Witness the unique Bhaag Savari Utsavam at Tirumala, a vibrant festival celebrating the divine love between Sri Anantalwar and Lord Venkateswara.
This article dives deep into the Bhaag Savari Utsavam, a one-of-a-kind religious festival held annually at Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara.
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Unveiling the Story Behind Bhaag Savari Utsavam
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam, also known as Baga Savari, is a vibrant and unique festival celebrated with immense devotion at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the governing body of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. This special event takes place on the day following the culmination of the grand annual Brahmotsavams, a nine-day festival dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
The Enchanting Tale of Sri Anantalwar:
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam is steeped in the story of Sri Anantalwar, a revered Vaishnavite saint and a dedicated devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Legend narrates that Sri Anantalwar possessed an intense desire to witness the Lord adorn Himself with flowers from his personal gardens, the Anantalwar Gardens, situated close to the temple.
A Playful Act of Devotion:
Yearning to fulfill this wish, Sri Anantalwar, in a playful act of devotion, playfully tied Goddess Sridevi, consort of Lord Venkateswara, to an Aswatha tree (sacred fig tree) while the Lord was busy selecting flowers. However, when Sri Anantalwar attempted to catch the Lord Himself, Venkateswara playfully evaded him and disappeared back into the sanctum of the temple.
Realization and Reconciliation:
Realizing his playful act might have caused offense, Sri Anantalwar immediately untied the Goddess. Filled with remorse, he gathered a basket of flowers and, placing the Goddess within it, carried it on his head, searching for the Lord. Finally, he reached the temple sanctum and offered the flowers with utmost devotion.
Lord Venkateswara’s Blessing:
Touched by Sri Anantalwar’s unwavering devotion and playful act of love, Lord Venkateswara emerged from the sanctum and blessed him. Impressed by this unparalleled devotion, the Lord granted Sri Anantalwar a unique boon – the annual Bhaag Savari Utsavam.
The Essence of Bhaag Savari Utsavam
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam serves as a powerful reminder of the profound love and devotion that Sri Anantalwar held for Lord Venkateswara. It signifies the playful and intimate relationship that can exist between a devotee and the divine. The festival also highlights the importance of sincere repentance and the power of unwavering faith.
Beyond the Story: A Celebration of Tradition
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam transcends the beautiful story of Sri Anantalwar. It has evolved into a cherished tradition observed with great fervor by devotees at Tirumala. The festival is a vibrant spectacle that draws thousands of pilgrims eager to witness this unique enactment of the divine love story.
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam unfolds in a series of captivating rituals that bring the story of Sri Anantalwar to life. Let’s delve into the essence of these rituals:
The Procession
The festivities commence with a grand procession that winds its way through the temple complex. The procession features a beautifully decorated floral basket, symbolizing the basket carried by Sri Anantalwar. The basket is adorned with vibrant flowers and carried on the head of a designated representative, often a descendant of Sri Anantalwar.
The Enactment
As the procession reaches the Anantalwar Gardens, a symbolic enactment of Sri Anantalwar’s playful act takes place. The designated representative playfully ties a saree or piece of cloth to an Aswatha tree, representing the act of tying Goddess Sridevi.
The Enthralling Journey of the Floral Basket:
Following the symbolic enactment at the Anantalwar Gardens, the procession continues its journey towards the temple sanctum. The designated representative carrying the floral basket is accompanied by a vibrant entourage. Devotees dressed in traditional attire, musicians playing devotional hymns, and temple priests chanting sacred mantras all contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Seeking Blessings at the Varaha Swamy Temple:
En route to the main temple, the procession makes a significant halt at the Varaha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar (boar form). This stop holds immense spiritual importance as Lord Varaha is believed to have rescued the earth from the clutches of a demon. Devotees gather here to seek blessings for the success of the festival and to pay homage to this powerful form of Lord Vishnu.
Reaching the Sacred Sanctum:
The procession finally reaches its culminating point – the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. This is a moment of immense anticipation for devotees, as it signifies the symbolic reunion of Sri Anantalwar with Lord Venkateswara.
Beyond the Playful Act: A Celebration of Inner Harmony
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam transcends the playful act of Sri Anantalwar. It is a profound celebration of the inner harmony that exists between a devotee and the divine. The act of playfully tying the Goddess serves as a metaphor for the human tendency to sometimes get caught up in our desires and forget the ultimate goal – complete surrender to the divine.
The Importance of Repentance and Forgiveness
The story of Sri Anantalwar also highlights the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Upon realizing his playful act might have caused offense, Sri Anantalwar immediately unties the Goddess and seeks forgiveness with sincere remorse. This teaches us that even in our moments of playful devotion, respect and reverence for the divine are paramount.
A Testament to Unwavering Faith
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam stands as a testament to the power of unwavering faith. Sri Anantalwar’s relentless devotion, even after his playful act, ultimately leads him to be blessed by Lord Venkateswara. This serves as a powerful message for devotees, encouraging them to persevere on the path of devotion, no matter the challenges they face.
A Celebration of Community and Tradition
The Bhaag Savari Utsavam is not just a commemoration of Sri Anantalwar’s story; it is also a celebration of community and tradition. The festival brings devotees together in a spirit of shared devotion. The meticulous planning, execution, and participation of the temple authorities, descendants of Sri Anantalwar, and countless volunteers ensure the smooth continuation of this age-old tradition.
