The Yugam, in which presently we are living, is called as “Kali Yugam”. Other than this Kali Yugam, there are 3 Yugas that we have crossed and they are Kretha, Thretha and Dwapara Yugam. In all these 3 yugas, Sriman Narayanan has taken lots of Avatharams (incarnations) to protect the Dharmam against Adharmam (evil) and protect the life of his bhaktas.
Starting from the first Yugam, the Dharmam started to diminish and whenever there is a stage where it cannot survive, Sri Vishnu took the Avatars to root it. Likewise, the Avatars taken by him to root the Dharmam is the great Krishna Avatar. During this Avatar only, Sri Krishna to Arjunan explained the great and precious “Bhagavath Geetha”. This Geethai is not only explained for Arjuna, Sri Krishna explains to this entire world, how a person should be & how he should overcome his wicked, jealous, arrogant thinking, his desire, etc. These are some of the characters that will be seen in the minds of the people in Kali Yugam. To take all the people in the Kali Yugam on the right path and motivate the bhakti, Sriman Narayanan has taken the Avathaar as Sri Srinivasan and it is 100% right that we call him “Kaliyuga Deivam”.
“Sriyak Kaanthaaya Kalyana Nithayae Nithayaerthinaam!
Sri Venkata Nivaasaya Sri Srinivasaya Mangalam”.
The main place of Sri Srinivasan is Tirumala (Tirupathi) and lots of social activities are happening in this great kshetram. This Tirumala has lots of great theerthams (Pushkaranis) within itself like Swami Pushkarani, Brahma theertham, etc., which are said to be so sacred. And another great and special attraction of this Tirumala is the yearly Brahmotsavam for Tirumalaiyappan.
This Brahmotsavam is done during the month of Purattasi (Sep – 15 to Oct – 15). The Perumal comes round the temple in Great Vahanams during this Brahmotsavam. Now let us see about all these Vahanams.
As the startup of the utsavam, the first Anguraarpanam is done. And in the evening, Dwajarohanam (Kodi Yeatram) is done. Generally, Dwajarohanam is done during in the early morning time (4.30 to 6.00) but in Tirumala, it is done in the evening time.
First Day:
Sesha Vahanam:
In the night, the Perumal is taken round the temple in Sesha Vahanam along with two consorts. This Vahanam is also called “Pedha Sesha Vahanam”. It is believed that this Vahanam is the manifestation of Adiseshan.
Second Day:
Hamsa Vahanam:
This Vahanam proceeds on the second day night. The Hamasavahana signifies purity, and the Hamsa (swan) on it is known for it is ability to differentiate between good and bad, and is said to denote peace.
Third Day:
Simha Vahanam:
The Perumal is taken round the temple in Simha Vahanam in the morning of the 3rd day of the Utsavam. This Vahanam signifies the Strength and power of the Perumal (One among Sri Vishnu’s Avathar)
Muthu Panthal Vahanam:
On the night of the 3rd day, the Perumal comes in Muthu Panthal Vahanam. This is a great Seva for all the bhaktas.
Fourth Day:
Kalpaka Viruksham:
In the morning of 4th day, the perumal coms in Kalpaka Viruksham. Kalpaka Viruksham is one of the great things that came out from the ocean and has the tendency to give and bless us with what we ask for. The Perumal who comes in this Vahanam also has great power and he is the one who protects us in this Kali yuga. So, this is one of the great Vahanam during the Brahmotsavam.
Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam:
This Vahanam is done during the night of the fourth day.
Fifth Day:
Mohini Thirukkolam:
Mohini Avatar is one among the Avathaar taken by the Perumal as a beautiful woman to get the Amirtham for the Devars from the Asuras. The Perumal will be dressed very delightedly during this thirukkolam and it is one among the beautiful and must-see Seva in the Brahmotsavam.
Garuda Vahanam:
On the fifth day night, the Perumal comes round in the great Garuda Vahanam. During this Vahanam, the Perumal is worn with precious jewels by named “Makara Kandigai” along with Lakshmi Haaram and lots of precious jewels. And, another specialty is during this Vahanam, a separate Garland is worn to the Perumal which comes from Sri Villiputhur Andal. This is one of the specialities of Garuda Vahanam in Tirumala.
Sixth Day:
Hanumantha Vahanam:
During the 6th day morning, the Perumal comes round the temple in Hanumantha Vahanam.
Gaja Vahanam:
And in the evening, Vasantha Utsavam is done for the Perumal along with the two Consorts. And after that, the Perumal gives his Seva on the Yaanai (Elephant) Vahanam.
Seventh Day:
Surya and Chandra Prabha:
The Perumal rides on Surya prabha (Sun chariot) on the seventh day of Brahmotsavam. On the 7th day morning, the Perumal comes on the Surya Prabhai and in the night, he gives his Seva on the Chandra Prabha.
Eighth Day:
Thiru Ther: (Charriot – Rathotsavam)
The eight-day of the Brahmotsavam is one of the special days and during this 8th day, the Perumal is seen on the other (the chariot).
During this Utsavam, the great 10 paasurams from Periya Thirumozhi is dedicated by the great Vaishnavites in front of the Ezhumalaiyan who is found to be giving his Seva in the Thiru Ther.
Guthirai (Horse) Vahanam:
The Perumal comes round the temple on the Guthirai (horse) Vahanam on the 8yh day of the Utsavam.
Ninth Day:
Theerthavari: Tirumala Brahmotsavam
Theerthavari is yet another special utsavam and has greatness on its own. This theerthavaari is also called “Chakrasnanam”.
During this utsavam, the Perumal (Chakkarathalwar is taken as the representative of the Perumal) is taken towards Varaha Pushkarani and done Snanam (divine bath) for him and after this the Parayanam of the great thiruvadi mozhi is done.
Dujavarohanam:
During the 9th day night, Dwajavarohanam, (Kodi Iranguthal) is done. After this, the Parayanam of Ramanuja NootruAndhadi is done parayanam.
Tenth Day:
Pushpayagam:
On the 10th day, the Perumal is decorated with great flowers and the Vahanam, pushpayagam is also very well decorated. During this utsavam, the thiruvaaradhanai is done 12 times with those 12 different flowers which are done as the “Prayasitham” (Apologize) that if any “Kaala Niyamam” (mistakes while performing utsavam) is done.
Eleventh Day:
Vidayatri:
On the 11th day, Vifsysyti Utsavam is done and this utsavam is called as”Sirama pasiharam”. And during, this Vidayatri Utsavam, Thirumalayappan gives his Seva towards Ananthazhwan and the Sri sadari is dedicated stating that he is being blessed by the Perumal.
So, bhaktas would have now known about the Brahmotsavam’s specialty and the various Vahanams in which the Perumal gives his seva. These being a short note on the utsavam, to experience this great utsavam, visit the divine sthalam, Tirumal – Tirupathi and experience the utsavam and also the beauty of the Perumal in person.