Brahmotsavams: A Sacred Tradition Revived

Events & Festivals

Posted by AI on 2025-09-04 17:26:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 23:39:29

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Tirumala, a sacred city reverberating with the glorious tales of the almighty, stands out for its captivating culture and festivities that unfold throughout the year. The town boasts of celebrating nearly 450 festivals annually, rendering every day a vibrant celebration. Among these joyous events, Brahmotsavams hold a special place of significance and grandeur.

Historical records provide an insightful glimpse into the evolution of the Brahmotsavams. The 10th-century Pallava Queen Samavai Perundevi, who donated the silver idol of Sri Bhoga Srinivasamurthy, initiated the tradition of observing Brahmotsavams twice a year, in the months of Puratasi and Magha. Subsequently, under Veera Narasimha Yadava Rayalu in the 14th century, a third Brahmotsavam was introduced in the month of Aadi (Ashadam), known as Thirunal. Two were conducted in Tirumala and one at the Govindaraja Swamy temple in Tirupati.

Later, in the 16th century, Brahmotsavams were conducted almost every month, excluding Vaishakha and Aadi, when they were celebrated at the Govindaraja Swamy temple. Ancient inscriptions indicate that each Brahmotsavam initially lasted for 12 days, including the Ankurarpanam ritual. At one point, four Brahmotsavams were conducted annually on Puratasi, Ratha Saptami, Kaisika Ekadashi, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

Nowadays, Tirumala hosts Brahmotsavams once every year and twice during Adhika Masam (which occurs once in two years). These are known as Salakatla Brahmotsavam and Navaratri Brahmotsavam. The annual Brahmotsavams are scheduled from September 24 to October 2, 2025, with Ankurarpanam (the ritual commencement) on September 23.

Thousands of devotees worldwide are expected to converge in Tirumala to witness the grand festivities, processions, and vibrant rituals as the city brims with spiritual fervor. The nine-day event comprises various processions of the presiding deity on different mounts or vahanas such as the Surya Prabha, Chandra Prabha, Kailasa Pati, and Raja Saranga.

The grand finale, known as the Garuda Vahana, is the most magnificent and breathtaking sight at the Tirumala festival. As the deity rides the Garuda, celestial beings are said to arrive to witness the grand occasion. It is believed that a glimpse of the presiding deity on Garuda during Brahmotsavams is equivalent to viewing him at Varshika Tiruvazonam, an event that occurs once in a lifetime for a devotee.

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