Ankurararapanam rituals for the beginning of Brahmotsavam tomorrow

Tirupati: �Tirumala is preparing for the sacred ritual of Ankurpanam, the seed-buzzing ceremony which marks the formal beginning of the nine-day Salakatala Brahmotsavam at the Pahari Temple of Lord Venkateswara. Important religious phenomena will be seen on 23 September between 7 pm and 8 pm, after the centuries -old traditions of Vikhanasa Agama. Considered as a ritual for Brahotsavam, Ankurpamam is a symbol of calling for divine energies for the smooth and successful conduct of the mega festival. As part of this ceremony, nine varieties of seeds known as Navdhanya are sown in pottery, which are called Palik. In the next nine days, his germination is seen as signs of prosperity and auspicious perfection of Brahotsavam.

Before the ritual begins, special prayers are offered to Goddess Prithvi, Bhudevi through Medini Puja, which seek her blessings for breeding and abundance. Later, the main Ankurpam or Bijavapanam is performed with great devotion, inviting 14 world gods, blessing the celebrations hosted by Lord Brahma to witness and bless the parents of eight directions, nine celestial planets, and other divine forces.

The uniqueness of this ritual lies in its time – it is always done in an auspicious hour during the night. Each seed used in the ritual represents a planet deity: rice for the lunar, wheat for the sun, quick party for Kuja, moong dal for Mercury, red peas for Bruhuspati, white peas for Shukar, mole for Saturn, yellow for Rahu, yellow for Rahu, and horse gram for Ketu. These seeds are arranged geometrically according to agamic prescriptions. On the last day, the tender sprouts are separated and the presiding deity is known as Akhtaropana in a ritual.

Combining the grandeur at the ceremony, the festive statue of Sri Vishwasena is considered as the chief commander of Lord Venkateswara, the first will take out a procession with four Meda roads around the temple. This symbolic supervision ensures that every system is for the upcoming Brahmotsavam.

It is believed that the auspicious sprouts of seeds are believed to guarantee the grandeur and success of Brahotsavam during Ankurlarpam, which is an integral part of spiritual preparation on the holy Tirumala hills.