The important festival held at Tirupathi is Brahmothsawam. Karuda seva is an important function held on the fifth day of this festival. More than five lakhs people assemble to witness this function. This function is held in the Tamil month of Purattasi close to Navarathrri festival. Once in three years this function is held twice in the same month. To invite Devas(celestial figures),Rishis and Bhakthas a special function called ANGURARPANAM is held on the previous day of the commencement of Brahmothsawam. On the first day of Brahmothsawam at 5.20p.m flag hoisting function will take place. On the same day at 9p.m swamy will come in a procession in Big Sesha vahanam. Next day morning HE will come in a procession in small Sesha vahanam. On the same night Oonjal festival and procession in Anna (Swan) vahanam will take place.

Third day morning Simha(Lion) vahanam, and at night Muthu pandal(Pearl) procession wiil take place. Fourth day morning Karpaka vriksham(wish yielding tree) and at night Sarvs bhoobala procession. Fifth day is the very important Karuda Sevai day.  On the morning of the eifth day swami will come in procession as MOHINI. To see the Malayappa swamy in Karuda vahanam on the fifth night one may require eyes crore in number. To get this darshanam one should should occupy in the seats in the gallery around the temple by 2p.m itself. Karuda seva will be held till 1p.m midnight. During the Karuda seva the utsava idol(procession deity) will wear the Lakshmi haram(Maalai) normally worn by the Moolavar(Presiding deity)  . So it is considered that Moolavar is coming out in procession and Temple door wii remain closed for some time. If you see procession then you need not see see Venkatalachalapathi by standing in Q. Sith day morning Hanuman Vahana procession, and at 5p.m Golden chariot procession.  Night Procession in Yanai(elephant) vahanam will be held. Seventh day morning Sooriya(sun) prabhai and at night Chandra(Moon) prabhai vahanam procession.  On the eight day in the morning car festival will take place. Night Kuthirai(Horse) vahana procession.

Last day i.e., nineth day On the morning swamy will come in procession in a palanquin(pallakku) at 5 a.m. and at 8a.m  A festival called Chkra sthanam will take place. There is a story for the Karuda seva being considered as an important dueing brahmothsawam. Tirumal came to Tirupathi under the guise of Srinivasan. Perumal told that he requires a place for him to similar to the one at Vaikundam with beautiful backround of natural surroundings, Karudan unearthed Vaikunda malai itself and brought to the earth. Seven hills joined and came to the earth. Srinivasan madt it as HIS abode. Even HE is residing there. To honour Karudan who unearthed such a big mountain HE made to serve HIM as his vahanam(vehicle). HE made a rule that bhakthas who come for his darshan should worship first Karudan and then only come to HIM for worship. Accordingly Karudan is seated in all Perumal Temples at the entrance itself.
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