Tirumala Rathasapthami 2026, on Sunday, January 25th, marks Surya Bhagavan turning his chariot northward and is celebrated as his birthday, Surya Jayanti. At Tirumala, this manifests as a spectacular one-day Brahmotsavam where Lord Malayappa Swamy blesses devotees from seven sacred vehicles.
This unique festival is a condensed yet profoundly grand spiritual spectacle. For a broader understanding of how such special days fit into the annual calendar of events, you can explore the Tirumala Annual & Periodical Sevas on our comprehensive guide at intirupati.in.
The Divine Schedule: Seven Vahanams in One Day (Tirumala Rathasapthami)
The day is structured around a continuous series of processions, each with its own spiritual significance. Here is the complete schedule for devotees planning their visit:
| Vahanam (Divine Sevas) | Timings |
|---|---|
| Surya Prabha Vahanam | 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM |
| Chinna Sesha Vahanam | 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Garuda Vahanam | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Hanumantha Vahanam | 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM |
| Chakra Snanam | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Kalpavruksha Vahanam | 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Sarvabhupala Vahanam | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Chandra Prabha Vahanam | 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
(Sunrise is at 6:45 AM)
The processions begin with the radiance of the Surya Prabha Vahanam at dawn and conclude with the serene glow of the Chandra Prabha Vahanam at night. A special Chakra Snanam (ceremonial bath of the Sudarshana Chakra) is also performed in the afternoon.
🚫 Important Cancellations and Darshan Updates
To facilitate this grand festival, TTD has announced several important changes for January 25, 2026:
- Cancelled Sevas: The following Arjitha Sevas will not be performed:
- Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana
- Kalyanotsavam (Learn about regular booking procedures in our Kalyanotsavam Seva Booking Guide on intirupati.in)
- Unjal Seva
- Arjita Brahmotsavam
- Sahasra Deepalankara Seva
- Suspended Privilege Darshan: Special darshan queues for NRIs, parents with infants, senior citizens, and the physically challenged will remain closed.
- Darshan Token Information:
- SSD tokens will not be issued in Tirupati from January 24 to 26, 2026.
- All VIP break darshan (except for Protocol VIPs) is cancelled. No recommendation letters will be accepted on January 24.
- Darshan for Pilgrims: Devotees without a specific darshan ticket can join the free darshan queue line, with an expected waiting time of 15 to 18 hours.
- Accommodation: Offline room allotment will be managed at the CRO Office in Tirumala.
Plan Your Pilgrimage for Rathasapthami
Witnessing the Rathasapthami Brahmotsavam is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Given the cancellations and long queues, planning is essential.
For a smooth pilgrimage, utilize our detailed resources on intirupati.in:
- Use the TTD Online Booking Guide to understand the official system for other sevas and accommodations.
- Check the Tirumala Darshan Crowd Status Today feature to gauge general waiting times.
- Read our complete guide on How to Book Tirumala Rs 300 Darshan Tickets for affordable entry options on regular days.
May your visit to the sacred Rathasapthami celebrations be filled with divine blessings and grace.
