Brahmotsavams in Tirumala happens twice in a year and consecutively as well, in the months of September and October for nine continuous days. Since the month is called as Adhika Masam, we have two Brahmotsavams soon one after the other. In the month of September, we had Srivari Brahmotsavams, and now between 16th of October and 24th of October, we will have Navaratri Brahmotsavams and no words to talk about celebrations on this eve.
Why Navaratri Brahmotsavams are held in Tirumala every year?
The history behind Brahmotasavams remain the same that Lord Brahma thanked Lord Balaji and begun this festival on the banks of holy Pushkarini in Tirumala, for protecting mankind and humanity. From then, every year Brahmotsavams are celebrated in Tirumala. There is no specific reason behind celebrating Navaratri Brahmotsavams; as it is a 9-day festival and auspicious as well, it has been followed as a tradition in Tirumala.
Seva Details and Important Dates You Should Know
The celebration starts on 15th of October, Thursday, with Ankurarpanam between 7p.m and 8p.m. Ankurarpanam is considered the most important one and called as the Seed Sowing Festival with which the Brahmotsavams begin.
The First Day: 16th of October, Friday
On the first day, we have two sevas-one is Golden Tiruchi Utsavam (9a.m–11a.m) and Pedda Sesha Vahanam (7p.m–9p.m). In Golden Tiruchi Utsavam, mini shrines of Lord Balaji with his wives Goddess Padmavati and Lakshmi are decorated and made visible to pilgrims through a mirror. The same day night, Lord Balaji takes procession for people in seven-headed Adisesha Vahanam, along with two Goddesses.
The Second Day: 17th of October, Saturday
Lord Balaji along with two Goddesses takes procession in Chinna Sesha Vahanam (five-headed Adiseha vahanam) between 8a.m and 10a.m. The same day night between 7p.m and 9p.m, you can see all the three in Hamsa Vahanam (A medium-sized Swan as vahanam).
The Third Day: 18th of October, Sunday
On the third day, you can see Lord Balaji wonderfully decorated and appearing brave on the Simha Vahanam (Lion) from 8a.m to 10a.m. The same day night between 7p.m and 9p.m, Lord Venkateswara and Goddesses, Padmavati and Lakshmi are decorated with high-fragrant and attractive flowers and go for processions in Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam.
The Fourth Day: 19th of October, Monday
Swami appears in Kalpavriksha Vahanam i.e. the Kalpa tree that is renowned for giving limitless money, and the same day night, he takes processions in Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam i.e. Lord Balaji gets decorated like the King Bhoopala and Sarva means all, and gives darshan in the manner. The timings of the seva remain similar to that of the previous day.
The Fifth Day: 20th of October, Tuesday
On the fifth day, we can see Lord Venkateswara wearing the attire of a lady i.e. Mohini Avataram, between 8a.m and 10a.m. In the evening seva, Swami takes his processions in Garuda Vahanam (The vahana of Lord Vishnu and one of the Gods Garuda, the eagle form), between 7p.m and 12a.m.
The Sixth Day: 21st of October, Wednesday
We can see Swami in Hanumantha Vahanam (on Anjaneya Swamy) between 8a.m and 10a.m. This day is quite special since there are three sevas throughout. Between 4p.m to 6p.m, Lord Venkateswara appears in Pushpaka Vimanam (The flight like Vahanam decorated with flowers everywhere) and in the night at Gaja Vahanam (the elephant) between 7p.m and 9p.m.
The Seventh Day: 22nd of October, Thursday
On the seventh day, Lord Balaji takes processions in Surya Prabha Vahanam (The Sun) between 8a.m and 10a.m, and in the Chandra Prabha Vahanam (The Moon) the same day night between 7p.m and 9p.m.
The Eighth Day: 23rd October, Friday
The eighth day is when Swami appears in Ratotsavam and pilgrims pull the Ratha with their hands and take the God for processions, at 8a.m. In the evening between 7p.m and 9p.m, Swami takes processions in Aswa Vahanam (Horse form).
The Ninth Day: 24th of October, Saturday
The last day, 24th of October ends with Pallaki Utsavam, Tiruchi Utsavam between 3a.m and 5a.m and Chakra Snanam between 6a.m and 9a.m.
Conclusion
Navaratri Brahmotsavams are celebrated in a great manner and no other festivals in Tirumala are celebrated like Brahmotsavams. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only limited pilgrims are allowed in the temple, as per the latest news announced by the TTD Additional Executive Officer. Therefore, make your pre-bookings accordingly and enjoy the festival safely. Hoping this blog was informative; keep reading our blogs for more information on Tirumala–Tirupati.
Read More : Celebrating Lord Venkateshwara’s Grand Festival-Srivari Brahmotsavam 2020
