The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Brahmotsavams commence

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 17, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Brahmotsavams commence

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA, SEPT. 16. Splendour marked the performance of the `Dwajarohanam' festival, which was performed on Thursday at the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateswara, signalling the commencement of the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams.

The celestial flag with the `imprint' of Lord Garuda, the celestial carrier of Lord Maha Vishnu, was ceremoniously hoisted atop the 60-feet high `Dwajasthambham' (temple flag post), situated inside the temple complex, at the auspicious Makara Lagnam between 5.10 and 5.30 pm amidst chanting of Vedic hymns by a contingent of temple priests and Vedic pundits to the accompaniment of the traditional temple band.

Religious fervour

The entire temple atmosphere was charged with religious fervour while the temple headed by Sri Ranga Ramanuja Peda Jeeyar rhythmically recited hymns extracted from the scriptures, eulogising the courage and valour of Lord Garuda. The priests also performed special rituals like Abhishekam, Naivedhyam and Mangala Harathi to Lord Garuda embossed on the majestic gold-coated Dwajasthambham prior to the spectacular Dwajarohanam.

Earlier, the processional deity of Sri Malayappa, flanked by his two divine consorts goddess Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, in the association of other parivara devathas, including Lord Anantha, Garuda, Chakrathalwar and the army chief of the Lord's domain, Viswaksena, and the sacred dwajapatam were taken out in a grand procession along the mada streets encircling the holy shrine followed by a huge contingent of the temple paraphernalia.

Sacred procession

Much significance is being attached to the sacred procession that lasted for more than two hours. According to mythology, it is widely believed that Lord Garuda goes round the temple complex, extending invitation to all gods, celestial bodies, rishis and the entire devatha community to participate in the mega event as the festival is being conducted by none other than Lord Brahma, creator of the entire mankind and the universe.

Temple decorated

The interiors of the temple complex was tastefully decorated with large varieties of flowers and colourfully illuminated. The Dwajarohanam was later followed by the procession of Pedda Sesha Vahanam in the evening. The processional deities of Lord mounted atop the golden Sesha vahanam was taken out in a colourful procession around the temple. Tens of thousands of devotees participated on the first day.

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Andhra Pradesh