Dwajarohanam marks the start of nine-day Srivari Brahmotsavams

Tirupati: The nine-day annual Srivari Brahmotsavams got off to a spectacular start with the conduct of the celestial ‘Dwajarohanam’ ritual inside the Tirumala temple on Monday evening.
Dwajapatam, the sacred yellow cloth with the imprint of Garuda, followed by the processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and his two divine consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi were carried in a colourful procession along the four mada streets encircling the main temple complex.Mythology has it that Garuda goes around the temple complex during the ritual, inviting all deities and saints to the festival which is performed by Lord Brahma himself.
The procession was followed by Dwajarohanam, which involves hoisting the Dwajapatam on the Dwajasthambham (flag post ) amidst the chanting of vedic hymns by priests including the swamis from Pedda Jeeyar and Chinna Jeeyar.
In the evening, Lord Malayappa Swamy, bedecked with rare and precious ornaments and seated majestically on the golden Pedda Sesha vahanam, was carried out in a colourful procession along the four mada streets.
Earlier, TTD chairman Y V Subba Reddy inaugurated the Srivari Mega exhibition, where the theme concept of Atti Varadaraja Swamy has been created using 40 tonnes of different varieties of flowers. The different types of chariots made with flowers and fruits, vahana sevas, 3D projection mapping, display of TTD publications, photo exhibition, etc are the other attractions at the exhibition.