The grand Tirumala Srivari Brahmotsavam has begun, bringing with it an air of devotion, celebration, and divine blessings. Malayappa Swamy, the utsava deity of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, graces the festival’s first day, offering devotees a divine darshan on the majestic Sesavahanam. This 9-day festival, held from October 4 to October 12, is steeped in tradition and spiritual significance, with each day offering unique blessings to the attendees.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has meticulously planned the Brahmotsavam, ensuring that the thousands of devotees who attend experience smooth and serene participation. The vehicle services or Vahanasevas are a major highlight of the festival, each one symbolizing profound aspects of divinity and spirituality. These special processions, where Malayappa Swamy is carried on various vahanas, reflect divine stories and lessons from the Puranas.
According to scriptures, Lord Brahma himself initiated these Brahmotsavams at the command of Lord Srinivasa to ensure the welfare of the world. The Brahmotsavam has continued unbroken since its inception, with each event and ritual following a sacred pattern of worship and devotion.
On October 4, at 9 PM, Lord Malayappa Swamy, alongside Sridevi and Bhudevi, will make his divine appearance on the seven-headed golden Sesavahanam, an event eagerly awaited by devotees. This procession is a tribute to Adisesha, the divine serpent closely associated with Lord Vishnu. Adisesha is said to have served as Lakshmana in the Ramayana and Balarama in the Mahabharata, highlighting the deep connection between Lord Srinivasa and his devotees. The Sesavahanam symbolizes the essence of devotion, with the belief that those who witness it can transcend worldly attachments and achieve divinity.
The second day of the Brahmotsavam continues with the Chinnaseshavahana Seva at 8 AM, followed by a swan carriage darshan at 7 PM. The swan, representing the wisdom of Saraswati, teaches devotees to discern between good and evil, a key spiritual lesson imparted through this sacred event.
The third day brings more divine spectacles with Malayappa Swamy appearing on a lion vehicle, symbolizing strength and courage, followed by the Mutyapupandiri Vahanam, a procession adorned with pearls that symbolize purity and grace.
Every day of the Brahmotsavam holds special significance, culminating in the Chakrasnanam ceremony on October 12. This holy bath marks the conclusion of the festival, with priests performing sacred rituals to purify the Chakratthalwars, and devotees bathing in Pushkarini, hoping to receive the blessings of Lord Srinivasa.
The Brahmotsavam is not just a festival, but a time when devotees feel the divine presence in every step, ritual, and service offered. It is a time for deep devotion, spiritual reflection, and connection with the divine.
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