Introduction
The
Pallavotsavam is one of the unique traditional festivals observed by the
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in honor of the erstwhile
Maharaja of Mysore, whose devotion and generous contributions to Lord
Venkateswara continue to be remembered even today.
On July 22, 2026, TTD will celebrate this centuries-old festival at Tirumala. The event commemorates the birth star (Janma Nakshatra) of the Mysore Maharaja and features a special procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi to the Karnataka Choultries, where special honors are offered by representatives of the Karnataka Government and the Mysore royal family.
Quick
Information
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Festival
Name |
Pallavotsavam |
|
Temple |
Sri
Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala |
|
Organized
By |
Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) |
|
Date |
July
22, 2026 |
|
Occasion |
Birth
Star of the erstwhile Mysore Maharaja |
|
Main
Deities |
Sri
Malayappa Swamy with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi |
|
Special
Event |
Procession
to Karnataka Choultries |
|
Special
Ritual |
Harathi
by Karnataka Government representatives and Mysore Royal Family |
|
Festival
Heritage |
Over
300 years old |
About
the Festival
Pallavotsavam
is a historic temple festival that reflects the long-standing spiritual
relationship between the Mysore Royal Family and Sri Venkateswara
Swamy of Tirumala.
The
festival is celebrated every year on the birth star of the former Maharaja of
Mysore as a mark of gratitude for his immense service to the temple. It
continues to preserve a centuries-old tradition that symbolizes royal devotion
and unwavering faith in Lord Venkateswara.
After the Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, the Utsava Murthies—Sri Malayappa Swamy, Sri Devi, and Bhu Devi—are taken in a grand ceremonial procession to the Karnataka Choultries amid Vedic chanting and temple honors.
History
The
Pallavotsavam has been observed for more than 300 years.
The
erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore was one of the greatest patrons of the
Tirumala temple. He introduced several devotional traditions that continue even
today.
Among
his most significant contributions are:
- Institution
of the Navaneetha Harathi before Suprabhatam.
- Daily
donation of 5 kilograms of pure ghee for the Brahma Deepa
and Maharaja Deepa.
- Continued
support for temple rituals and traditions.
Even after centuries, TTD faithfully continues these customs, honoring the Maharaja's devotion through the annual Pallavotsavam.
Day-wise
Schedule
July
22, 2026 (Wednesday)
Evening
- Sahasra
Deepalankara Seva at Tirumala Temple.
- Utsava
Murthies of Sri Malayappa Swamy with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are brought out
in procession.
- Grand
ceremonial procession to the Karnataka Choultries.
- Representatives
of the Karnataka Government offer special Harathi.
- Members of
the Mysore Royal Family present ceremonial honors and Harathi.
- Traditional temple rituals conclude the celebrations.
Important
Vahana Sevas
Unlike
Brahmotsavams, Pallavotsavam does not include multiple Vahana Sevas.
The
key highlight of the festival is:
- Ceremonial
Procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi
- Procession
following Sahasra Deepalankara Seva
- Special
Harathi at Karnataka Choultries
- Traditional honors to the Mysore Royal Family
Darshan
Information
Visitors
planning to witness Pallavotsavam should note the following:
- Regular
darshan remains available as per TTD schedule.
- The
procession takes place after Sahasra Deepalankara Seva.
- Devotees are
advised to reach the temple premises early.
- Follow TTD
instructions regarding crowd management and security.
- Expect
increased pilgrim footfall during the evening procession.
Travel
Information
By
Road
Tirumala
is well connected by APSRTC and private buses from Tirupati and major cities
across South India.
By
Rail
The
nearest railway station is Tirupati Railway Station, approximately 22
km from Tirumala.
By
Air
The
nearest airport is Tirupati International Airport (Renigunta), located
around 40 km from Tirumala.
Local
Transport
- APSRTC buses
operate round the clock between Tirupati and Tirumala.
- Taxis and cab
services are readily available.
- Free shuttle
buses are available within Tirumala for pilgrims.
Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
When is Pallavotsavam celebrated in 2026?
It
will be observed on July 22, 2026.
2.
Why is Pallavotsavam celebrated?
The
festival commemorates the birth star of the erstwhile Mysore Maharaja,
who made significant contributions to Tirumala Temple.
3.
Which deities participate in the procession?
Sri
Malayappa Swamy, Sri Devi, and Bhu Devi.
4.
What is the main attraction of the festival?
The
ceremonial procession to the Karnataka Choultries and the special Harathi
offered by representatives of Karnataka and the Mysore Royal Family.
5.
How old is this tradition?
The
Pallavotsavam tradition has been observed for over 300 years.
6.
Is there any special darshan for devotees?
TTD
generally continues its regular darshan schedule, while devotees can witness
the evening procession subject to crowd management.
Conclusion
The
Pallavotsavam is much more than an annual temple celebration—it is a
living tribute to the unwavering devotion of the Mysore Maharaja toward Lord
Sri Venkateswara. For over three centuries, this sacred tradition has
preserved the bond between the Mysore royal family and the Tirumala temple
through rituals, processions, and offerings that continue uninterrupted even
today. Devotees visiting Tirumala on July 22, 2026, will have the
opportunity to witness this unique festival, reflecting the rich spiritual
heritage and timeless traditions upheld by TTD.