Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Centuries-Old Karthika Vanabhojanam Tradition Revived at Tirumala
Imagine a very old tradition in Tirumala called Karthika Vanabhojanam that happened on Sunday.
This special event, which started about 500 years ago, is about honoring a god named Sri Malayappa Swamy.
First, the god was taken on a special decorated palanquin to a spot in the forest.
Then, everyone, including many people who came to visit, got to eat a special community meal together with the god present.
There were also music and storytelling performances to make the day extra special and devotional.
This tradition was stopped for a while but was brought back a few years ago, and this year it was held in its original forest location after a long time.
The centuries-old Karthika Vanabhojanam tradition was celebrated at Paruveta Mandapam in Tirumala on Sunday.
The event, dating back to the 16th century and revived by TTD in 2010, saw a large turnout of devotees.
Sri Malayappa Swamy was taken in procession to the Paruveta Mandapam for rituals including Snapana Tirumanjanam and a community meal.
Devotional music and Harikatha performances were organized by the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad and Annamacharya Project.
Certain daily rituals (arjita sevas) like Kalyanotsavam and Unjal Seva were cancelled for the day due to the festival.
- Who
- Devotees, Sri Malayappa Swamy, Ubhaya Nachiyars, Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad, Annamacharya Project, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
- What
- Observation of Karthika Vanabhojanam, a centuries-old tradition involving processions, special rituals, a community meal, and devotional performances.
- When
- Sunday, during Karthika Masam
- Where
- Paruveta Mandapam in Tirumala
- Why
- To observe a historical and devotional tradition, honor the deities, and provide devotees with a spiritual experience.
Traditional Practice
Revival Efforts
Venue Continuity
Traditional Practice
The tradition was traditionally held at Paruveta Mandapam, which is approximately 2 km inside the forest.
Revival Efforts
Due to rains in previous years (2020 onwards), the event had to be shifted from its traditional venue, but this year it returned to the original location after a five-year gap.
Historical Significance
Traditional Practice
The Vanabhojanam tradition dates back to the 16th century, initiated by Tallapaka Pedda Tirumalacharyulu.
Revival Efforts
The practice had declined and was discontinued until the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) revived it in 2010.
- Event
- Karthika Vanabhojanam
- Location
- Paruveta Mandapam, Tirumala
- Occasion
- Karthika Masam
- Historical Origin
- 16th century, initiated by Tallapaka Pedda Tirumalacharyulu
- Revival
- Revived by TTD in 2010, returned to traditional venue in 2024 after five years
- Activities
- Procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy, Ubhaya Nachiyars; Snapana Tirumanjanam; Community meal; Devotional music; Harikatha
- Cancelled Sevas
- Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankara Seva
Sources
Karthika Deepotsavam Lights Up Nellore In Divine Splendour
CP reviews arrangements for Bhavani Deeksha Viramana
EO reviews developmental works on Indrakeeladri
Mass Satyanarayana Swamy vratham held
Karthika Masam Rituals Go Local, Revive Water Bodies
Devotees Witness Grand Arudrotsavam During Swarna Rathotsavam in Srisailam
