Seed Festival – Ankurarpanam at Tirumala

Ankurarpanam

The annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala has been flagged off with ceremonious Ankurarpanam or beejavapanam festival which is considered to be one of the most important rituals of the Vaikhanasa Agama. Earlier in the evening the commander in chief of Lord, Sri Viswaksenulavaru was taken on a procession around the four mada streets to see the arrangements made for the nine-day religious fete.

What is Ankurarpanam?

Ankuararpanam essentially means “sowing the seed”. The essence of this ritual is to make a sankalpa to celebrate a utsavam ( festival) and get the grace of the Lord. Sastras prescribe doing ankurarpana 9 days before the festival.

Importance of Ankurarpanam

Ankurarpan is done after sunset. According to the theories of Jyotisha Shastra, Moon is called ‘Sasyakaraka’. For this reason it is not advisable to charge the sprouts during the day. Ankurarpan is performed in the evening at an auspicious moment. Many sacred seeds are known to be planted in ankurarpan.

Agamas also mention that the sprouts that emanate from the seeds are symbolic representation of the success of the event. The vessels called ” Palikas” are used to sow the seeds.

The seeds are soaked in water in a new vessel in the afternoon of the day of germination. The place where germination takes place is decorated with cow dung. A Brahma Peetha is established here. After that the deities Brahma, Garuda, Sesha, Sudarshana, Vakratunda, Soma, Shanta, Indra, Isana and Jaya are invited through the flame by Acharya Purushas.

After that the palikas are filled with soil while praying to Mother Earth. After praying to the moon, seeds are sprinkled in it and water is poured. These palikas are decorated with new clothes and worship is performed. After that, Somaraja Mantra, Varuna Mantra and Vishnusukta are recited. A little water is poured into these palikas every day. The entire program is accompanied by Vedic mantra chanting and mangal instruments.