TIRUMALA: Srivari Brahmotsavams, the very word brings to one’s mind the illuminated Tirumala with grand processions of Lord Venkateswara in different rupams on different vahanams along the four Mada Streets as thousands of devotees watch in ecstasy.It is an utsavam started by Brahma, the creator, himself.There is nothing that stands in comparison with the grandeur of Srivari Brahmotsavams performed once a year.OccurrenceThe nine-day festival concludes on the day when Sravana Nakshatram, the birth star of Venkateswara, is in ascendancy in Kanya Masam (Aswayujam).By Chandramanam (lunar calendar), adhika masam (additional month) occurs during Bhadrapadam for every three years.Brahmotsavams are performed twice that year - Salakatla Brahmotsavams followed by Navaratri Brahmotsavams.Only Salakatla Brahmotsavams have Dhwajarohanam and Dhwajavarohanam and Maharatham (the great wooden chariot) is also used only during the Salakatla Brahmotsavams.When it is not adhika masam, only one Brahmotsavams is performed in Aswayujam.RitualsBrahmotsavams are performed for nine days with Ankurarpanam before the beginning of the festival.It is performed with Vishwaksena, the Senadhipathi of the Lord’s armies, going in a procession around the temple inviting Deva, Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnera, Kimpurusha, Apsarasa, Naga and other celestial beings.Dhwajarohanam is performed on the following day when a flag bearing the image of Garuda, is hoisted on the Dhwajastambham in accordance with Vaikhanasa Agama.Dhwajarohanam heralds the start of the Brahmotsavams.From the evening of the first day till the night of the eighth day, Venkateswara in different forms rides different vahanams in procession along Tiru Veedhulu (The four Mada Streets), bestowing His blessings on the devout.The ritual concludes with Chakrasnanam and Dhwajavarohanam on the ninth day.Snapana Tirumanjanam is performed four times to Malayappa Swamy and His Consorts _ first on the third day, then on fourth, seventh and ninth days.Vahana sevasVahana sevas start with Pedda Sesha Vahanam on the evening of the first day.On the second day, the Lord rides Chinna Sesha Vahanam in the morning and Hamsa Vahanam in the evening.On the third day, it is Simha Vahanam in the morning and Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam in the evening.Next day, the Lord is taken out in Kalpavruksha Vahanam in the morning and Sarva Bhupala Vahanam in the evening.On the fifth day, considered most important of the 9-day ritual, Lord in the form of Mohini is taken out on an Ivory palanquin in the dawn and Garuda Vahanam in the night.The next day, the Lord rides on the shoulders of Hanuman in the morning and rides Gaja Vahanam in the evening.Ratha Ranga Dolotsavam (procession of golden chariot) is held on 6th day afternoon.He rides Surya Prabha and Chandra Prabha Vahanams on 7th day.On penultimate day, Lord rides Maharatham, which is known as Rathotsavam.In night, he rides Aswa Vahanam, which marks the end of Vahana Sevas.
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