Paruveta Utsavam is observed on the Kanuma day at the Tirupati
Balaji Temple in Tirumala. It falls on the day after Sankranti celebrations. Paruveta
Utsavam 2025 date is January 15.
It commemorates the hunting expedition of Lord Venkateswara to
Narayanavanam.
He happened to see Goddess Padmavathi while he was chasing a
wild elephant. That is why the Paruveta (hunting) is celebrated on the day of
Kanuma at Tirumala every year.
How is Paruveta Utsavam Observed?
Lord Malayappa wears hunting dress, head guard and five weapons such as Sudarshana Chakra, Panchajanya Conch, Nandaka Sword, Kaumodaki Gada and Sarga bow besides Sword, Shield and Sphere, boarding Silver Chariot and reaches Paruveta Mandapa in Papavinasanam road nearly two kilometers away from temple by procession. Along with Lord Venkateswara, Lord Krishna as well reaches Paruveta Mandapa where both of them are made to sit and conduct musical and cultural concerts are organized at 2 PM by singing the songs of Annamayya.
In the evening offerings are made to Lord. After that Lord Krishna on the invitation of Sannidhi Golla visits their habitat, eats butter and returns to Paruveta Mandapam. At that moment Sannidhi Golla as a token of a love and gratitude offers burning camphor and appellations to the Lord.
After that Lord Srinivasa starts Hunting. Even the Archaka swamis follow the Lord with weapons to hunt animals, three times forward and three times backward and receive Harathi. Ultimately, returns to the Temple. With this, the Paruveta Utsavam comes to an end.