The traditional, Ankurarpanam or Beejavapanam is one of the most important rituals of the Vaikhanasa Agama which essentially is the Seed Swing Festival that is observed in Tirumala as a ritual of prelude on a day before annual Brahmotsavam on October 03.
The essence of this ritual is to make a sankalpa (wish) to celebrate a festival in a successful manner and get the grace of the Mula Virat.
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 often termed as the “Sasya karaka” 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 muhurtais considered to sow the Nava Dhanyas.
The vessels known as “palikas” using gold or silver or copper or mud usually used while performing Ankurarpanam. They were placed in the Yagashala and seeds were sown in each vessel.
The sprouting of the seeds depicts the grandeur in which the festival is being celebrated. After the Senadhipati Utsavam, Mritsangarahanam,Ankurarpanam was held for annual Brahmotsavams.
