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Bhramotsavam - A Srivaishnava
Perspective
Foreword: Most South Indian temples celebrate
Bhramotsavam, a ten day long festival involving the procession of festival images on gaily
decorated mounts. Koti Sreekrishna and Srinivasa
Bhattar of Cincinnati, Ohio present the significance of
Bhramotsavam in SriVaishnava temples, and describe the daily events in the 9 day long
Bhramotsavam at Tirumala (Tirupati).
Introduction
Kaalotsavams in a Sri Vaishnava Temple The Bhramotsavam Origins Key Events References
Introduction: The various events that take
place in a Hindu Temple can be grouped under four major categories:
1. Nitya Kainkaryam - Daily Puja
2. Kaalotsavams (Special calendar events; Seasonal celebrations) (e.g., Brahmotsavam,
Vasantotsavam, Festivals such as: Sankranti, Janmashtami,
Raama Navami, Maha Sivaratri, .Maargazhi
Tiruvaadirai, Skanda Sashti, Navaratri, Kartikai
Deepam, Tai Poosam etc.)
3. Sraddhotsavm or Kaamyotsavam (as desired by devotees) (e.g.., Kalyanotsavam
and Vaahanotsavams)
4. Nimittotsavam - a prescribed celebration for purification: For e.g., Pavitrotsavam
(following Temple remodeling, repair, expansion, etc.) and Grahana Shuddi Puja
(following a Solar or Lunar eclipse).
The list of ceremonies conducted in a temple is based on the religious tradition as well
as the Deity for which the Temple is dedicated to.
The Kaalotsavams in a typical
Srivaishnava Temple are: Brahmotsavam, Vasantotsavam (Spring festival),
Summer festival, Makara & Karkataka Sankaranti (Winter & Summer solstice), Ugadi
(new year's day), Navaratri, Deepavali, Ratha-saptami, Vaikunta Ekadashi and Mukkoti
Dwadashi, Kaisika Ekadashi & Dwadashi, Gokulashtami, Rama Navami, Narasimha Jayanthi,
Ananta-padmanabha vratam, Dhanurmaasa (Maargazhi) puja, Kartika deepotsavam, Varalakshmi
vratam andThirunakshatrams (Birthdays) of Alwars and Acharyas. Special funds are set
aside by the Temple administrators to conduct these celebrations in the prescribed manner
on the specified days.
Bhramotsavam: One of the major
Kaalotsavams in Srivaishnava Temples is Brahmotsavam (tiruk-kODi-tirunAL).
Brahmotsavam is conducted at different times in different Temples:
Period of the year in which the Brahmotsavam is conducted varies from temple to
temple. Some examples of when it is performed are: 1. Pratishtapana (Kumbhabhishekam) day
of the Temple, 2. Pratishtapana day of Sri Shataari, 3. Thirunakshatram-
Birthstar/Birthday of the Temple Deity, 4. Conducted as Shraddotsavam or Kaamyotsavam as
desired (sponsored) by devotees.
Thus, there can be more than one Brahmotsavam in a given year. In the Thirumala
Temple, it is conducted once in the Tamil month ofPurattasi (Sep. 18- Oct.18). It starts
on first day of Navaratri (Oct. 10, for 1999) and concludes on Vijayadashami (Oct.19, for
1999), which also happens to be the Thirunakshatram (Shravanam star) of Sri Venkateshwara,
the Deity of the Temple. This is the most prominent Brahmotsavam (also called Manava
Brahmotsavam). Brahmotsavams in Tirumala are also conducted at three other times of the
year, namely: Kaisika Ekadashi (also known as, Raakshasa Brahmotsavam), Mukkoti Dwadashi
(also known as, Daiva Brahmotsavam) and Rathasaptami (also known as, Aarsha Brahmotsavam).
Besides, these 4 Brahmotsavams in a year, it is also conducted as a shraddotsavam as
desired by devotees. It is stated that in the
year 1551 AD, as many as 11 Brahmotsavamas took place. At the Srirangam Temple,
Brahmotsavam for this year started on March 23 and concluded on March 31 for 1999.
March 31 of 1999 is also the thirunakshatram of Sri Ranganayaki Thaayar, the consort
of Sri Ranganathar. For the year 2000, Brahmotsavam at the Srirangam will start on
March 12.
Origins: Brahmotsavam means "Grand
celebration" or a "celebration performed by Brahma". We will shortly see
how both the meanings are appropriate for this event. Lord Indra once killed a
Brahma-raakshasa (a Brahmin with demonic characters). In doing so, he incurred a great sin
of killing a Brahmana- "Brahma hatya dosham(BHD)". To relieve Indra of this
burden, Lord Brahma conducted a ceremony. In this ceremony, officiated by Brahma himself,
Indra held Sriman Narayana ( Lord Vishnu) on his head during the special ritual bath
"Avabritha Snaanam". This verily was the first Brahmotsavam.
Because of the immense cleansing power of Brahmotsavam, this utsavam is periodically
performed in Temples to wash away all wrong doings that may have been
incurred. It is said that the Lord Brahma himself rendered the first Brahmotsavam seva
(service) to Lord Venkateshwara (Vishnu) of the Thirumalai shrine. Indeed, it is a
common belief that every Brahmotsavam is witnessed by Lord Brahma. In recognition
of this, a well decorated empty chariot is pulled in front of the chariot carrying the
deities at the processions held during the Brahmotsavam Brahma is believed to be
seated in that chariot overseeing the celebration. Thus, Brahmotsavam is also
referred to as "Brahmapratyakshotsavam" (celebration conducted right in front of
Brahma). References to Brahmotsavam can be found in Varaaha Puraanam (ch.18) and
Bhavishyotthara Puraanam (ch. 24).
Key Events: Brahmotsavam celebration lasts for 9
days. Brahmotsavam is not just a Temple ritual, but is a grand festival for the whole
town. It begins with Ankurarpanam and concludes with Avabhritha Snanam (Ritual bath or
Theertha vaari). On each day, the Utsava Murthis (Mobile Deities) will be decorated
and taken in procession, once in the morning and once in the evening on different Vahanams
(vehicles). In the night, there will also be Unjal seva (Deities seated on the swing). The
intricate step by step details vary from Temple to Temple. Here is a brief summary of main
events in the Brahmotsavam celebration at the Balaji temple in Thirumalai.
Day 1
Ankurarpanam (planting 9 grains in soil placed in earthen dishes). Kankanadharanam (wrist
band) to Utsava Muthi and priests.Procession of Vishvaksenar (Commander-in-chief of
Vishnu's army).
Mritsangrahanam- Collecting the soil for Brahmotsava Yagna(Hawan, Fire ceremony) Peetam.
Vishvaksenar returns from procession and enters the Yaga Shaala (Place where Yagnam is
conducted), where he is received with Poorna Kumbham honor(special Pot filled with water).
He is believed to be the Pradhana Yajaman (Chief conductor) of this Yagnam. This is
followed by Procession of Deity on Pedda Sesha (Big serpent) Vahanam.
Day 2
Morning Utsavam (procession) of Deity on Smaller Shesha (smaller serpent) Vahanam.
Dwajaarohanam in the evening. Garuda Dwajam- a flag bearing the emblem of Garuda
(The Eagle- Vehicle of Vishnu) is hoisted with Veda Mantrams from Taittiriya samhita
dedicated to Garuda. This signals start of Brahmotsavam to the whole town. Once the
flag is hoisted, it is expected that no householder leaves town or plans any auspicious
ceremony in the house until the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Thus the whole town is
able to fully take part in the celebration and not be preoccupied with other personal
activities. Even if someone has to leave town on emergency, they are expected to
return prior to un-hoisting the flag (Dwaja-awarohanam) on day 9.
Day 3
Morning procession on Lion (Simha Vahanam)
Day 4
Morning procession on the "every desire fulfilling giving tree" (Kalpavriksha
vahanam)
Day 5
Deity is dressed as Mohini (temptress, a form of Vishnu) and taken procession in
ivory pallaki (carrier).
Night procession is taken on Eagle (Garuda vahanotsavam - Garuda Sevai).
Day 6
Morning: Procession on Hanuman (Monkey, devotee of Rama/Vishnu) vahanam.
Night procession on Gaja (Elephant) vahanam.
Day 7
Morning procession on Surya Prabha (Sun) vahanam.
Evening procession on Chandra Prabha(Moon) vahanam.
Day 8
Morning: Rathotsavam -Ratha (chariot) Yatra (procession) for the Deities.
Night: Procession on Ashva (horse) vahanam.
Day 9
Morning: Deities carried in pallaki (carrier) to the Pushkarani (sacred pond) in front of
the Varaha Swami (the Boar incarnation of Vishnu) Temple for the special bath
-Abhishekam and Avabritha Snanam (Theerthavaari thirumanjanam). All devotees
also take bath in the pushkarani. The Deities are taken back to the Kalyana Mantapam
of the Temple. The flag is un-hoisted, marking the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Even
watching the video of this majestic celebration in itself deeply touches our heart, mind,
eyes and ears.
References::
1. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, The Hill-Shrine of Vengadam: Art, Architecture and Agama
of Tirumala Temple, First Edition, (Ed., Daivajna K.N. Somayaji), Pub., Kalpatharu
Research Academy, Bangalore, 1993.
2. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, Thirupathi Thimmappa (in Kannada), IBH publihers,
Bangalore, 1980.
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