Vasanthotsavam To Be Held In Tirumala On These Dates, Regular Services To Remain Closed

The Annual Salakatla Vasanthotsavam is performed in Tirumala on the auspicious days of Trayodasi, Chaturdashi and Purnami in the month of Chaitra (March/April) every year. The three-day Salakatla Vasantotsavam will be held with grandeur from April 21 to 23 at the Tirumala Srivari Temple this year. It is customary for these festivals to be held for three days, ending on the full moon of Chaitra Suddha every year. According to temple legend, the Vasanthotsavam Festival originated during the reign of King Achyutaraya in the 1460s. This yearly celebration is said to have been initiated by the King to commemorate the onset of the Spring Season. Over the course of three days, the Lord and his Consorts receive aromatic baths, believed to offer soothing relief to the deities from the intense heat of the sun.

On April 21 at 6:30 AM, the deities of the temple, Lordi Malayappa Swami and Sridevi Bhudevi will be taken on a procession through the four Madavedulas. Following this, the Vasantotsava Mandapam will be inaugurated. After the conclusion of the Vasantotsava abhishekam, they will return to the temple.On the second day, April 22, Lord Malayappa Swamy will mount a golden chariot and go on a procession through the streets of Tirumada from 8 am to 10 am. Afterwards, the priests will perform the Vasantotsavam in the Vasantha mandapam.

On the final day, April 23, Lord Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya and Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama are also taken out in procession along with Lord Malayappa Swamy and His consorts. At the end of the procession, all idols are brought to Vasanta Mandapam, where Snapana Tirumanjanam is performed with religious fervour. On this occasion, every day from 2 pm to 4 pm, Snapana Thirumanjanam is held grandly for the celebrants of Swami and Ammavarla. It is anointed with milk, curd, honey, coconut water, turmeric and sandalwood.

Due to the celebrations, a few normal services at the Tirumala temple have been cancelled for the three days.

TTD has decided to cancel the Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana, scheduled for April 23, as well as the Kalyanotsavam, Oonjalseva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, and Sahasradeepalankarana services from April 21 to 23, as a mark of respect for the Vasanthotsavam celebrations.