Swarna Ratham Procession Marks Vaikunta Ekadasi at Tirumala

TIRUPATI: The Swarna Rathotsavam was held at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala on Tuesday as part of the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations, drawing large numbers of devotees.

As part of the procession, Malayappa Swamy, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi, was taken out on the Swarna Ratham along the four mada streets surrounding the temple. Devotees lined the streets to have darshan as the golden chariot moved slowly along the traditional route.

A notable feature of the Rathotsavam was the participation of women devotees in pulling the Swarna Ratham. Women employees of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), along with women devotees, took part in the ritual. Temple authorities deployed staff and put in place arrangements to regulate pilgrim movement and ensure the smooth passage of the chariot.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the temple premises were elaborately decorated for the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations. Floral arrangements were made from the Mahadwaram to the Dhwajasthambam and at the Vaikunta Dwaram, using flowers, fruits and foliage in a traditional style. According to TTD officials, about 50 tonnes of traditional flowers, 10 tonnes of fruits and four tonnes of cut flowers are being used for decorations during the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan period.

As part of the festivities, a Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple setting was installed near the Srivari Temple, drawing the attention of devotees passing through the area. The display was organised with donor support under the supervision of the TTD garden department.

Meanwhile, preparations were completed for the Chakra Snanam scheduled on Vaikunta Dwadasi on Wednesday. The ritual of Sri Sudarshana Chakrathalwar will be held between 4.30 am and 5.30 am at the Swami Pushkarini.