Navahnika Navaratri Brahmotsavams Begin At Tirumala

The Navahnika Navaratri Brahmotsavams began at Tirumala on Monday with Lord Venkateswara and His consorts taken in a procession on the Bangaru Tiruchi (Golden Palanquin) along the mada streets in the morning. In the evening, Lord Malayappa Swamy, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi, appeared on the Pedda Sesha Vahanam.

After the morning rituals, the processional deity and His consorts were taken around the temple streets on the Golden Palanquin. The deities were adorned with silk garments, flowers and diamond jewellery. Cultural troupes performed traditional dances, kolatam and bhajans, accompanied by drums, as the procession passed through the streets.

The evening procession marked the first vahana seva of the nine-day festival, with the deities seated on the flower-decorated Pedda Sesha Vahanam. Devotees gathered along the four mada streets to witness the procession.

The Pedda Sesha Vahanam symbolises Dhyana Bhakti and Dasya Bhakti, representing devotion through meditation and service. According to Hindu mythology, Adi Sesha, the thousand-hooded serpent, serves as the resting place of Lord Vishnu, who reclines on it in the milky ocean.

Adi Sesha is also associated with Lord Srinivasa and His abode. The seven hoods of Pedda Sesha are believed to represent the seven hills of Tirumala. The serpent symbolises the hills as the Lord's abode, His bed and an umbrella providing shelter through its hoods.

According to legend, pleased with the serpent's service, the Lord granted it the honour of carrying the Earth on its head and supporting Her weight. The Brahmotsavams traditionally begin with the Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva, recognising this association.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) made arrangements for devotees in the galleries, providing free food, beverages and drinking water. TTD executive officer Muddada Ravichandra, additional executive officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary and other senior officials supervised the arrangements during the festivities.