Tirumala Shanivaralu Purattasi 2020 Dates
Published September 23, 2024 · Last updated
Tirumala Shanivaralu Purattasi is a sacred month-long festival celebrated across South India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. This auspicious period, which falls during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October), is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara and holds deep spiritual significance for millions of Hindu devotees. Understanding the dates, customs, and visiting procedures during this important festival month will help you plan a meaningful pilgrimage to the holy Tirumala Temple.
Overview of Purattasi Month and Its Significance
Purattasi, also known as Purattasi Masam in Tamil, is considered one of the most sacred months in the Hindu calendar. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appeared on Earth during this month, making it particularly auspicious for devotees seeking blessings and spiritual fulfillment. The month is celebrated across South India with great devotion and enthusiasm, and Tirumala becomes the focal point for millions of pilgrims during this period.
This month holds special importance for Lord Vishnu devotees, who view it as an ideal time to express gratitude to the deity for preserving the universe at the end of Kali Yuga. The belief system surrounding Purattasi emphasizes the divine appearance of Lord Venkateswara, making every day of this month sacred. Many devotees consider this period as the best time to undertake spiritual practices and seek the blessings of the Lord through dedicated worship and pilgrimage.
Purattasi Month Dates for 2020
In 2020, the Purattasi month began on 17 September and concluded on 16 October. During this entire month, the temple witnesses an unprecedented surge in devotee visits, with Saturdays being particularly significant. The specific dates for Purattasi in 2020 were 17 September 2020 to 16 October 2020, with all Saturdays during this period considered especially holy and auspicious for worship and darshan.
Significance of Saturdays During Purattasi
All Saturdays during the Purattasi month are treated as holy days, with the odd-numbered Saturdays (1st, 3rd, and 5th) holding even greater spiritual significance. Devotees gather in large numbers at Lord Vishnu temples during these days to offer special prayers and seek blessings. The concept of Shanivaralu (Saturday worship) is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, and during Purattasi month, these days become particularly powerful for spiritual practices and devotional activities.
Many devotees observe special customs on Saturdays during this month, including maintaining complete vegetarianism, performing home pujas, and undertaking sacred pilgrimages. Some faithful devotees even walk hundreds of kilometers from their homes to Tirumala, considering this physical journey as an additional form of spiritual merit and auspiciousness. The collective energy of millions of devotees worshiping during these Saturdays makes Tirumala an extraordinarily powerful spiritual destination.
Celebrations and Customs During Purattasi
The observance of Purattasi month involves various traditional customs and celebrations that reflect the deep devotion of Hindu worshippers. Devotees typically maintain a vegetarian diet throughout the month, refraining from consuming meat, fish, and eggs. Many people perform daily pujas in their homes, lighting lamps and offering flowers, fruits, and other offerings to small idols or images of Lord Venkateswara. These personal devotional practices are believed to purify the soul and attract divine blessings.
Beyond individual worship, Tirumala Temple becomes the center of grand celebrations during Purattasi. The temple organizes the Annual Navarathri Brahmotsavam during this month, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. This festival features elaborate rituals, processions, and special ceremonies that continue for several days, attracting lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of devotees from across India and the world. The atmosphere during this time is electric with spiritual energy, devotion, and celebration.
Darshan Procedures During Purattasi 2020
During the Purattasi month of 2020, the Tirumala Temple experienced unprecedented crowd, with darshan queues becoming extremely long, especially on Saturdays. It is important to understand the different darshan options available and how to plan your visit accordingly. The temple typically offers various darshan categories, including free darshan and paid special darshan options, but during this peak period, many special darshan services may be cancelled or have severely limited availability.
For devotees planning to visit during Purattasi, online booking of free darshan through the official TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) website is highly recommended. Those who have successfully booked online are guaranteed darshan access, though waiting periods may be extended. However, it is crucial to note that during this month, VIP darshan and many special entry darshan services may be cancelled due to overwhelming pilgrim numbers. Devotees should prepare for longer waiting times and bring necessary supplies like water, comfortable clothing, and headwear for sun protection.
Tips for Visiting Tirumala During Purattasi
To make your Purattasi pilgrimage comfortable and spiritually fulfilling, consider visiting the temple on weekdays rather than Saturdays if possible, as crowds will be comparatively less intense. Book your free darshan online well in advance through the official TTD website to secure your entry slot and avoid disappointment. Arrive at the temple much earlier than your scheduled darshan time to account for crowds and security procedures.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes suitable for standing in long queues. Carry sufficient water, snacks, and any necessary medications. Women should wear traditional attire or full-coverage clothing as per temple customs. Plan your journey to Tirumala during early morning hours when weather is cooler and crowds may be relatively manageable. Do not carry unnecessary items, as security checks can be time-consuming during peak periods. Maintain patience and remember the spiritual purpose of your visit, as the crowded conditions are part of the sacred experience.
Location and Access Information
Tirumala Temple is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, approximately 150 kilometers from Chennai and about 50 kilometers from Tirupati city. The temple sits at an elevation of 2,200 feet above sea level in the Eastern Ghats mountain range. Tirupati serves as the main transit point, with a well-developed airport, railway station, and bus terminal providing easy access from major cities across India.
Several routes lead to Tirumala, including road routes with regular bus services operated by SETC (State Express Transport Corporation) and private operators. Many pilgrims also prefer trekking on foot via various trekking routes, which typically take 3-4 hours depending on the path chosen. The drive from Tirupati to Tirumala takes approximately 2-3 hours by road, with regular stops available for refreshment and rest.
Nearby Attractions
While in the Tirupati region, devotees can visit the Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple in Tirupati, which is the second most important Vaishnava temple in the region. The Chandragiri Fort, located about 12 kilometers from Tirupati, offers historical significance and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sri Padmavati Temple at Tiruchanur, located near Tirupati, is another important shrine dedicated to the consort of Lord Venkateswara.
The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupati is a popular family destination featuring various species of animals and birds. For those interested in natural beauty, the surrounding hills and forests offer scenic trekking trails and nature walks. These attractions can be visited before or after your Tirumala pilgrimage to make your spiritual journey more comprehensive and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Tirumala during Purattasi month?
Weekdays during Purattasi are relatively less crowded than Saturdays, making them ideal for a more comfortable darshan experience. However, even on weekdays, expect substantial crowds during this sacred month. If you must visit on Saturdays, arriving very early in the morning, preferably before dawn, will help you avoid the worst of the crowds and complete your darshan with less waiting time.
Do I need to book darshan in advance for Purattasi visits?
Yes, advance booking through the official TTD website is highly recommended, especially during Purattasi when crowds are at their peak. Online booking guarantees your entry for free darshan on your chosen date and time slot. Without advance booking, you may face uncertain waiting times or even be unable to secure darshan on busy days.
Are special darshan services available during Purattasi 2020?
During Purattasi 2020, many special darshan services including VIP darshan were cancelled or severely restricted due to overwhelming crowds. Only free darshan with online booking was reliably available. Devotees should not depend on special darshan services during this month and should plan accordingly for the standard free darshan experience.
What should I wear when visiting Tirumala during Purattasi?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that provide good coverage and allow freedom of movement. Women should wear traditional attire or full-coverage clothing as per temple customs. Avoid wearing tight clothes, sleeveless garments, or shorts. Wear comfortable footwear that can be easily removed and carried, as you may need to remove your shoes at various points during your temple visit.
How long does the darshan typically take during Purattasi?
During Purattasi month, darshan queues move slowly due to the enormous number of devotees. A standard darshan experience that might take 1-2 hours during normal times can extend to 4-6 hours or even longer during this peak period. Patience is essential, and devotees should come prepared with water, snacks, and entertainment for the waiting period.
Can I trek to Tirumala during Purattasi month?
Yes, trekking to Tirumala during Purattasi is considered highly auspicious and many devotees choose this spiritual route. However, be prepared for crowded trekking paths, as many pilgrims undertake foot journeys during this month. Ensure you have proper fitness, appropriate trekking gear, sufficient water, and snacks. Start early to complete your trek during daylight hours and reach the temple with enough time for darshan.
Conclusion
Purattasi month holds immense spiritual significance for Lord Venkateswara devotees, offering a sacred opportunity to seek blessings during this auspicious period. In 2020, the month ran from 17 September to 16 October, bringing millions of devotees to Tirumala Temple for worship, darshan, and spiritual fulfillment. By understanding the customs, booking procedures, and practical tips outlined in this guide, you can plan a meaningful and comfortable pilgrimage during this holy month and experience the divine grace of Lord Venkateswara.
