Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana Anjanelya Bless Devotees on Float on the First Day

The annual Salakatla Teppotsavams at Tirumala commenced on Thursday evening in a grand manner. 

The Utsava deities of Sri Rama Chandra Murthy, along with Sita Devi, Lakshmana Swamy and Anjaneya, gave divine darshan to the devotees while seated on a beautifully decorated float adorned with flowers and illuminated with electric lights on the sacred waters of Swami Pushkarini.

Earlier in the evening at 6 PM, the procession of the Utsava deities passed through the four mada streets of the temple before reaching Swami Pushkarini.

On the first day, Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana Anjaneya Swamy circumambulated the Pushkarini thrice on the float, blessing the devotees. 

The Teppotsavam was conducted in a festive spiritual atmosphere amidst Vedic Mantras, devotional music and auspicious sounds besides the rhythmic Govinda Nama chants by scores devotees who converged to witness the Teppotsavams.

History of Teppotsavams:

The five-day annual Teppotsavams conducted at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple are traditionally known as “Teppa Tirunallu.” 

During these celebrations, the deity gives darshan to devotees while gracefully gliding on ornamented floats in the sacred Swami Pushkarini. The festival symbolises divine grace that protects devotees from being overwhelmed by the ocean of worldly existence. The term ''Teppa'' refers to a boat or a raft.

Every year, the Teppotsavams are held from Ekadashi to Pournami during the Phalguna/Chaitra maasas.(February -March)

In 1468 AD, Sri Saluva Narasimha Raya constructed the ''Neerali Mandapam'' at the centre of the Pushkarini and developed arrangements for the Teppotsavams.

His son, Pedda Tirumalayya, later undertook the renovation of the Pushkarini and, as recorded in inscriptions, separated the Swami Pushkarini and Varaha Pushkarini.

The 15th-century saint-poet Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya glorified the Teppotsavams of Tirumala in his compositions. Though the festival was discontinued for a period, it was revived in 1921.

TTD Chairman Sri B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Sri Muddada Ravichandra, Additional EO Sri Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, CV&SO Sri Muralikrishna and other officials participated in the first day event.