Varshika Mahotsavam and Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam for Sri Venkateswara Swami
        The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple was formally consecrated on June 22nd, 1986. Following traditional practices, the anniversary of the Temple’s consecration is celebrated in a magnificent way every year. According to the Agama Shastras, the Varshika Mahotsava (anniversary celebrations) must be performed in order to maintain the sacred conditions in the Temple which are necessary for worshiping the deities in a proper way. Since the original consecration of the Temple, the anniversary celebrations have included the Garudotsvam for Sri Venkateswara Swami, accompanied by live Nadaswaram music. On June 1st, 2003, the reconsecration of Temple took place as the culminating event of the Mahasamprokshanam/Mahakumbhabhishekam.From this time, the Temple anniversary has been significantly expanded, but still includes our traditional Garudotsvam.
        The anniversary celebrations are conducted over a seven-day period. The program includes abhishekams, homas and utsavams for all Vaishnava and Saiva Deities. During this period, wedding ceremonies (kalyanotsavams) take place for Sri Venkateswara Swami and for Sri Siva. During the Garudotsavam, the utsava vigraha of Sri Venkateswara Swami is taken in a procession throughout the Temple seated on the Garuda vahana (chariot). Musicians play traditional Nadaswaram music as the procession goes through the Temple’s hallways. Processions are also conducted for Sri Siva on Vrishabha vahana, and Sri Murugan on Mayura vahana.
        The Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam ceremony for Sri Venkateswara Swami mula vigraha, a tradition of Tirupati, was introduced as the concluding main event of the seven-day period of the Varshika Mahotsava. The term “Sahasra” literally means “one thousand,” and, as a large number, signifies “abundance” or “plentitude.” “Abhisheka” means “bathing ceremony.” The Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam for Sri Balaji signifies that we are making a full and complete offering.
        This function consists of filling water in 1,008 kalasas placed on a bed of rice, and consecrating the waters in the kalasas by reciting Vedic mantras and performing homas dedicated for this purpose. Using the consecrated water from these 1,008 kalasas, abhishekam is performed to Sri Venkateswara Swami in an authentic style with the chanting of Veda mantras. This religious ceremony brings happiness and prosperity to our devotees and our community. It is a week packed with festivals for all the deities.