Ratha Saptami, also known as Magha Saptami, will be celebrated at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on January 25 with great religious fervour. Considered highly auspicious, the festival marks the birth of Sun God Surya, who is believed to have bestowed knowledge upon the world, according to Vedic scriptures.
On this sacred day, Lord Malayappa Swamy, along with his consorts, will take a grand procession through the four mada streets of the Tirumala temple on seven different vahanas in a single day. Devotees regard Ratha Saptami as equivalent to Mini Brahmotsavams, making it one of the most significant annual festivals at Tirumala.
Seven Vahana Sevas Schedule
The celebrations will begin before sunrise and continue late into the night. The vahana sevas are scheduled as follows:
Surya Prabha Vahana at 6:45 AM
Chinna Sesha Vahana from 9:00 AM
Garuda Vahana from 11:00 AM
Hanumantha Vahana from 1:00 PM
Chakra Snanam between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Kalpavriksha Vahana from 4:00 PM
Sarvabhoopala Vahana from 6:00 PM
Chandra Prabha Vahana from 8:00 PM
Thousands of devotees are expected to witness the vahana sevas and seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
TTD Arrangements and Service Cancellations
In view of the massive turnout, TTD has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth darshan and crowd management. As part of festival protocols, arjitha sevas such as Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva have been cancelled for the day.
However, daily rituals like Suprabhatam, Thomala Seva, and Archana will be performed privately by temple priests. TTD has advised devotees to plan their visit accordingly and follow temple guidelines during the festival.
Ratha Saptami holds immense spiritual importance, and devotees believe that witnessing the Lord on all seven vahanas in a single day brings divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
