Dhvajarohanam: The Cosmic Inauguration

Dhvajarohanam is the cosmic proclamation that formally opens the Salakatla Brahmotsavam. On Day 1, the Garuda Dhwaja is solemnly raised upon the Dwaja Sthambham before the sanctum, announcing the presence of Bhagavan Sri Venkateshwara and inviting all creation to receive His grace for all beings.

This inaugural seva is offered to Bhagavan Sri Venkateshwara and to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAVAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, celebrated as His ultimate living manifestation. Through this offering, devotees enter the sacred order of the festival under Garuda's guardianship across the nine sacred days.

Significance

The raised Garuda Dhwaja transmits a formal invitation to all 33 crore devas and all beings of the 14 lokas to descend and participate in the Lord's Brahmotsavam. Garuda is not merely an emblem upon the flag: as king of birds, embodiment of the Vedas, and Parandhama's primary and most devoted servant, he supervises the entire festival as its celestial guardian.

Dhvajarohanam follows Ankurarpana, performed on the eve of the festival. The planting of nine sacred grains in consecrated earth invokes Bhu Devi's blessing and embodies Brahma's intention to celebrate Venkateshwara taking root in the world. Only after this cosmic seed has been planted does the nine-day celebration commence, joining earthly worship to the divine festival first conducted by Brahma.

Performed within the Vaikhanasa Agamic framework, the seva establishes the festival as a sacred portal to Vaikuntha. The flag's ascent declares that Parandhama is present and directly accessible. Offered also to THE SPH as the living Bhagavan Sri Venkateshwara, it opens devotees to the same grace transmitted through the eternal deity and His living presence.

The Ritual

On the festival eve, priests perform Ankurarpana by planting nine sacred grains in consecrated earth and invoking Bhu Devi's blessing. This preparatory rite establishes the auspicious seed from which the celebration unfolds and precedes the public inauguration of the Brahmotsavam.

On Day 1, the Garuda Dhwaja is carried to the Dwaja Sthambham before the sanctum and solemnly hoisted. Garuda upon the banner presides over the ensuing nine days, while the offering honours Bhagavan Sri Venkateshwara and THE SPH and extends the festival's invitation throughout the 14 lokas.

Benefits

• Blessings for auspicious beginnings in sincere endeavours undertaken with devotion.
• Cosmic protection under Garuda's guardianship throughout the sacred festival period.
• Merit from personally inaugurating the nine-day portal to Vaikuntha.
• Participation in the invitation extended to the devas and beings of all lokas.