Tirumala spruced up for Navaratri Brahmotsavams
Tirupati: The unique and celestial festival of Brahmotsavams at Tirumala hill shrine has a known history of nearly 1,400 years when it was performed as a victory celebration by kings and emperors of those days. But, Puranic and mythological lore contend that the festival was organised by Brahma as sought by Lord Venkateswara, who had made earth as his abode for benefit of Loka Kalyanam.
The 9-day Navaratri Brahmotsavams which will commence on October 10, the second one in the season, will not have events like Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam, Dwajarohanams, Swarnaratham or the Snapana Thirumanjanam that were performed during the regular Brahmotsavam events.
According to Tirumala temple Chief priest Venugopala Dikshitulu, in the past there were 12 Brahmotsavams every year, one in every month. The first recorded Brahmotsavam event was in 614 AD when the Pallava queen Samuvai Perindevi donated a silver idol of now popularly known as Manavala Perumal wanted the Brahmotsavams to be held in Peritasi (Kanya Masam) and the idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy to be used as utsavamurti in vahana sevas of all festivals.
According to the lunar calendar, once in every three years there is an Adhika Masam. In the Kanya Masam (Bhadrapada) of the year, the first Salakatla Brahmotsavam is performed with all rituals and in Vaikhanasa Agama traditions.
Similarly, another Brahmotsavam is performed during the Navaratri (Dasara) known as Ashwayuja Masam from October 10 to 18. There will be vahana sevas both in the morning and evening and spectacular Garuda Seva from 7 am to 12 midnight on October 14th, the major event of Brahmotsavams.
Meanwhile, TTD has made elaborate arrangements for the nine-day religious spectacle expecting huge rush due to Navaratri holidays coupled with Tamil Puratasi month. The entire Tirumala is spruced up and the galleries in the four mada streets were refurbished for the devotees to witness the vahana sevas to be held daily in the morning and evening during Brahmotsavams.