Major Festivals Celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Temple
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its grand festivals. Thousands of devotees from across the world visit Tirumala every year to witness these vibrant celebrations that showcase the rich traditions and culture of the temple.
1. Brahmotsavam
2. Vaikunta Ekadasi
3. Rathasapthami
4. Pavitrotsavam
5. Pushpayagam (Flower Festival)
1. Brahmotsavam
Brahmotsavam is the grandest and most significant annual festival celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. The word Brahmotsavam means “an offering festival performed by Lord Brahma himself” and is observed with great devotion for nine days.
During this festival, Lord Venkateswara is taken out in majestic processions on various vahanams (divine vehicles), such as Simha Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, and the most important Garuda Vahanam, which draws lakhs of pilgrims. The temple streets are beautifully decorated, and devotional music, chants, and rituals create a divine atmosphere.
Pilgrims believe that attending Brahmotsavam brings immense blessings, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. It usually falls in September–October (Aswayuja month) and is considered the most auspicious time to visit Tirupati.
2. Vaikunta Ekadasi
Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most sacred festivals celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Temple, usually falling in December–January (Dhanurmasa). On this day, devotees believe that the Vaikunta Dwaram (the Gate to Heaven) is opened, allowing pilgrims to attain divine blessings and liberation.
Special rituals, prayers, and recitations from the Vishnu Purana are performed throughout the temple. The highlight is the darshan of Lord Venkateswara through the Vaikunta Dwaram, considered highly auspicious. Lakhs of pilgrims gather at Tirumala during this time to seek the Lord’s grace.
Fasting, devotional singing, and continuous chanting of Lord Vishnu’s names are also part of the celebration. The spiritual energy of Tirumala during Vaikunta Ekadasi is truly divine and unforgettable.
3. Rathasapthami
Rathasapthami, also known as Surya Jayanthi, is an important festival celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Temple in honor of Lord Surya (Sun God). It usually falls in February and marks the transition of the Sun towards the northern hemisphere, symbolizing health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
At Tirumala, this day is celebrated with grandeur as Lord Venkateswara is taken out in processions on seven different vahanams (divine vehicles) from early morning till evening. These include Suryaprabha Vahanam, Chinna Sesha Vahanam, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Chakrasnana, and Aswa Vahanam. The sight of the deity on various vahanams is considered highly auspicious.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple on this day to witness the unique rituals, seek blessings, and experience the divine atmosphere. Rathasapthami is also referred to as the “One Day Brahmotsavam” due to its grandeur.
4. Pavitrotsavam
Pavitrotsavam is a sacred annual purification festival celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Temple. It is observed to correct any lapses or mistakes that may have occurred in the daily rituals, sevas, or festivals throughout the year. This three-day event is usually held in August–September (Shravana month).
The festival includes homams (sacred fire rituals), Abhishekam (holy bathing of the deity), and the special adorning of Lord Venkateswara with Pavitra Malas (holy garlands made of silk threads). The rituals are performed with great devotion to seek forgiveness and ensure the temple traditions remain pure and spiritually powerful.
Pilgrims attending Pavitrotsavam believe it cleanses sins, removes obstacles, and grants divine blessings. The atmosphere in the temple during this festival is filled with chanting of Vedic hymns, creating a spiritually uplifting experience.
5. Pushpayagam (Flower Festival)
Pushpayagam, popularly known as the Flower Festival, is one of the most colorful and divine celebrations at Tirumala Tirupati Temple. It is usually held in October–November (Karthika month) after the annual Brahmotsavam.
During this festival, lakhs of fresh flowers in vibrant colors are used to worship Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Sridevi, and Goddess Bhudevi. The deities are seated in a beautifully decorated mandapam, and flowers such as roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and jasmine are showered upon them.
The festival symbolizes purity, devotion, and prosperity, as flowers represent beauty and fragrance offered at the Lord’s feet. Devotees believe that attending Pushpayagam brings peace, happiness, and fulfillment of wishes. The entire temple premises turn into a divine garden, radiating spiritual energy.
6. Other Celebrations
Apart from the grand festivals like Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rathasapthami, Pavitrotsavam, and Pushpayagam, the Tirumala Tirupati Temple also observes many other important Hindu festivals with devotion and splendor.
Ugadi
The Telugu New Year is celebrated with special rituals, panchanga sravanam (astrological predictions), and offerings to Lord Venkateswara.
Janmashtami
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with devotional singing, chanting of slokas, and special poojas.
Diwali
The Festival of Lights brings special deepa alankaram (lighting arrangements) at Tirumala, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Dussehra (Navaratri)
During Navaratri, the temple hosts special poojas and alankaras for the goddess and the Lord, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
New Year (English Calendar)
On January 1st, devotees throng Tirumala for a special darshan of Lord Venkateswara to begin the year with divine blessings.
These celebrations, though smaller in scale compared to Brahmotsavam, still hold deep spiritual significance and draw large numbers of pilgrims throughout the year.
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