Tirumala Decked Up for Annual Srivari Teppotsavam

The preparations for the annual Srivari Teppotsavam in Tirumala have been completed. The five-day festival will be held from March 9 to March 13, during which the deities will be taken on a ceremonial boat ride in Swami Pushkarini from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM every evening. The event takes place in the Phalguna month, starting from Shuddha Ekadashi to Purnima.

For the festival, the Pushkarini has been beautifully decorated, and engineering officials have specially prepared the Teppam (float), adorning it with traditional floral decorations and cut flowers. The area has been illuminated with electric lights, and water showers have been installed around the float to enhance the spectacle. A tight security arrangement has been made, with rescue divers stationed for safety.

The Teppotsavam involves taking the deity on a boat ride in the temple pond, known in Tamil as “Thirupalli Odai Thirunal” and in Telugu as “Teppa Tirunallu”. Historical records suggest that the festival has been conducted in Tirumala since ancient times. In 1468, Sri Saluva Narasimha Raya constructed the Neerali Mandapam at the center of Pushkarini to facilitate the Teppotsavam. Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, a 15th-century saint-poet, also praised these celebrations in his compositions. The festival, held under the moonlight at the onset of summer, is a visual treat for devotees.

On the first day, Sri Rama, accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, will be taken in a procession through Mada Streets before embarking on a three-round float ride in Pushkarini. On the second day, Sri Krishna with Rukmini will follow the same ritual. During the last three days, Sri Malayappa Swami with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi will complete three, five, and seven rounds, respectively, blessing the devotees.

Due to Teppotsavam, the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) has canceled the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva on March 9 and 10 and the Arjitha Brahmotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva on March 11, 12, and 13.