Sri Rama Navami Festival observed on Chaitra Shuddha Navami (April 17, 2024) in Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala is of great importance to devotees. The asthanam performed on the auspicious occasion in the presence of Tirumala Venkateswara Swami is spread over two days. Sri Rama Navami Festival in Tirupati Balaji Temple is on April 17, 2024.
Bhagavan Sri Rama was born in Treta Yuga on Chaitra Shukla Navami when the star Punarvasu was in Karkataka Lagna. The avatar was to get rid of Adharma and usher in Dharma.
Hanuman Vahanam
On the first day, that is the Sri Rama Navami day, Hanuman Vahanam will be performed to Lord Sri Rama in the four Mada streets in the evening. Utsava murti of Bhagavan Sri Ram will be taken around the mada streets atop the Hanuman Vahana. Musicians move along with the procession playing traditional musical instruments.
Asthana Utsavam on Sri Rama Navami in Tirupati Balaji Temple
On the day evening, Utsava murtis of Lord Rama, his consort Sita Devi, and his brother Lakshman arrive at the Asthanam in Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam (vehicle) in front of Bangaru Vakili (Golden Threshold). Lord Hanuman also arrives at the Golden Threshold.
Devotees arrive in large numbers to witness the Ram Parivar in front of the temple.
Here different pujas are performed. Naivedyam is offered. Akshat Aropanam is dedicated to the deities here.
A Ramayana book placed on the merciful feet of Lord Rama will be given to the TTD officials. The birth episode of Bhagavan Sri Ram from the Bala Kanda of Ramayana is chanted.
An arati is offered to Bhagavan after reading about his divine birth. Priests and scholars are honored then.
Devotees who participate in the puja and worship are given sandal paste, tambulam and prasadam.
After the completion of the rituals, Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman arrive at the Srivari Sannidhi.
Pattabhisheka Asthanam on the day after Sri Ramanavami
On the auspicious day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha Dasami, the day after Ram Navami, Pattabhisheka Asthanam of Sri Rama is performed. It is the coronation ceremony of Sri Rama. Lord Venkateswara witnesses the event.
After the performances of ‘Pratahkal Aradhana’ and ‘Madhyaanikaalaradhana’ to Lord Venkateswara, Mata Sita, Sri Rama and Lakshmana will be placed in golden ‘tiruchi’ in the evening. Lord Hanuman will be placed in another ‘tiruchi’. They will be decorated with beautiful flower garlands. Beautifully adorned with ornaments and robes, Bhagavan Sri Rama will be placed opposite to Lord Hanuman.
The utsava murtis will then be taken around the four mada streets. Musicians move along with the procession playing traditional musical instruments.
The main ritual then takes place at the Asthana Mandapam situated in front of 'Bangaaru Vaakili’. Lord of the universe, Sri Venkateswara Swami arrives in Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam. Kapi Kula Chakravarthi Sugreeva, his son the young prince Angada and Lord Hanuman seated in the different ‘peethams’ arrive at the Asthana Mandapam and position themselves opposite to Sri Venkateswara Swami.
Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrugna, Vibhishana, Jambavantha, Indra, other gods, kings and emperors and ‘Maharshis like Vasishta, Vamadeva, Valmiki, Vishwamitra, Markandeya arrive to witness the divine ceremony.
In order to protect the universe, Sri Sita Rama Swami occupies the throne bedecked with precious gems. Coronation rituals are performed.
Various pujas, rituals and prayers are performed and it is witnessed by saints, scholars, priests, officials and devotees.
Floral garlands and gem-studded jewelry are presented to Sugriva, Angada and Lord Hanuman.
Sandal paste, ‘tambulam’ and ‘prasadam’ will be distributed to the devotees.
Pattabhisheka Puja ends and the utsava murtis return to their respective abodes.
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