Brahmotsavam @ Livermore Temple
The Significance of Vishnu Brahmotsvam - By Pdt Srinivasacharyulu, Livermore Temple, CA
Brahmotsavam is one of the most important functions at any temple. The name Brahmotsavam arises from Brahma the creator. Varaha purana and Brahmanda purana ascribe the names of ‘Brahmaklupthotsavaya’, and ‘Brahmotsava Mahotsukaya’ to the Lord. Bhavishyottara purana describes many Vahana Sevas while Venkatachala Mahatmyam by Tharigonda Venkamamba describes the details of Brahmotsavam. Devotees of Lord Venkateswara have been enjoying Brahmotsavam in Tirumala, ever since its origin all through the years. Available records show that the first Brahmotsavam took place in Aug 966 AD, two months after the consecration of the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy Perumal deity. Vaikhanasa Maharishis say that performing Brahmotsavam confers not only materialistic and spiritual benefits, but also yagna phala (salvation). The word uthsava itself gives the meaning of a great yajna (Uth means great; Sava means Yajna).
Saint Annamacharya composed a Sankeerthana especially on Brahmotsavam starting from Dwajarohonam to Avarohanam. Emperor Achyuta Raya of Chandragiri enjoyed 12- monthly Brahmotsavams around the year. This led to greater prominence of Brahmotsavam over other functions around the year. This is also one of the reasons for its immense popularity over the years. Following this tradition, the first Brahmotsavam at the Shiva Vishnu Temple at Livermore, California, USA, took place after the consecration of the Dwajasthambas in 1998, followed by six more till date (September 2004). This count excludes the intercalary month (Adhikamasa) Brahmotsavams.
All categories of devotees, for example, Vedaparayana scholars, prabandha reciters, musicians, dancers, garland makers, etc. regardless of caste, creed, sex, and age involve themselves for the success of Brahmotsavam with great devotion and pleasure. Vahana sevas where the young and old, rich and poor lend a hand depict this unity of purpose distinctly. *
Check out the pictures of the 3 days events and may Lord Venkateswara and Sri Lakshmi Thayar and Bhooma Devi bless all of us.
Date(s): October 15 - 17, 2004. 1 - 3 of 3 Total. Shared |
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Brahmotsavam Day 1 (October 15, 2004)| The Brahmotsavam celebrations started on Friday October 15th, with Pdt. Srinivasacharyalu commencing the occasion. The events lined up for the day were Sankalpam, Diksha, Ankurarpana and Ekanta Seva for the Lord. |
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Brahmotsavam Day 2 (October 16, 2004)| The day started off with the traditional waking of the God at 7:00 am with the Suprabhatam. At 8.00 am we had Agni Prathishta and Nava Kumbha Avahana. After the Homa Balaji Abhishekham was performed with the melodious reciting of Purusha Sukthams, Tiruppavai and Pallandu. In the afternoon we had Satmura, Thirtha and Prasadam. Then we broke for lunch and in the evening was Saraswathi Alankaram for Lord Narayana and Sesha Vahana Seva. At 6 pm we had Sangeeta Seva and the day ended with the Ekanta Seva for Lord Balaji. |
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Brahmotsavam Day 3 (October 17, 2004)| The day started out early at 8 am with Balaji Suprabhatam and Homa with the Diksha devotees. At 10 am we had Garuda Vahana Seva. After the Seva there was Choornotsavam and Avabhrudha Snanam. In the afternoon there was Purnahuti and in the evening we had Hanuman Vahana Seva. Pt. Srinivasacharyalu released the Brahmotsavam book he composed on the occasion. After the Hanumath Vahan Seva Pt. Srinivasacharyalu also explained the significance of the Vahanas and the Vahana Utsave moorthies were placed right opposite to the Moola Perumal. There Tiruppavai, Divya Prabamdham and Pallandu were sung in favor of the Lord. Finally we had Nava Kumbha abhishekham to the lord and Ursav moorthies were placed inside the sanctum and the Moola Perumal was ornated with the flowers. After Mouna Bali, there was Ekanta Seva for Lord Balaji and the day ended with Pt. Srinivasacharyalu removing the Diksha bracelet we had worn since Day 1. |
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