BRAHMOTSAVAM AT TIRUMALA

Tirumala - the Kaliyuga Vaikuntam goes gay and appears in all its splendor during the Annual Brahmotsavam. Several kinds of Sevas performed round the clock with all fanfare and pomp make the Holy Hills bear semblance to the Bhooloka Swarga. The devotees feel the thrill of Nityakalyanam, hovering over there. The Brahmotsavam lasting for nine days is an occasion, when the religious and cultural sanctity of the shrine touches the meridian. The Varaha and Bhavishyothara Puranas embody the fact that this glorious festival was started by the Creator, Brahma, who implored Sri Venkateswara then to redeem the sinners in the Kaliyuga by His abundant mercy and inexhaustible grace.

Several scholars of international fame in Vedic lore and eminent artistes of global eminence assemble here at the lotus feet of the Lord to pay their homage to Him. It is believed that even the celestials in their ethereal forms grace the Hills to witness the celebration sanctified by the vedic rituals, music concerts and cultural activities.

This nine-day festival begins with Dwajarohanam and concludes with Chakrasnanam ritual. The Utsavamurthi-Malayappa Swamy is taken round the four mach streets twice a day during this period. Different Vahanas used for every profession and their decoration with illumination is only to be seen than described. On the first day evening, big Seshavahan, followed by small Seshavahan and Hansavahan on the second day; Simha and Muthyappandali on the third day; Kalpavriksha and Sarva Bhupala on the fourth day; Dhanta Pallaki bearing the Ustavamurthi in bewitching Mohini form; Garudavahan on thef fifth day; Hanumantha and Gajavahan on the sixth day; Suryaprabha and Chandraprabha on the seventh day; Aswavahan on the eighth Rathotsava day and finally Tiruchi on the ninth day.

The tenth day, that marks the end of the annual festival, Utsavamurthi is taken to Varahaswamy temple: After due rituals, the Sudarsanachakra is ceremoniously immersed in the Pushkarini. A bath at this auspicious hour is deemed to bring special punya and hence the craze by the pilgrims. Another special feature observed during this annual festival is, the procession of the Lord in the anti-clock-wise - Apradakshina, popularly known as "Back Savari" , which is also quite awesome and lures huge crowds. It is on this day, the Lord holds court-Asthanam in Ananthalwar Garden. The whole hill top metamorphoses into Vaikunta on all these days with dazzling illuminations and colorful decorations. Devotion hungers for it, and its fervour exceeds all bounds. A parallel is found only on another festival day. Hence the visits numberless and anxiety peerless.

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