Pavithrotsavam is the ritual to ward off any shortcomings in the daily poojas that is being done to Lord Balaji at the world famous Tirumala Venkateswara Tirupati Temple. In 2024, the rituals begin on August 15 and ends on August 17. Pavithrotsavam means purification festival. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams celebrates Pavithrotsavam ritual for 3 days in Shravan month from Sravana Suddha Dasami, Ekadasi and Dwadasi.
Pavithrotsavam in Tirumala 2024
August 14, 2024 - Ankurarpanam
August 15, 2024 - Pavithra Prathista
August 16, 2024 - Pavithra Samarpana
August 17, 2024 - Poornahuti
Importance of Pavithrotsavam in Tirupati Temple
The significance of this ritual is that on this day the priests symbolically seek pardon from the Lord for their acts of all omissions and commissions; committed knowingly or unknowingly while performing pujas and rituals in the temple during the course of the year.
In this utsavam, Pavithra garlands are adorned on Sri Venkateswara Swami, Sri Varaha Swami, Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swami and all the main Deities along with Utsava murtis.
History of Pavithrotsavam
This ritual has a history of more than five hundred years.
Pavithrotsavam ritual, which is celebrated once in a year, was first instituted by Salva Mallaiah Deva Raja in 1463 A.D. at Tirumala, during the period of Saluva Narasimha as per the inscription No. 157, present in Srivari Temple.
As this festival is celebrated for 3 days, during these three days, Thirumanjanam, Pavithrams Samarpana and Homan are performed to the utsava murtis.
As a prelude to this purification festival, Ankurarpanam is performed a day before where in nine types of cereals are sowed in an earthen container to mark the beginning of the festival.
First Day of Pavithrotsavam
On first day of Pavithrotsavam, Homam is performed followed by Snapana Thirumanjanam (celestial bath) to the processional deities with sandal, turmeric, milk, curd, honey etc. In the evening, the processional deities are taken out for a ride around the four mada streets, blessing pilgrims who converge to witness the grandeur of Lord Malayappa Swamy, draped in dazzling Gold and Diamond jewels.
Second Day of Pavithrotsavam
On the second day, after Snapana Thirumanjanam (the celestial bath) a special puja is performed to the woven sacred silk threads called 'Pavithrams', they are the sanctified threads. A unique aspect of this thread is that it is made up of five colors i.e. black, blue, red, yellow and green. Pavithrams will be tied around the head, neck, waist etc. of the Lord. They are also tied to various deities inside the temple and inside the prakaram including Ananda Nilaya, Vimana Venkateswara Swamy, Yoga Narasimha Swamy etc. These holy silk threads are woven out of a special variety at high quality cotton.
Third Day of Pavithrotsavam
On the third day after removing of garlands, the sacred Homam is performed followed by Snapana Thirumanjanam, followed by rituals like Visesha Samarpana, procession along four mada streets and concludes with purnahuti which takes place inside the main temple. Pavithrotsavam ritual comes to an end.