including pujas, festivals, etc., explains how 11 Brahmotsavams were happening in Tirumala.
“We are talking about the 14th century. Every month had a Brahmotsavam, Vaikasi alone going to the Govindarajaswamy temple. Tirumala then belonged to North Arcot. With the advent of Company (East India) rule, the wealth, including villages, changed hands and the festivals dwindled,” he says. “However, Tirumala was the only place where puja did not stop even for a day, when Mughal invasion led to suspension of the same for days and even months at several places,” he adds.
Sri Seshadri Swamigal mentions Dwajarohanam in the evening, Garuda Seva at night and Ther on the eight day as unique to the Tirumala Brahmotsavam. About five lakh pilgrims are expected on the day of Garuda Vahanam. The Utsavar is simply called Malayappa Swamy. “He was found (1339) in a valley called Malayappa Kona and hence the name.
