Garuda Gamana Garuda Dhwaja - Brahmotsavams Commencec on A Grand Note with Dhwajarohanam

The nine-day annual brahmotsavams in Tirumala started off on a spectacular religious note with the grand ceremonial sacred Garuda flag hoisting ceremony atop the temple pole on Wednesday evening.

Traditionally called Dhwjarohanam, the primary purpose behind this celestial flag hoisting ceremony, bearing the image of Garudalwar-the, the favourite carrier of Sri Maha Vishnu(Venkateswara), is to invite the deities of all the 14 worlds and other celestial beings to participate in the Brahmotsavam festivities. 

Significance of Dhwajarohanam: The Vedic chants by the archakas include "Namostute Dhwajaay Sakala Bhuvana Janahitaaya, Vimala Bhodakaaya, Mahita Mangalaaya" during Dhwajarohanam, praising the flag as a beacon of purity and prosperity for all, besides reciting Garuda Astakam, Garuda Gadya, and Garuda Stuti. These sacred chants purify the environment and invoke the presence of the deities. 

The sacred religious event took place in the auspicious Meena Lagnam between 5:43pm and 6:15pm. Earlier in the evening, the Garudapatam, Parivara deities, including Anantha, Garuda, Chakrattalwar and Vishwaksena, were also paraded along four mada streets while the processional deities of Sri Malayappa, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi on golden Tiruchi.

TTD Trust board chairman Sri BR Naidu, EO Sri Anil Kumar Singhal, Kankanabhattar Sri Venugopala Deekshitulu and other board members, officials, temple staff were also present.