Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Suprabhata Seva

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Suprabhata Seva

Suprabhata Seva is the first and foremost pre-dawn ritual that is performed to Lord Venkateswara in a day in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Suprabhatham is a Sanskrit term which means Good Morning. The ritual is performed in Sayana Mandapam inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to wake up Lord Venkateswara from his celestial sleep by singing sacred Sanskrit hymns. 

Every day in the early hours acharya purushas recite the hymns beginning with 'Kausalya Supraja Rama Purva Sandhya Pravarthathe’ in front of the main deity at Bangaru Vakili, while on the other hand, a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya sings some songs penned by the great saint poet in praise of Lord Venkateswara at the first corridor of the sanctum at the same time.

Suprabhatham was composed by Prativadi Bhayankara Annan, a disciple of the celebrated Vaishnava Preceptor, Manavala Mamuni consists of a total of 70 slokas. All 70 slokas are divided into four categories which include;

·        Suprabhatham (Waking the Lord): 29 slokas

·        Stotram (Hymns to praise the Lord): 11 slokas

·        Prapthi (Surrender to the Lord): 16 slokas

·        Mangalasasanam (Prayer to the Lord's Glory): 14 slokas

After Suprabhatham, Melukolupu is held during which Sankeerthanas of Annamacharya are sung by his descendants at Bangaru Vakili (golden entrance). The entire Seva lasts for 30 minutes. This Arjitha Seva is performed before the Bangaru Vakili, after which the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy (silver replica of the main deity and is also known as Dhruva Beram) who was laid to bed in the Sayana Mandapam is shifted back to Garbha Griha to commence his activities for the day.

Archakas, jeeyangars, temple authorities and the Grihastha pilgrims who purchase tickets for Suprabhatham, worship the Lord during this early morning Seva. Suprabhata Seva will not be performed in Dhanurmasa. Instead, Tiruppavai is recited during this time. The worship of Lord Venkateswara during Suprabhatham is considered highly meritorious.