Immerse your thoughts into spirituality with the extensive Brahmotsavam that
happens every year in Tirupathi. Millions of devotees flock into Tirumala to view this
grand celebration of Tirumala Brahmotsavam from all over the globe. It commences parallel to Navaratri between September and October. Let’s dive deep into Let’s Tirumala Brahmotsavam celebration and its significance to its believers.
Brahmotsavam Etymology
Brahmotsavam is divided into two words – Brahma and Utsavam. The former in
generic terms mean the Lord Brahma, the god of creation, who is said to have
elevated the temple of Tirumala where we believe HE lives for thanking Lord Vishnu
to save the people from distress and evils that happened in Kaliyuga, an era of bad
events that happened to the Universe. Utsavam means celebration.
Brahma is also translated to the number, 9, and hence Tirumala Brahmotsavam is
the 9-day celebration at Tirumala.
The Tirupati Brahmotsavam History
The Tirupati Brahmotsavam history has deep roots in this sacred town. There was a time when bad deeds happened in the Universe disrupting the creation
process of Lord Brahma. HE decides to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, Balaji, to be specific, by the river banks of Pushkarini near the Tirumala temple. When Malayappa helped, Brahma decided to personally descend from his celestial world to come to earth, to pay his gratitude to answer his prayers and restore mankind in full glory, every year.
Festivities of Brahmotsavam
My grandfather always used to say that it is a way of the GOD coming to our homes
to visit us instead of us going to their shrines. As caste issues were prevalent in
ancient India, this was a way to get a glimpse of the statue that is presented to
everyone irrespective of their gender, caste, family and the like.
Similarly this utsavam is like a procession that takes place with the figurines of god carried on a palanquin that is lodged to a huge chariot pulled by devotees. An empty wooden chair goes in front of the grand parade symbolising Lord Brahma conducting the 9-day ceremony.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam 2024 Dates and Celebration
Despite the ‘laddoo controversy’ of Tirupathi temple, the management is expecting
more than a lakh devotees to be part of the grand extravaganza. The Tirupati Brahmotsavam 2024 Dates are set between October 2nd and October 11th, 2024.
The festival begins a day before the ceremony parading Lord Venkatachalapathi with different accomplices like vahanams, represented by the animals, his beloved consorts (Sridevi and Bhoodevi) and more. Following is the significance of these holy dates in detail.
Ankurarpana
On the 2nd of October, 2024, priests from Tirumal joined hands to sow 9 kinds of
seeds (Navadhanyam) in nine different mud pots filled with fertile mud symbolising
abundant growth and fertility. Ankurapana means ‘sowing the seed’ and it is also a
way to pray to Lord Vishnu to ensure a peaceful festival ahead.
By the end of the 9th day, all these grains would have germinated and sprouted that
would later be used in cooking the decadent Maha Prasadham or planted behind the temple. Ankuparana is also referred to as Beejavapanam.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 1
Raise up, for Day 1 of Thirumala Brahmotsavam has begun with the colourful Garudadhwaja, flag of Garuda (mythological eagle that is also the official transport of Lord Vishnu) soaring the sky with an image of Sri Malayappa Swamy striding his way. The majestic eagle is placed on top of Him commemorating the beginning of the festival. In the evening, Adiseshan, the 7-headed King of Serpents, is placed as the first vahana. This is called the Peeda Seshan, and the deity is placed on the serpent.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 2
On Day 2 morning, the lord is seen with Chinna Sesha Vahanam, where the LoHe
dons the avatar of Krishna accompanied by a golden five-headed serpent, Vaasuki,
who has and can aid in raising the secret Kundalini energy resulting in salvation. In
the evening, the lord is carried along with the elegant Hamsa vahana, a statue
represented by Swan, enthralling His devotee’s hearts with clarity. The divine swan
in mythology is known for its elegance, purity and intelligence to differentiate good
from evil.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 3
On the 3rd morning of Tirumala Brahmotsavam, one can watch the Lord with the majestic Simha vahanam signified by a colourfully-decorated lion, that represents the ultimate power and poised royalty. As the sun sets, you will see Him with Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam. They are the flamboyant consorts of Lord Vishnu, Sridevi and Bhoodevi, dressed in pearls showcasing their pure heart and their royal being.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 4
The fourth day morning of Brahmotsavam starts with the appearance of Kalpa
Vruksha vahanam, symbolised by the wish tree of Hindu mythology. The celestial
tree is a divine benign that grants wishes when you pray to it. In the evening, Lord
Vishnu takes the form of Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam signalling him to be the
‘Universal Lord’.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 5
Day 5 morning shows Lord Vishnu’s form in Mohini Avatharam, the avatar HE
donned during the great war of asuras and devas who fought for the immortal potion, the Amrutham or nectar. It was however devoid to the asuras as their intention of being immortal was not about sustenance but to rule it under their control.
In the evening, HE is taken along with Garuda, the eagle, decked with the prettiest of flowers and colourful garlands that are later sent to the temple of Srivilliputtur, where Andal is waiting to get married to this charming lord. How romantic is that?!
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 6
Day 6 is a 3 part ritual with different vahanas in the morning, evening and night.
The morning is observed with Lord Hanuman as his vahana representing his loyal self dedicated to the life of Rama and his family without expecting anything in return.His role of being selfless despite his gigantic size is something we can learn in
today’s society.
In the evening, he is taken out for a celestial ride with his beloved consorts, Sridevi
and Bhoodevi called the Swarna Rathotsavam or Ratha Ranga Dolotsavam.
At night, the lord’s statue is lodged onto Gaja Vahana who in his previous birth, was
saved by Lord Krishna for eternal salvation from the devious crocodile, after killing it.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 7
On Day 7 morning, the lord radiates as Surya Prabha (God of Sun), riding the
chariot. It is believed that Lord Vishnu takes the form of the sun. In the evening, yes
your guess is right – Lord Vishnu takes a walk with Chandra Prabha (God of Moon)
representing the pleasant, cool, night.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 8
Day 8 is the Rathotsavam, conducted in the morning where the Lord is taken around
the four mada streets surrounding the temple for a family procession with his
consorts on a wooden palanquin decorated with flowers while their devotees pull it
together by chanting Govinda for the collective strength.
In the evening, the Lord is taken of Ashwa vahanam represented by a horse
symbolising the tenth, forthcoming avatar of Kalki, who is believed to take form in
today’s date when the need rises.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam Day 9
It is almost the end of Thirumala Brahmotsavam and the ninth day has Avabhruda Snanam, a special bath of the deity, and his consorts in the river banks of Pushkarini located outside the Varahasami temple. Finally the Sudarshana Chakra, the wheel of time, is immersed in the water for purification. The main ritual is to hold the chakra high enough, dripping with water, so that devotees can walk under it to get blessed with the holy water.
The festival is concluded with the Dwajaavarohanam where holy chants are told and
the Garuda flag that was hoisted on Day 1, is lowered in the Dwajastamba hall.
Important Days of Brahmotsavam
The most important days of Brahmotsavam include Dwajarohanam, Garuda
Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, and Chakra Snanam where devotees swarm the
temple of Tirupati and the surrounding temples to feel the divine connection with
Lord Vishnu.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to go attend all the nine days with devotees across the globe, try
booking your stay and transport in advance, as this is one of the most riveting
celebrations of the Ezhumalaiyan in Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh. Give your
eyes the treat of watching Lord Vishnu in different avatars as HE protects his
devotees with unbiased affection. If you are into carnatic music , join our 30 minutes free online carnatic trial class.
FAQs
What is Tirupati Brahmotsavam?
Tirupati Brahmotsavam is a nine-day annual celebration commenced in the Tirupati temple with Lord Vishnu and his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, travelling on 16 vahanas, on a parade through the streets of Tirupati in AndhraPradesh. The festival is also called Tirumala Brahmotsavam.
When is Tirupati Brahmotsavam celebrated?
It is celebrated during the navaratri time around September and October when the birth star of Sravana is born. This is the birth star of Lord Balaji too.
What are the main events during Tirupati Brahmotsavam?
Dwajarohanam, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, and ChakraSnanam are the main events that happen during Tirupati Brahmotsavam.
How to get tickets for Tirupati Brahmotsavam?
You need to plan in advance to be a part of the Tirupati Brahmotsavam. You can get a day pass or the 9 day pass from Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam or dedicated centres in T Nagar, Chennai. Many hotel apps like Book My Trip and TTDC organise the same with amenities like two laddoos per person with other sightseeing options around these divine hills.
What is the significance of Tirupati Brahmotsavam?
During Kali Yuga, many faced a lot of bad deeds that affected not just the humans on earth, but the celestial bodies too. Lord Brahma sat on the river bank of Pushkarini and prayed to Lord Balaji to save this situation and the Tirupati Brahmotsavam is a way of thanking HIM for cleansing it and saving humanity, once again.
Brahma took it upon himself to celebrate this celestial deity for nine days by taking Lord Vishnu and his consorts around the Tirumala hills directly to the hearts of his profound devotees.
How to reach Tirupati for Brahmotsavam?
You can reach Tirupati by road, rail or air. By air, book your flights to Renigunta airport and Tirupati is 15 kms from the main airport, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours to get to the temple.
The railway station is comparatively closer having three main stations namely Renigunta, Tirupati Main and Anantarajupet, connected by superfast and express trains.
By road, you can enter Tirupati via Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Karnataka with many chains of restaurants along the way. There are also people who walk the hills of Tirumala to showcase your devotion.
What are the accommodation options during Tirupati Brahmotsavam?
During the Brahmotsavam, when you go directly to Tirupati, you are most likely to get disappointed with most of the good rooms taken. Book a pilgrimage package from Tirupati Devastanam centres, TTDC and other private booking
firms like Book My Trip for a divine darshan, hassle-free.
What are the rituals performed during Tirupati Brahmotsavam?
Many hymns are chanted in front of multiple homa(s) that are evoked with fire by prestigious priests of Tirumala temple. The bathing of the lord after every procession, called snapanam, apart from the myriad of processions are some of the rituals followed during the Tirupati Brahmotsavam.
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