Every full moon day (Pournami), Tirumala temple comes alive with one of its most spectacular processions – the Pournami Garuda Seva. Lord Malayappa Swamy mounted on the majestic Garuda Vahanam is taken in a grand procession through the four Mada streets, blessing thousands of devotees who gather to witness this divine sight.
What is Pournami Garuda Seva?
The Pournami Garuda Seva is a monthly procession held on every full moon day at Tirumala. During this seva, the processional deity Sri Malayappa Swamy is placed on Garuda Vahanam (the divine eagle vehicle) and taken around the four Mada streets surrounding the main temple.
The timing of this seva is from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, creating a mesmerizing spectacle under the moonlit sky. The combination of temple bells, vedic chants, and the sight of the Lord on his celestial vehicle makes this an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Important Information for Devotees
Timing: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Ticket: Not required – Open to all devotees
Viewing Location: Four Mada Street Galleries
Darshan Integration: Can be combined with regular darshan
Frequency: Every Pournami (Full Moon Day)
Pournami Garuda Seva Schedule – 2026
Below is the complete calendar of Pournami Garuda Seva dates for 2026. Please note that some dates may have special circumstances:
| Month | Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3rd | Saturday | Cancelled (Adhyayanotsavams) |
| February | 1st | Sunday | Confirmed |
| March | 3rd | Tuesday | Lunar Eclipse |
| April | 1st | Wednesday | Confirmed |
| May | 1st & 31st | Friday & Sunday | Double Pournami |
| June | 29th | Monday | Confirmed |
| July | 29th | Wednesday | Confirmed |
| August | 28th | Friday | Confirmed |
| September | 26th | Saturday | Confirmed |
| October | 26th | Monday | Confirmed |
| November | 24th | Tuesday | Confirmed |
| December | 24th | Thursday | Confirmed |
Special Notes for 2026
January 3rd – Cancelled
The Garuda Seva on January 3rd is cancelled due to Adhyayanotsavams, an important scripture recitation festival at the temple. This is an annual occurrence and devotees planning to visit in early January should be aware of this.
March 3rd – Lunar Eclipse
The March Pournami coincides with a Lunar Eclipse, making it a particularly auspicious occasion. Expect larger crowds than usual as many devotees consider this combination highly sacred.
May – Double Pournami
May 2026 is special with two full moon days – on the 1st and 31st. This means devotees have two opportunities to witness Garuda Seva in the same month, which is considered very fortunate.
How to Witness Garuda Seva
Witnessing the Pournami Garuda Seva doesn’t require any special booking or tickets. Here’s how you can experience it:
- Plan Your Visit: Choose a Pournami date from the calendar above and plan your Tirumala trip accordingly.
- Complete Your Darshan: Book and complete your regular darshan during the day (Special Entry Darshan or Sarva Darshan).
- Arrive Early: Reach the Mada street galleries by 6:00 PM to secure a good viewing spot.
- Enter the Galleries: Devotees can enter the viewing galleries along the four Mada streets surrounding the main temple.
- Witness the Procession: The Lord’s procession begins at 7:00 PM and continues until 9:00 PM.
Tips for a Better Experience
Best Viewing Spots: The West Mada Street and North Mada Street generally offer better views of the procession. Try to position yourself near the corners where the procession turns, as it moves slower there.
Crowd Management: Thousands of devotees gather for Garuda Seva. Arriving by 6:00 PM ensures you get a comfortable viewing position without being in a rush.
No Special Tickets Needed: Unlike some special sevas, Garuda Seva doesn’t require separate ticketing. If you’ve booked darshan for that day, you’re all set to watch the procession too.
Combine Darshan and Seva: Many pilgrims plan their temple darshan on Pournami day specifically to witness both the main temple visit and the evening Garuda Seva.
Important: Always verify the Garuda Seva schedule with TTD’s official website 2-3 days before your visit. Occasionally, the seva may be cancelled due to special temple events or rituals. Check www.tirumala.org for the latest updates.
Significance of Garuda Seva
Garuda, the divine eagle, is Lord Vishnu’s primary vehicle and symbolizes speed, power, and unwavering devotion. In Hindu mythology, Garuda represents the soul that soars high above worldly attachments. When Lord Venkateswara appears on Garuda Vahanam during Pournami, it signifies His readiness to protect devotees swiftly and rescue them from difficulties.
The full moon night adds special significance to this procession. In Hindu tradition, Pournami is considered highly auspicious for spiritual activities, and witnessing the Lord’s procession under the full moon is believed to bestow special blessings upon devotees.
What to Expect During the Procession
The Garuda Seva procession moves through all four Mada streets – North, East, South, and West – that encircle the main temple. The processional deity is magnificently decorated, and the Garuda Vahanam itself is an artistic marvel adorned with flowers and traditional decorations.
As the procession moves through each street, temple priests perform traditional rituals, bells ring continuously, and devotional music fills the air. Devotees standing in the galleries get darshan as the Lord passes by their section.
The entire atmosphere becomes charged with devotion, with thousands of devotees chanting “Govinda Govinda” and “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” as the procession moves past them.
Planning Your Trip
Accommodation: If you’re traveling from outside Tirupati, book your accommodation well in advance. Pournami days see higher occupancy rates at both Tirumala and Tirupati hotels.
Travel Arrangements: Plan to reach Tirumala by afternoon, complete your darshan, have your evening meal, and then proceed to the Mada streets for the Garuda Seva.
Return Journey: The seva concludes by 9:00 PM. If you’re staying in Tirupati, keep in mind that buses and taxis will be in high demand immediately after the procession ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate ticket for Garuda Seva?
No, Garuda Seva doesn’t require any special tickets. It’s open to all devotees visiting Tirumala.
Can I watch Garuda Seva without doing temple darshan?
Yes, you can enter the Mada street galleries to watch the procession even if you haven’t done darshan that day.
What time should I arrive?
Reach the Mada street galleries by 6:00 PM to get a good viewing position. The procession starts at 7:00 PM.
Is photography allowed?
Mobile phones are generally permitted in the Mada streets, unlike inside the main temple. However, focus on experiencing the divine moment rather than just capturing it on camera.
Which is the best month to visit for Garuda Seva?
All months offer the same spiritual experience. However, March (Lunar Eclipse) and May (Double Pournami) are particularly special in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Pournami Garuda Seva is one of Tirumala’s most beloved monthly events, offering devotees a unique opportunity to witness Lord Venkateswara in his celestial splendor. The sight of the deity mounted on Garuda under the full moon, surrounded by thousands of devotees in devotional fervor, creates memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular pilgrim, witnessing Garuda Seva adds a special dimension to your Tirumala experience. Plan your visit using the 2026 calendar provided above, and may Lord Venkateswara bless you with a divine darshan.
Om Namo Venkatesaya
For latest updates, visit: TTD Official Website
