Tirumala celebrates Ratha Saptami amid sea of devotees
Grand Ratha Saptami celebrations in Tirumala see thousands witness Lord Venkateswara’s celestial vahana processions
Tirupati: Devotion and grandeur marked the Ratha Saptami festival in Tirumala on Tuesday, as a sea of devotees from across the country converged on to the sacred hill town to witness the celestial procession of Lord Venkateswara Swamy on seven different vahanas from dawn to dusk.
Often referred to as the One-Day Brahmotsavam, the festival, celebrated on Magha Shuddha Saptami, has a rich historical legacy, with records indicating its observance in Tirumala since 1564 AD.
The festival, coinciding with the Surya Jayanthi, commenced with the Surya Prabha Vahanam at 5:30 a.m., when resplendently attired Lord Malayappa Swamy’s idol, bedecked with jewels and floral decorations, captivated devotees. The timing of this vahana seva is significant, as it is believed that Sun God, the Healer and Sustainer of life, pays obeisance at the feet of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Pilgrims, who had been eagerly waiting ahead of dawn, became overwhelmed with devotion when they saw the rising Sun during the vahana seva.
Devotees then witnessed the Chinna Sesha Vahanam between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Garuda Vahanam between 11 a.m. and 12 noon, and Hanumantha Vahanam between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. In the latter half of the day, the Sudarshana Chakrattalwar received Chakrasnanam in the Srivari Pushkarini between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Subsequently, the processions continued with Lord Malayappa Swamy atop Kalpavriksha Vahanam from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by Sarvabhupala Vahanam from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The One-Day Brahmotsavam culminated with Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., with thousands of devotees offering prayers in an atmosphere charged with devotion and spiritual fervour.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams officials and the police department had a challenging task managing the massive crowds. TTD ensured a seamless supply of anna prasadam, beverages and drinking water to thousands of devotees lining the Mada streets.
Devotees expressed their satisfaction while interacting with TTD chairman B.R. Naidu, executive officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao and additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary.
