Tirumala Srivenkanna Sannidhi is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the annual Brahmotsavam, a grand celebration deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) will oversee the nine-day festival, which will be held from October 3rd to October 12th. Devotees from across the country are expected to arrive in large numbers to witness the divine festivities, with elaborate rituals and processions marking each day of the celebration.
Brahmotsavam Commencement and Key Highlights
The Brahmotsavam kicked off on Thursday evening with the Dwajarohanam, or flag hoisting, performed by priests during the auspicious Meena Lagna between 5:45 pm and 6:00 pm. This marked the official start of the celebrations, which will continue for nine days, filled with spiritual fervor. On the same evening, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Ankurarpana, or the seeding ceremony, was held. Lord Vishwaksena, commander of Lord Venkateswara’s army, paraded through the temple streets on a palanquin, overseeing the festival arrangements.
A Sacred Experience for Devotees
The TTD has made extensive arrangements to ensure that the devotees have a seamless experience during the Brahmotsavam. Every day, special vehicular processions will be conducted, beginning with the Peddashesha Vahana Seva on Thursday night, where the Garuda flag was waved, symbolically inviting the deities to the festival. The festival will conclude with the Chakra Sangam on October 12th.
TTD expects a surge in devotees, particularly due to the Dussehra holidays and the sacred Peratasi month. In light of the anticipated crowds, TTD has canceled all special darshans, including VIP break darshans, to accommodate the lakhs of devotees attending the festival.
Special Security and Facilities
The local police, in collaboration with forces from neighboring districts, have heightened security to ensure a peaceful and smooth celebration. Over 3,900 policemen, 1,250 vigilantes, and 400 RTC buses will be deployed to manage the influx of devotees. The security system has also installed CCTV cameras across the temple and surrounding areas to monitor and prevent any potential incidents.
TTD has gone a step further by making 7 lakh laddus available as buffer stock for devotees and setting up five holding points for parking in Tirupati for pilgrims attending the Garuda Seva, a key highlight of the Brahmotsavam.
Garuda Seva – The Grand Procession
The Garuda Seva, scheduled for October 9th, is one of the most awaited events of the Brahmotsavam. TTD has laid special emphasis on ensuring that the devotees have a safe and serene experience. The hill roads will be open for 24 hours on the day of the Garuda Seva, and devotees will be allowed to access the two walkways leading to the Tirumala hills.
A Special Visit by the Chief Minister
On behalf of the state government, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu will present silk robes to Lord Venkateswara as a mark of respect and tradition. The CM will also unveil the TTD’s 2025 calendar and diary at the Ranganayakula Mandapam and inaugurate the Vakulamata kitchen, a new facility built at the cost of ₹18.45 crore.
Conclusion
The Brahmotsavam is not only a spiritual festival but a grand cultural spectacle that brings together lakhs of devotees in a shared expression of devotion. With meticulous arrangements made by TTD, this year’s Brahmotsavam promises to be a memorable and spiritually uplifting event for all who participate.
Leave a comment