Sri Venkateswara Temple in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district Andhra Pradesh is currently celebrating the annual Brahmotsavam which commenced on September 18. In preparation for this auspicious annual event, the priests perform the ritual Ankurarpanam which means sowing the seed. The Srivari Salatkala Brahmotsavam 2023 festival will take place till September 26. The annual Brahmotsavams are considered one of the most important worship events. This is because it is believed to be initiated by lord Brahma.
It is believed that lord Vishnu, Lord Ram and lord Krishna are the lord Venkateswara in this Kalyug era. Hence, he is worshipped on this day as he is the embodiment of these lords. This is also the reason that the idol of lord Hanuman is posed in a salutation posture while facing the Sri Venkateswara temple. Hanuman is known as a supreme devotee of lord Ram.
There are beliefs that Lord Venkateswara loves decoration. The priests decorate the vehicles of the lord with different flowers and garlands on this day. The Kuruveri flowers, which are rarely found in the coastal areas are collected by the donors and the worshipers. It is then tied together to make garlands. Devotees also decorate special malas for lord Shiva. Special flowers are brought from the sea areas of Tamil Nadu and are used to decorate lord Shiva.
On September 18, the priests performed the Ankurarpana–a ritual of sowing seeds before the lord, in the Yagashala of the temple. According to Agama Shastra, before every Vedic festival such as this, this ritual is followed. It is believed that sprouting new grains and praying to god on this day will bless the whole land. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy offered the garments to lord Venkateswara on that day on behalf of the state government. The temple authorities also made special arrangements for the chief minister’s visit to Tirumala temple.