Brahmotsavam

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Dear Bhagavathas,

 

We (Sri Srinivasa Bhattar) recently submitted this article on Brahmotsavam to

Temple Net.

 

BRAHMOTSAVAM: Srivaishnava Perspective

 

I. TYPES OF CELEBRATIONS IN A HINDU TEMPLE:

 

The various events that take place in a Hindu Temple can be grouped under

four major categories:

 

1. Nitya Kainkaryam - Daily Services

2. Kaalotsavam (Special calendar events; Seasonal celebrations)

(e.g., Brahmotsavam, Vasantotsavam, Festivals such as: Sankranti,

Janmashtami, Raama Navami 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 (for any deficiencies or wrong doings that may have

been incurred in temple services), Jheernoddhara-shuddhi Puja

(following Temple remodeling, repair, expansion, etc.) and

Grahana Shuddi Puja (following a Solar or Lunar eclipse).

 

II. BRAHMOTSAVAM - A MAJOR EVENT:

 

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:

 

1. Brahmotsavam

2. Vasntotsavam(Spring festival)

3. Summer festival

4. Makara & Karkataka Sankaranti (Winter & Summer solstice)

5. Ugadi (new year's day)

6. Navaratri(s)

7. Deepavali

8. Ratha-saptami

9. Vaikunta Ekadashi and Mukkoti Dwadashi

10. Kaisika Ekadashi & Dwadashi

11. Gokulashtami

12. Rama Navami

13. Narasimha Jayanthi

14. Ananta-padmanabha vratam

15. Dhanurmaasa (Maargazhi) puja

16. Kartika deepotsavam

17. Varalakshmi vratam

18. Thirunakshatrams (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. One of the

major Kaalotsavams in Srivaishnava Temples is Brahmotsavam

(tiruk-kODi-tirunAL).

 

 

III. BRAHMOTSAVAM TIME:

 

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 Purattasi (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.

 

IV. ORIGIN OF BRAHMOTSAVAM:

 

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 sins that may have

been incurred in the community as a whole. It is said that the Lord Brahma

himself rendered the first Brahmotsavam seva (service) to Lord

Venkateshwara (Vishnu) of the Thirumalaishrine. Indeed, it is a common

belief that every Brahmotsavam is witnessedby Lord Brahma. In recognition

of this, a well decorated empty chariot ispulled in front of the chariot

carrying the deities at the processions heldduring the Brahmotsavam Brahma

is believed to be seated in that chariot and oversee the celebration. Thus,

Brahmotsavam is also referred to as "Brahmapratyakshotsavam" (celebration

conducted right in front of Brahma). The earliest inscribed record of

Brahmotsavam at the Thirumala Temple is 650 AD. References to Brahmotsavam

can be found in Varaaha Puraanam (ch.18) and Bhavishyotthara Puraanam (ch.

24).

 

V. KEY ELEMENTS OF BRAHMOTSAVAM:

 

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 nicely

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 ThirumalA.

 

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 (Bid serpant) Vahanam.

Day 2

Morning Utsavam (procession) of Deity on Smaller Shesha (smaller serpant)

Vahanam.

Dwaja Rohanam 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),

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.

 

VI. MANGALAM (EPILOGUE):

 

We submit here our humble attempt to describe this sacred event and pray

that with the grace of Lord, we be granted the Brahmanandam (eternal joy)

of witnessing His Brahmotsavam. We also wish to thank Sri Kannikeswaran for

giving us an opportunity to share our thoughts, however inadequate they may

be. May the Lord grant everlasting happiness, peace, and prosperity to Mr.

Eswaran and family for their great kainkaryam (service) through Music and

The Temple Net.

 

SRI KRISHNARPANAMASTU.

 

 

By- (B.S. Srinivasa Bhattar and Koti Sreekrishna) 4/26/99

 

VII. GLOSSARY OF PERIPHERAL WORDS:

 

Acharyas: Teachers. Naathamuni, Yamunacharya, Ramanujacharya, Vedanta

Deshikar, Manaval Muni, are considered the foremost Acharyas. The list

continues on to cover religious heads of Srivaishnava congregations :

Ahobila Matam, Parakala Matam, Andavan Ashramam, etc.

 

 

Alwars: Mystic Tamil Srivaishnava poets of South India. Tweleve in number.

They lived in South India (present day Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala and

Andhra Pradesh)and composed devotional hymns to Sriman Narayana (a parallel

to this is the 63 Tamil Nayanmars, who outpoured their verses dedicated to

Shiva and the Shiva family Divinities)are devoted to Siva). Their

collective work of nearly 4000 pashurams(Verses) is called Divya Prabhandam

(Sacred text). They are also referred to as Dravida Vedam (Veda in

Dravidian language)and Dravidopanishad (Upanishad in the Dravidian

language). There is no sex, age or caste discrimination in the Alwar

tradition. One of them Andal is a young girl. Two of the Alwars were Kings,

and many were out castes.

 

Ananta-padmanabha: A name of Vishnu. Ananta denotes the cosmic serpent on

which Vishnu reclines and the Padmanabha refers to Vishnu as the one with a

lotus that sprouting out from His naval.

 

and a Lotus is blooming from His belly button.

 

Deepavali: Row of lights (festival). Celebrated in October or November

months.

 

 

Dhanurmaasa: The month spanning December 15-January 14. This period is

Considered highly auspecious for religious inclinations. Lord Krishna

declares this month as His most favorite.

 

Dwadashi: Twelfth day of waxing or waning Moon.

 

Ekadashi: Elevength day of waxing or waning Moon. Vaikunta Ekadashi is

a special day of the year in which the gates to Vishnu’s abode is open

equally to believers and non-believers.

 

Gokulashtami: Birthday of Lord Krishna (The ningth incarnation of the Lord

Vishnu).

 

 

Grahana: Solar or Lunar Eclipse.

 

Jheernoddhara: Repair, rennovation, maintenance work.

 

Kaalotsavam: A Periodic celebration.

 

 

Kaamyotsavam: Celebration specially requested (sponsored) by devotee(s) of

their own accord.

 

Karkataka: The Zodiac of Cancer.

 

 

Kartika Deepotsavam: The month beween November 15-December 15 is Kartika.

Celebration with earthen lamps is Deepotsavam.

 

Kumbhabhishekam (Pratishtapana): Day on which a Temple deity is

established.

 

Maargazhi: Tamil name for Dhanurmaasa. See also Dhanurmaasa.

 

Makara: The Zodiac of Capricorn.

 

 

Mukkoti: Liberation. The Dwadashi following Vaikunta Ekadahi is celebrated

as liberation Dwadashi. See also; Dwadashi, Ekadashi and Vaikunta.

 

 

Narasimha Jayanthi: Appearance of Lord Narasimha (Half man half lion)(The

fourth incarnation of the Lord Vishnu).

 

Navaratri(s): Nine day festivities at the beginning of each season.

The most important are at the beginning of Fall season (Sharad Navaratri)

and the Spring season (Chaitra Navaratri).

 

Nimittotsavam: celebrations as ordained by religious injunctions.

 

Nitya Kainkaryam: Daily services (conducted in a temple).

 

 

Pavitrotsavam: Celebration for rectifying any short comings in daily

services.

 

 

Pratishtapana (Kumbhabhishekam): Day on which a Temple deity is

established.

 

Puja: Religious worship or service.

 

Rama Navami: Birthday of Lord Rama (The sevength incarnation of the Lord

Vishnu).

 

 

Ratha-saptami: Chariot festival conducted on the seventh day (Saptami) of

Waxing Moon.

 

Sankaranti: Apparent entry of Sun into a Zodiac.

 

 

Shuddhi: Purification, sanctification.

 

 

Sraddhotsavm: See Kaamyotsavam

 

Srivaishnava: Followers of the philosophy established by Sri Ramanujacharya

(1017-1130 AD)- a continuation of tradition previously established by

Nathamuni and Yamunacharya. Gives equal regard for Hindu Scriptures in the

Sanskrit language and Tamil works of Alwars (300-900 AD). Total surrender to

Sriman Narayan (Lord Vishnu and His consort Lakshmi) is the essence.

 

 

Tiruk-kODi-tirunAL: This is a Tamil word for Brahmotsavam. It literally

means Sacred Flag sacred day. Refers to the special flag hoisted at the

beginning of Brahmotsavam. Tiru is sacred or holy, kODi is flag, nAl is

day.

 

Tirunakshatrams: Sacred Birth star. Birthdays in the Hindu custom are

generally conducted as per the Birth Star. There are 27 such stars

constellations called

Nakshatras (Ashvini, Bharani, and so on to Revathi). Tiru is a Tamil word,

meaning Sacred, or holy.

 

 

Vaikunta: Abode of Lord Vishnu.

 

 

Varalakshmi vratam: A vow dedicated to boon giver Goddess Lakshmi, consort

of Lord Vishnu.

 

Vasantotsavam (Vasanta + Utsavam): Spring Festival.

 

Vratam: Vow

 

 

 

 

 

VII. 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.

 

Daasan,

 

Sreekrishna Tatachar