Ugadi Asthanam

Ugadi Asthanam is the first of all kinds of festivals and celebrations offered to Sri Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swami at Tirumala for a full length of a year. This takes place on the first day of the Chaitra masa according to Lunar Calendar.

The Daily ritual of Srivari Koluvu which is performed every day between Tomalaseva and Archana is performed with the special name Srivari Asthanam on the first day of the Lunar Calendar.

On the day of Ugadi, after the first bell, Sri Malayappa Swami comes to the golden entrance along with his consorts in the Sarva Bhupala Vahanam. His Commander Vishwaksena is placed on another pedestal facing south.

There will be Panchanga Shravanam after presenting to the Lord Special Silk clothes, food, and akshataropamn (auspicious turmeric rice).

All the details of panchangam (Hindu Calendar) like tithi vara and nakshatra besides the results for the year and other affairs related to the country and times are reported to Lord Srinivasa.

Koluvu or Asthanam is nothing but the Royal Assembly of Sri Venkateswara. Daily Koluvu is performed as a ritual in the presence of a limited gathering of officers and priests. This Asthanam as the first Annual Event is celebrated in the presence of many officials, Vedic Scholars, Archakas, and Devotees.

The day on which Srivari Asthanam is celebrated is the 'Padyami' or 'Pratipat Thithi' of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra Month or the First day of every New Lunar Year. This Asthanam is performed in the 'Tirumahamani Mandapa' which is also called 'Ganta Mandapa' in a place just opposite to Garuda’s Idol.

Devotees take the blessings of the Lord with a prayer that the new year should be the happiest for all mankind, “sarvejana sukhinobhavantu”. Asthana is the first annual event celebrated. Special decorations are made around the temple marking the beginning of the Telugu New Year.