Pallavotsavam at Tirumala

Pallavotsavam at Tirumala

TTD will celebrate Pallavotsavam every year, marking the birth star (Uttarabhadra Nakshatram) of the Mysore Maharaja.

As part of this celebration, after Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, Lord Sri Malayappaswamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi will be taken in a procession to the Karnataka Satram. Representatives of the Karnataka state government and the Mysore royal family will welcome the deities and offer a special harati (ceremonial light offering).

Pallavotsavam has been celebrated in Tirumala for nearly 300 years in memory of the Mysore Maharaja. It was originally called Totostavam. During this festival, prayers and offerings (Naivedyam) are made to the deities at the Karnataka Satrams, and prasadam is distributed to devotees.

Historical significance

The Mysore Maharaja was a devoted follower of Lord Venkateswara and made generous donations to the temple. He also gifted several vahanams (ceremonial vehicles) used during the Brahmotsavams, including the Garuda, Gaja, Muthyapu Pandiri, Sarvabhupala, Ashwa, Suryaprabha, and Chandraprabha vahanams. He also had a special palanquin made using elephant tusks with beautiful craftsmanship, used in the Palanquin (Pallaki) procession on the fifth day of Brahmotsavam.

He also started a tradition — still followed today — of offering Navaneeta Harati every day before the Suprabhata Seva, on behalf of the Mysore royal family, and providing 5 kg of ghee daily for the Brahma Deepam and Maharaja Deepam, the sacred eternal lamps in the temple.

In his memory, a special Asthanam (royal court ceremony) is held every month on the day of Uttarabhadra Nakshatram at 7:30 PM in the temple. A special harati in the Mysore Maharaja’s name is also offered during the Ugadi, Deepavali and Aanivara Asthanams. Additionally, on the occasion of Uttlotsavam during Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Lord Sri Malayappaswamy is taken to the Karnataka Satrams as well.