Seed Sowing Fete Signifies Preparatory Ceremony for Brahmotsavams

Ankurarpanam-the religious "Seed Sowing"ceremony, is considered as the ritual of prelude before the commencement of annual Brahmotsavams at Srivari temple in Tirumala. The Navahnika Salakatla (nine-day annual) brahmotsavams begins with Ankurarpanam which will be observed in a spiritual manner as per the tenets of Vaikhanasa Agama in the hill temple on the evening of September 23.

Significance: This agamic ritual symbolizes the successful commencement and prosperous outcome of a any religious festival. In this fete, Navadhanyas will be sowed in Nine different "Palikas"(mud pots). The emerging sprouts signify good fortune and the successful completion of the religious event.

Initially the blessings Goddess Earth-Bhudevi is invoked by offering special prayers and performing “Medini Puja”. Later Ankurarpanam or Beejavapanam will be performed with religious fervour in Tirumala temple as per the tenets of Vaikhanasa Agama. 

Ankurarpanam signifies invitation to all the deities of the 14 worlds, celestial bodies including Nine planets, Astadikpalakas-Guardians of Eight Directions to the nine-day mega religious event of Brahmotsavam hosted by Sri Brahma-the creator as per the wish of Sri Venkateswara Swamy-the incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu in Kali yuga.

NAVADHANYAS IMPLIES NAVA GRAHAS:

The uniqueness of Ankurarpanam it is always performed during the night at an auspicious hour. The Nava Dhanyas signify the presence of each deity including – Rice,(Chandra) Wheat (Surya), Tur Dal (Khuja), Moong Dal (Budha), Red Peas (Bruhaspati), White Peas (Shukra) , Sesame (Shani) , Yellow Peas – (Rahu) and Horse Gram (Ketu).

AKSHATAROPANA ON FINAL DAY

The seeds are sown in mud pots called Palikas and they are placed at different directions in a geometrical manner as prescribed by Agamas. For nine days these seeds are grown and on the final day, the seedlings were separated from the sprouts and offered to the presiding deity and this process is called “Akshataropana”. 

Conclusion: The auspicious germination of the seeds in Ankurarpanam on Beejavapanam signifies the successful conduct of the mega religious festival,-Brahmotsavams in a grand and spectacular manner.

On September 23, this religious event takes place between 7pm and 8pm. Before performing Ankurarpanam, the Utsava deity of Sri Vishwaksena-the Chief Commander of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, proceeds all along the four mada streets encircling the main shrine in a celestial procession to supervise the arrangements for the big festival of his Master.