How Ratha Sapthami is Celebrated in Tirumala

Ratha Sapthami is a sacred festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya Deva, celebrated across different States of India with deep devotion, faith, and rich cultural traditions. Each state adds its own local flavor to the celebrations of this ancient festival.

Ratha Saptami falls on Magha Masa, Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi.

Also known as Surya Sapthami, it is considered the birthday of Surya Deva. He is the son of Rishi Kashyap and Aditi.

On this day, the sun turns its Ratha direction towards the northern hemisphere in the north-east direction.

Surya Deva rides on his golden chariot with seven horses, with Aruna as his charioteer.

The sun is a vital source of energy, nourishing every living being on Earth. Therefore, worshipping Surya Deva on this auspicious day bestows good health, prosperity, and success, and removes all doshas caused by the negative effects of Surya Graha.

Across different states in South India, in all major temples, a small Rathotsava is celebrated.

In Tirumala, it is celebrated with great fervor and celebration. It is also known as Ardha Brahmotsavam, 1-day Brahmotsavam, or Mini Brahmotsavam.

On this auspicious day, Lord Malayappa rides on Vahanas in the four Mada streets.

It is a day of grand celebration filled with devotion; the rituals to the Malayappa begin early in the morning. The utsava murti of Lord Venkateshwara, Malayappa Swamy, is taken out in procession on seven different vahanams (vehicles) from dawn to dusk.

These seven vahanas include:

It is one of the rare and significant events where the Lord is taken into procession on seven different vehicles on the same day. At the time of sunrise, the whole atmosphere is filled with the chants of Adityahridayam Stotram, Suryashtakam in praise of Surya Deva. The Vedic chants and drumbeats create an atmosphere of intense emotions of bhakti and positivity.

Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM

Witnessing Lord Malayappa riding on the golden Suryaprabha Vahana is considered a highly meritorious sight. This vahana, led by seven horses, arrives before sunrise. Lord Malayappa is crowned with a diamond and adorned with his powerful armour, Panchayudhas—Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Sword, and Bow. He emerges from the temple amid grand celebrations, accompanied by the chanting of sacred Vedic hymns, bhajans, and kirtans, followed by elephants, horses, and devotees singing and dancing in His glory.

When the sun rises, the rays of the sun touch from the feet to the head of Lord Malayappa, expressing his gratitude and seeking his blessings. Millions of devotees of Lord Venkateshwara eagerly wait for the darshan.

Chinna Shesha Vahanam

Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

The utsava murthi of Lord Venkateshwara majestically rides on his second Vahana: Chinna Shesha Vahana. The Lord gracefully rides on the five-hooded snake, Adi Shesha, symbolizing divine protection, strength, and removal of obstacles.

Garuda Vahanam

Timings: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Usually, this seva is carried out in the late morning hours or afternoon, as the Lord Malayappa gives darshan to his devotees in Garuda Vahanam. The Garuda Bhagawan represents the divine, powerful vehicle of the Lord, symbolizing intense bhakti, speed, strength, and selfless service.

Hanuman Vahanam

Timings: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

In the afternoon, the Lord Malayappa rides on Hanuman Vahana. This Vahana signifies the deep bond that exists between Lord Rama and Hanuman. In Ramayana, Lord Hanuman carries Lord Rama on his shoulder, expressing his pure bhakti and selfless service to his master.

Chakra Snanam

Timings: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

This is the most significant event where the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Venkateshwara is bathed in the sacred waters of Pushkarini Lake. Following this, devotees also take a holy dip in this sacred lake to wash away all their sins and cleanse their souls. The atmosphere is positively charged with the vibrant chant of Vedic mantras and Govinda Namas.

Kalpavruksha Vahanam

Timings: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The Lord Malayappa riding on the Kalpavruksha Vahanam is a significant event in Tirumala. This Vahana represents the heavenly wish-fulfilling Kalpavruksha tree.

Sarvabhupala Vahanam

Timings: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Sarvabhupala Vahanam, carrying Lord Malayappa in the evening, symbolizes the Lord as the king of the Universe. It marks the final grand festival of Mini Brahmotsavam. The Lord is worshipped as the king of all kings and the one who protects dharma.

Chandraprabha Vahanam

Timings: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Lord Malayappa Swamy rides on the splendid Chandraprabha Vahanam in the night. It is carried only at night, as the moon represents coolness.

Like Suryaprabha Vahana, which is performed in the morning when the sun rises, Chandraprabha is performed at night, in the presence of the moon. Both the Sun and Moon represent the two cosmic energies of the universe.

Wish you all a happy and auspicious Ratha Sapthami. May this day bring you all glory and spiritual enlightenment by the grace of Lord Venkateshwara.