TTD Celebrates Ratha Saptami at Tirumala with Grand Festivities

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) observed Ratha Saptami on Tuesday, commemorating Surya Jayanti with religious fervor. The event drew thousands of devotees to witness the sacred moment when the first rays of the sun illuminated the feet of Lord Venkateswara at 6:48 a.m.

Celebrated annually on the seventh day of Magha Shuddha, Ratha Saptami is regarded as Ardha Brahmotsavam, Mini Brahmotsavam, or One-Day Brahmotsavam. The deity, Sri Malayappa Swamy, is taken on a procession across various vahanas, including Suryaprabha, Chinnashesha, Garuda, Hanuman, Kalpavriksha, Sarvabhupala, and Chandraprabha. The tradition of observing Ratha Saptami in Tirumala has been recorded since 1564 AD.

From sunrise to moonrise, the deity is carried across different vahanas, symbolizing divine grace. Devotees arrive in large numbers to participate in the celebrations and seek blessings.

The highlight of Ratha Saptami is the Suryaprabha Vahana Seva, held from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Devotees gathered at dawn to witness the momentous occasion when the sun’s rays touched the feet of Sri Venkateswara. Chanting devotional hymns, thousands of worshippers offered prayers, expressing their reverence.

Believed to be a source of vitality and healing, the sun plays a significant role in religious traditions. Known as Suryanarayana, the celestial body is considered a representation of Srimannarayana. Devotees believe that seeking darshan of Suryanarayana bestows longevity, health, and prosperity.

The divine illumination at Tirumala during the Ratha Saptami festival is regarded as a blessing, signifying spiritual consciousness and well-being for all devotees.

TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, along with Governing Council members Jyothula Nehru, M.S. Raju, Panabaka Lakshmi, Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, N. Sadashiv Rao, and Naresh, participated in the festivities.