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Tirumala's Brahmotsavams Carry a More Than Thousand-Year Tradition Forward

Tirumala's Brahmotsavams Carry a More Than Thousand-Year Tradition Forward
Brahmotsavams: A living tradition of Tirumala · thehansindia.com

Brahmotsavams is a major festival held at the Tirumala temple.

It lasts for nine days and includes religious ceremonies and processions.

Lord Malayappa Swamy is carried on different vahanams, or ceremonial vehicles.

The Garuda Seva is the most popular procession and may bring more than three lakh devotees.

Temple tradition says Lord Brahma began the festival long ago.

Inscriptions show that the celebrations were already being held by the 10th century.

Kings and temple leaders helped the festival grow over many centuries.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams now organizes services such as transport, security and medical care.

This year, an extra month in the religious calendar means there will be two Brahmotsavams.

Key facts

First Brahmotsavam
September 15–23
Ankurarpana
Evening of September 14
Second Brahmotsavam
October 12–20
Major procession
Garuda Seva on the fifth-day evening
Expected Garuda Seva attendance
More than three lakh devotees
Historical evidence
A 966 CE inscription records a contribution by Pallava Queen Samavai Sri Perundevi
Current administration
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has managed the temple institutionally since 1933

Sources

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