What is Brahmmorstavam?
Brahmotsavam means "Grand celebration" or a "celebration performed by
Brahma". 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 was the first Brahmotsavam
It is said that the Lord Brahma rendered the first Brahmotsavam seva (service) to Lord
Venkateshwara (Vishnu) of the Thirumalaishrine. 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 and oversee the celebration. Thus,
Brahmotsavam is also referred to as "Brahmapratyakshotsavam" (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).
All famous Temples conduct this Festival
almost all famous temples in South India/ North India conduct such festivals.
The list of ceremonies conducted in a temple and time is based on the religious
Tradition as well as the Deity for which the Temple is dedicated to.
Period of the year in which the Brahmotsavam is conducted varies from
Temple to temple. 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 and concludes on
Vijayadashami Oct19 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.
The Purpose of conducting this Festival
The purpose of conducting this festival is 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 believed that witnessing this festival brings the grace of GOD, purification of soul and eternal bliss.
Brahmotsavam means "Grand celebration" or a "celebration performed by
Brahma". 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 was the first Brahmotsavam
It is said that the Lord Brahma rendered the first Brahmotsavam seva (service) to Lord
Venkateshwara (Vishnu) of the Thirumalaishrine. 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 and oversee the celebration. Thus,
Brahmotsavam is also referred to as "Brahmapratyakshotsavam" (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).
All famous Temples conduct this Festival
almost all famous temples in South India/ North India conduct such festivals.
The list of ceremonies conducted in a temple and time is based on the religious
Tradition as well as the Deity for which the Temple is dedicated to.
Period of the year in which the Brahmotsavam is conducted varies from
Temple to temple. 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 and concludes on
Vijayadashami Oct19 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.
The Purpose of conducting this Festival
The purpose of conducting this festival is 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 believed that witnessing this festival brings the grace of GOD, purification of soul and eternal bliss.