Beejavapanam - The Celestial Seed Sowing Fete on 14th Oct

The Navahnika Navaratri Brahmotsavams of Sri Venkateswara Swamy at Tirumala will be flagged off with the ceremonious Ankurarpanam or Beejavapanam which is considered to be one of the most important rituals of the Vaikhanasa Agama. 

During this ritual, in the evening, Sri Vishvaksena, the commander in chief of Sri Venkateswara, will be taken on a procession around the four mada streets to see the arrangements made for the nine-day religious fete

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. 

IMPORTANCE OF ANKURARPANAM :

Shastras says that “Ankurarpanam” has its basis in astrological principles and is carried out after the Sun Set. As Chandra – the moon is considered the “Sasyakaraka” - the controller of plants, seeds sowing ceremony takes place in the nights only.

Agamas also mention that the sprouts that emanate from the seeds are a symbolic representation of the success of the event. The mud pots used in this are known as “Palikas”. Different deities like Brahma, Garuda, Sesha, Sudarsana, Vakratunda, Soma, Santa, Indra, Isana and Jaya etc are being invited through sacred pyre chanting “Soma Raja” and Vishnu Sukta Mantras for sowing the seeds and Varuna Mantra while sprinkling water.

The sprouting of seeds denotes the successful conduct of the nine-day mega-religious festival.