Brahmotsavam Festival - It Is Celebrated Nine Days At Tirumala

BRAHMOTSAVAM FESTIVAL

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TIRUMALA

Source:templedetails

Srivari Brahmotsavam is an annual festival celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati city of Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as ‘Lord Venkateswara’,also named as ‘Lord Balaji’ as the chief presiding deity. Srivari Brahmotsavam is celebrated annually with great grand manner during the months of September – October for nine days in Tirumala.It was said that Lord Brahma, the God of creation, was the origin of this Brahmotsavam (Brahma’s Utsavam).

Lord Brahma was believed to be worshipped Lord Sri Venkateswara on the banks of sacred temple tank (Pushkarani) of Tirumala and thanked Him for the protection of humankind. And hence for this reason, this festival holds the name of Lord Brahma and is considered as a sacred purifying ceremony to honor Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma was revered in Sri Venkateswara Sahasranama stotram, one of the Hindu religious scripture which emphasize the importance of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Brahma was honored by the activity of carried on a small empty chariot called “Brahma Ratham”, which will be processioned twice in a day during the Brahmotsavam festival of Tirumala. During the ‘Brahmotsavams’ of Tirumala Venkateswara temple, Lakhs of devotees visits the temple to get the blessings of Lord Sri Balaji. And the fulfillment and josh experience experienced by the devotees is termed as ‘Vaikunth Anubhav’.

This festival is celebrated during the Sun is transiting in Kanyaa (Virgo) raasi in the zodiac, that generally coincides with Navarathri festival of Aaswayuja maasam (Telugu Month) as per Lunar calendar. Annual festival at Tirumala known as Saalakatla Brahmotsavam or Vaarshika Brahmotsavam will be held (after transit of Sun into Kanyaa raasi) for nine days with the 9th day coinciding with Sravana Nakshathra. Sravana Nakshathra is parameter for conclusion of Brahmotsavam.

Once in every three years when an extra month (Adhika Masa) comes according to Panchanga,Two Brahmotsavams will be performed. One in the month of Nija Bhadrapada (Telugu Month) and the other in the month of Aswayuja (Telugu Month) [during September and October respectively]. In normal course Srivari Brahmotsavam is performed in the month of Aswayuja only. Thus the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple celebrates Brahmotsavam twice in a year depending on the occurrence of Adhika masa.

Adhika masa is an additional month in the Hindu Lunar calendar and exists once in three years.This is taken into consideration only by the calendars that follows Lunar based calculations. Whenever, the year contains Adhika masa, Tirumala celebrates both the Brahmotsavams, Salakatla Brahmotsavam festival and Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival. Otherwise, the Tirumala temple celebrates only the Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival in a grand manner. The two Brahmotsavam festivals of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple are named as ‘Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam’ and ‘Srivari Navaratri Brahmotsavam’.

Date	Morning	Night
02-10-2016 [Sunday]	ANKURAARPANAM	--
03-10-2016 [Monday]	DHWAJAROHANAM	PEDDA SESHA VAHANAM
04-10-2016 [Tuesday]	CHINNA SESHA VAHANAM	HAMSA VAHANAM
05-10-2016[Wednesday]	SIMHA VAHANAM	MUTHYAPU PANDIRI
06-10-2016 [Thursday]	KALPA VRIKSHA VAHANAM	SARWA BHOOPALA VAHANAM
07-10-2016 [Friday]	PALLAKI UTSAVAM[MOHINI AVATARAM]	GARUDA VAHANAM
08-10-2016 [Saturday]	HANUMANTHA VAHANAM,SWARNA RATHAM	GAJA VAHANAM
09-10-2016 [Sunday]	SURYA PRABHA VAHANAM	CHANDRA PRABHA VAHANAM
10-10-2016 [Monday]	RATHOTSAVAM	ASWA VAHANAM
11-10-2016 [Tuesday]	PALLAKI UTSAVAM	CHAKRASNANAM DHWAJA AVAROHANAM(CHAKRASNANAM)

By Air

Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport. There are daily flight services operated from the major cities of India to Hyderabad.

By Train

Tirupathi is a major junction in South Central Railways. Indian Railways [1] operates direct trains from nearby metro cities – Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major Railway stations to Tirupathi. Trains can be boarded at nearby cities – Renigunta

By Road

National Highway NH 205 passes through Renigunta and hence is accessible from Chennai (4-6hrs), Bangalore (6½+ hours), and Hyderabad (10-12 hours) and other nearby cities.

Chandragiri Fort - It Was Built On Huge Rock

CHANDRAGIRI FORT

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TIRUPATI

Chandragiri Fort is Under the control of Archaeological Survey Of India, and it is situated in Chandragiri near Tirupati  of Chitoor District in Andra pradesh state of India.

Chandragiri Fort was built on huge rock by Vijayanagar Rulers in 1000 AD. Surrounded by eight ruined temples, the fort complex has Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. The Archaeological Museum houses in three storied Raja Mahal and displays good collection of artifacts and sculptures relating to Chola and Vijayanagar period.

The Chandragiri Fort is located at Chandragiri which was once upon a time the Capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire and is linked with the Aravidu dynasty. The Chandragiri Fort dates back to 1000 AD. Overtime, more and more improvements were made to it to make it more beautiful and elegant to look. 

The fort is strategically located over the top of a small 183m hill. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper in brick. The main building known as the 'Raj (Chandragiri) Mahal' is majestic in appearance and with the modern colorful lighting system introduced, the Mahal is a delight to the eyes and gives a nice view to the eyes during night. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands.

The Raja Mahal palace is now an Archaeological museum, which houses a great collection of metal and stone sculptures dating back to 2nd BC. The museum can be categorised into Bronze Gallery, stone Gallery, Model Gallery and Yaganti Gallery.

Bronze Gallery host articrafts that wer made out of Pancha loha, a mixture of Copper, brass white lead, silver and golder metals. The gallery hosts a collection of utensils, coins, temple ware, dating back to 10th centure A.D. The highlights of the bronze collection are the bells, harathi plates, idols of Lord Vishnu, Navaneetha Krishna, Sita and Ram, Lord Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Veerbadra incarnation of Lord Shiva with four hands. There is also a lion leg which is made out of Bronze.

Sound & LightShow is conducted here:

1st Show (Telugu): Nov-Feb: 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm; Mar-Oct: 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm

2nd Show (English): Nov-Feb: 7.30 pm to 8.15pm; Mar-Oct: 8.00pm to 8.45 pm

Ticket Cost: Adult: Rs.20/- Child: Rs.10/-

By Air

Nearest airport is Tirupati with 57 km.

By Train

Nearest railway station is Chittoor. 

By Bus

Buses and private vehicles are available from other cities to Chittoor.

Talakona Hills – This Water Has Highly Medicinal Values

TALAKONA FALLS

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CHITOOR

Talakona Waterfall is located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and it is Sri Venkateswara National Park near Nerabailu village in Yerravaripalem Mandal. It is the highest waterfall of the state with a height of 270 feet. Talakona is also popular for Lord Siddheswara Swamy Temple which is in close vicinity to the waterfall.

Locals living nearby believe that the water of the Talakona comes from an underground stream which suddenly surfaces here and has immense healing power as it flows through lot of herbs which contains high medicinal values.

You can enjoy the local flora and fauna in the forest. Adventure lovers can also look out for 240 meters canopy walking almost 40 feet above the ground to enjoy the breathtaking landscape

It is a serene place well bestowed with thick forests, rich greenery, exquisite waterfalls and exotic wildlife. This place is in amidst of soothing and peaceful atmosphere. Due to rich variety of flora and fauna, this site was declared as the Biosphere Reserve in 1989-90.

There is also a long and perilous trekking route which leads you to top of the hill; there are multiple trek paths, you can choose any one of it. Talakona hills are said to be the part of mighty Eastern Ghats geographically. To give a unique and thrilling experience to the tourists, there is a 240 metre long canopy rope walk, which is about 35 to 40 feet in height.

There are also deep small caves dotted over the mountains. It is said that the sages used to meditate eternally in this caves during ancient times. A Bathing Ghat is under construction near the canopy walk area where the stream of water flows. This beautiful picnic spot will surely amuse and excite you.

Monsoon is the best time to beat the heat with the cooling water effect and what better way than getting under the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. This waterfall offers the best monsoon experience that you can enjoy.

Around 10 hours drive and 600 kilometers from Hyderabad this place is close to Tirupati, so you can also access it easily through Bangalore with just 5 hours drive. Talakona waterfalls in Talakona offers much more than waterfall experience that we normally enjoy.

By Air

Tirupati Airport is the nearest one, 74 km away from the site and has well connected flights to Hyderabad. Nearest International Airport is Chennai (200km), which is connected to all major cities of India and abroad.

By Train

Nearest Railway Station is at Tirupati, 58 km away, which is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Bus

APSRTC operates regular bus services to Tirupati and Chittoor from major cities and towns of the state. You can hire a taxi or a mini bus to Talakona Waterfall from the above cities mentioned. The best way to reach the site is by your own means of transport like car.

More Places In Chittoor District

TIRUMALA TEMPLE

Sri Padmavathy Ammavari Temple – Sri Padmavathy Ammavari Is The Consort Of Lord Venkateswara

Ahobilam – It Is One Of The 108 Divya Desams And Narasimha Worshipped In Nine Different Forms

Kapila Theertham - One Who Bathe In This Holy Water Falls, Will Relieve From All Sins

KAPILA THEERTHAM (HOLY WATERFALLS)

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CHITOOR

The Holy Shrine of Kapila Theertham is a unique temple because it is the only temple dedicated to God Shiva in an area of a 50-mile radius among the temple cities of Tirupati and Tirumala that have numerous temples dedicated for Vaishnavaite Deity, Lord Shri Vishnu.

The huge temple is located at the entrance to a large mountain cave in one of the vertical and steep faces at the edge of the enthralling hills of Tirumala. The temple stands at the foot where the pristine waters of Paapa Vinasanam, the mountain stream falls from the heights to form a huge waterfall.

The visitors are greeted by a huge stone statue of a Nandi, a seated bull at the entrance of the temple. Nandi is the steed of Lord Shiva. A legend associated with the temple is that one of the most revered of Hindu saints, Shri Kapila Maharshi, lived at this place, worshipped, and meditated in the cave in front of the idol of Lord Shiva and that is how the shrine got its name Kapila theertham. The theertham refers to the holy waters coming from waterfalls that formed the lake or pond.

Kapileshwara Linga temple is situated near holy waterfall of Kapila Theertham. The place also has a small Venkateswara idol that was established in fourth cave just above the waterfall. The temple is located within a distance of 1 kilometer from Alipiri (the starting point of Tirumala ghat route). It is at a distance of about 4 to 5 kilometers from the Tirupati railway station. 

The most ancient inscriptions that are found in this temple are the Kulothunga Chola inscriptions. There are several other well-known inscriptions found in the temple. The Kulothunga Chola inscriptions belong to the 10th century. The inscriptions describe the greatness of Lord Kapileswara.

The sacred temple has a great historical association with it. It was developed by the Pallava rulers, Vijayanagara kings, Tirumala Mahants and several other rulers. The temple is maintained by the authorities of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, TTD currently. 

The most celebrated occasion at the Kapileshwara Theertham is the festival of Maha Shivaratri. On that auspicious day, thousands of visitors as well as locals gather at the temple and worship Lord Kapileshwara.

Apart from being a holy destination, Kapila Theertham is also a beautiful and picturesque location that s filled with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

during karthika masam, on the full moon day afternoon, all the thirthams from the three worlds join in kapila thirtham. If one takes bath during this time, will get rid of all sins and go to Bramha's world. one will get the result of donating gold of the size of Meru mountain by just donating the gold of sesame seed size at this thirtham. 

It gives chandra lokam by just donating land, imparting knowledge, giving a girl or doing mantra upadesam. The one who chants the mantra "Ayanthi sarva theerdhaani madhyahne kaapilam saraha" and takes bath in the afternoon of a full moon day during kaarthika masam will get the above result.

Sri Padmavathy Ammavari Temple – Sri Padmavathy Ammavari Is The Consort Of Lord Venkateswara

SRI PADMAVATHI AMMAVARI TEMPLE

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TIRUPATI

This temple is about 5 kilometres from the town of Tirupati. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, who was the consort of Lord Venketswara.

 The temple was constructed during the reign of King Thondaman Chakravarthy. It is claimed that worshippers used to first visit this temple and pay homage to Goddess Padmavathi before going to the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.

Padmavathi was the daughter of Akasha Raja of Thondamandalam. It is believed that after performing oblation to the Gods, he found a baby girl resting on a lotus and named her Padmavathi.

This girl went on to marry Lord Venkateswara. Goddess Padmavathi also is known as Alamelu Manga, which means an inexhaustible source of compassion and love. This temple is also manifested in the significance of femininity in the Hindu tradition.

It is also a shrine of love between the Lord Mahavishu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple city of Tirupati, is known for its many temples and compelling architecture. But among these the Sri Tiruchanoor Alamelu Mangapuram temple needs to be compulsorily visited and paid homage, as the Tirupati Darshan gains total fruition only through the blessings from Goddess Padmavathi.

At Alamelu Mangapuram, you can witness important celebrations throughout the year. Some of them are famous Devi festivals while some are special occasions dedicated to the Purna of Alamelu Mangapuram temple.

During the Navarathri Festival (Dussehra), the Alamelu Mangapuram temple also takes part in the nationwide celebration of good over Evil.

At the Kartheeka month festival, the Lord presents precious gifts to his beloved. During this time the lord sends costly sari, blouse piece, holy tulsi, turmeric leaves and exquisite delicacies offering birthday presents to the Goddess Padmavathi atop a splendidly decorated Elephant. This is followed with a celebrated procession in an ivory palanquin for a holy bath in Padma Sarovar.

The Theppotsavam (boat festival) is an important celebration, which occurs in the five days during the month of Jyeshtha month (June month).

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple and Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple are historically interconnected and conditional on each other. During the festival of Vasanthotsavam, we devotee's celebrate this with the procession atop the golden chariot during the 2^nd day of the festival.

The festival of Sri Padmavathi Parinayam is held during Navami, Dasami and Ekadasi in the month of Vaisaka month. During the three-day festival, the majestically decorated idol of Sri Malayappa Swamy of Lord Venkateswara, arrives in grand style on the Gaja vahanam, Aswa vahanam and Garuda Vahanam on the three consecutive days. 

Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Distance:
5 kms from Tirupati RTC Bus stand
5.5 Kms from Tirupati Railway station

Address: 
Sri Padmavathi Devi temple,
Tiruchanoor,
Tirupati Rural, Chittoor (Dst.),
Andhra Pradesh

TIRUMALA TEMPLE

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE

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TIRUMALA

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a landmark vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.

It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.

The world famous "Tirupati Laddu" is given at Tirumala Temple as prasadam. Tirupati Laddu had got Geographical indication tag which entitles only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to make or sell it. Many other prasadams are also available including daddojanam (curd rice), puliohora (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongali (sweet pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi, Muruku, Dosa, seera (kesari), Malhora. Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tirupavada seva is conducted, where food items are kept as naivedyam to Lord Venkateswara.

On any day the arjitha sevas that are performed to the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara commences withSuprabatham, followed by Thomala , Archana and finally concludes with the Ekanthaseva (not open to pilgrims). However after archana some arjitha sevas are also performed to the processional deity of Lord Venkateswara, also popularly known as “Malayappa Swamy” includes, Kalyanotsavam, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Dolotsavam, Vasantotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankara seva.

Morning Sevas:

Suprabhatam

Archana

Thomala Seva

Ekantha Seva

During the week days, each day has a specific ritual of worship which has a religious significance. Such sevas are called Weekly Sevas.

Vishesha Puja	(Monday)
Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana	(Tuesday)
Sahasra Kalasabhishekam	(Wednesday)
Tiruppavada Seva	(Thursday)
Abhishekam-Vastralankara Seva-Nija Pada Darshanam	(Friday)

The periodical sevas are the annual events of religious significance performed in Tirumala following the importance of particular asterism.

    

Teppotsavam(or)float festival	5 days a Year (March)
Vasanthotsavam	3 days a year (March or April)
Padmavathi Parinayam	3 days a year (May)
Abhideyaka Abhishekam	3 days a year (June-Annual)
Pushpa Pallaki	(July)
Pushpa Yagam	(November)
Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam	(4 times in a year)
Pavithrotsavams	3 days a year (August)

BY AIR

Tirupati airport is nestled in the region of Renigunta. You have to cross only 15 km distance from the core of the main city. Frequent flights are accessible from other major Indian metropolis such as Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore to this place. The adjacent International airport is Chennai from which the place has a good connectivity with different corners of the country and abroad. You can take flights from Tirupati to Chennai,Bangalore,Hyderabad and other major cities.

Nearest Airport : Tirupati Airport, TIRUPATI

BY TRAIN 

The main railhead of the place is Tirupati Railway Station that is linked with railway stations like Bangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Madurai and Mumbai. Renigunta rail station is very close to the city and is at a distance of 15 km. Renigunta lies in Trivandrum-Delhi route. Thus, once you arrive at the capital of India, there are various sources to know how to reach Tirupati

BY BUS

You can easily get regular buses to Tirupati from other major cities of the country.

Bus Station(s): Tirupati