Tirumala blooms during Brahmotsavam

Garlands and flowers play a significant role in the history of Tirumala, and each one has a specific identity in the lore of the temple of Lord Venkateswara. 

It is mentioned in the “Tiruvai Mulhi” that the celestial ruler of the seven hills was known for his love of flowers and flowery decorations at his abode throughout the year.

An average of 500 kg of flowers and 5 kg of scented leaves are used in making garlands and flower decorations of the main deity and the premises of the Srivari temple in Tirumala. At least 20 women make the garlands every day, which are then kept in air-conditioned chambers in the temple complex for frequent change of decoration.

The idea of setting up flower gardens on the Tirumala hills was conceived by Sri Ramanuja and his disciple Sri Anandalwar in the14th century. Later, Sattada Sri Vaishnavas cultivated the Tirumala flower gardens under the name of Dasa Nambis. It is said inscriptions in the temple refer to numerous flower gardens during the later part of the 14th and 15th centuries. Records show that flower gardens existed around the Srivari temple have now been converted into guest houses — Ram Bagicha, Narayana Giri and Nandakam.

Scented flowers like roses, lotuses are used for Srivari Kainkaryam (puja), as are prominent flowers like chrysanthemums, davana, tulasi, nerium, tabornamontana, kanakambaram and exora.