Yesterday, 26 March 2015; Jaya varusha Panguni Rohini, is Day -1 of Panguni -Ther Tirunal or Adhi Brahmotsavam.BrahmaOtsavam is so called because it is performed by Brahma. Brahma also means big so it can be interpreted as a big festival.At 3.15 a.m. NamPerumal’s purappadu began from Moolasthanam to reach kodiyetra mandapam. Then the flag with Garuda drawn on it (Garuda padam) was  brought in purappadu.Prana prathishta was done for Garuda on the flag by chanting appropriate manthrams and by touching different parts with koorcham.The raising of the Garuda flag happened in Kumbha  lagnam (between 5.00-5.30 a.m.). Garuthman is Vishnu’s vahanam,He is Vedatma,He has unlimited lustre,He brought amritham to redeem his mother from bondage,He is the destroyer of serpents.He is seen infront of Perumal with folded hands. His smaranam brings success. Thus prayers are offered to Garudazhwar on the flag at the commencement of Brahmotsavam.After Kodiyetram(flag hoisting).
NamPerumal left in purappadu for Kanadi arai. Kanadi arai means mirror room. This is next to Ul Garudan sannidhi in Santhana mandapam. Devotees had darshan of NamPerumal in this room where parallel mirrors reflect multiple images of Our Perumal. This was open uptil 12.00p.m. Between 4.30-5.30p.m. Beri Thaadanam took place.Beri is a big drum and puja is performed to the drum.The drum is beaten thrice and all the devathas,rivers, trees, mountains, kings and Srivaishnavas are invited for the Brahmotsavam.Generally local residents are expected to stay in town once the festival starts .All the dik devathas are invoked and the whole ceremony can be termed as an invitation ceremony.No chetana or achetana is left out and each one is asked to arrive quickly for the DivyaUtsavam of Perumal and Pirrati. At 6.30p.m. NamPerumal came with Ubhaya Nachimars in Purappadu.Devotees gathered everywhere on the four Chitra Veedhis to catch a glimpse of their beloved Perumal decked in all finery on the first day of Panguni utsavam.After returning from the rounds Tirumanjanam was performed for NamPerumal at the yagashala .NamPerumal is expected to reach Kanadiarai by  next daya around 1.00a.m.Lot of astikas took part in the day 1 of Brahmotsavam and had the blessings of Divyadampatis.
These are some of the photos taken during the occasion…
