Salakatla Vasanthotsavam
is a grand three-day annual spring festival celebrated in Tirumala during the
Chaitra month (March–April). This year, it will be observed from March 30 to
April 01, marking the arrival of the spring season with divine rituals and
colorful processions.
Historical Background
According to temple
legend, Vasanthotsavam was introduced during the reign of King Achyutaraya
in the 1460s. The festival was designed to provide soothing relief to the
deities from the scorching sun of spring through aromatic baths and rituals.
Rituals and Ceremonies
- Ankurarpanam:
The sowing of nine kinds of seeds, performed on the day of Uttarabhadra
star, one day before the festival begins.
- Punyahavachanam:
Purification rites conducted by temple priests.
- Vasthu Santhi:
Worship of natural forces and deities.
- Samprokshanam:
Sprinkling of holy water symbolizing purification.
Note: These rituals are
performed by priests and are not open to the public.
Festival Highlights
- Day 1 & Day 2:
- Sri Malayappa Swamy and His consorts
are brought to the beautifully decorated Vasanta Mandapam.
- Snapana Tirumanjanam (Abhisekham)
– Holy bath with aromatic ingredients is performed.
- On the morning of Day 2, the deities
parade on the Swarna Ratham along the four mada streets, blessing
devotees.
- Day 3:
- Procession of Sri Rama with Sita,
Lakshmana, and Anjaneya, and Sri Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama,
along with Malayappa Swamy and His consorts.
- At the end of the procession, all
Utsava Murthies are brought back to Vasanta Mandapam for Snapana
Tirumanjanam.
Seva Cancellations
During the three days of
Vasanthotsavam, TTD has cancelled the following sevas:
- Kalyanotsavam
- Unjal Seva
- Arjita Brahmotsavam
- Sahasra Deepalankara Seva
- Astadala Padapadmaradhana (on March
31)
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