Ankurarpanam - The Festival of Prelude

Tirumala, 26 Sep. 19: The festival of prelude before the commencement of annual brahmotsavams, Ankurarpanam or Beejavapanam will be observed in Tirumala temple on September 29.

This is considered as one of the most important rituals of the Vaikhanasa Agama.  Ankurarpanam is being done in almost all the festivals in Tirumala and it means "sowing the seed". The essence of this ritual is to make a wish or Sankalpa to celebrate an utsavam (festival) and get the grace of the Lord. 

INTERESTING AGAMIC FACTS OF ANKURARPANA

Sastras prescribe doing Ankurarpana 9days or  7 or 5 or 3 or at least a day before the main festival. In Tirumala,  Ankurarpanam is performed a day before the festival.

Another important thing to note is that Ankurarpana should never be done in the day time. This dictum has its basis in astrological principles. As Chandra-the Moon,  is the "Sasyakaraka" being the controller of plants, sowing a seed in the day time is not considered wise. In fact, Chandra is considered strong in the night. Also, an auspicious Lagna or muhurta should be used for this purpose as any activity that is started in an auspicious time will yield good results. 

Many people find it confusing that one has to see an auspicious time for celebrating a festival for the Lord. 

Agamas also mention that the sprouts that emanate from the seeds provide useful hints about how perfectly the festival was celebrated.  White and well-developed ankuras, straight or yellow ankuras show prosperity. 

PALIKAS FOR SOWING SPROUTS

The vessels used for sprouting seeds are known as "Palikas" either using gold or silver or copper or mud for performing Ankurarpanam which is otherwise called Beejavapanam. "Samurtarchana Adhikarana" penned by Sage Atri. 

Later in the evening Vishvaksena Ardhana and Senadhipathi Utsavam will be held before seeds are sowed in different pots. After this in Yagashala the remaining ritual takes place.