Pavitrotsavam (Pavitra Aarohanam)

Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala (and the divya-desam deity at each temple)

Sri Vaishnava

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Pavitrotsavam — the annual three-day Pancharatra-prescribed purification festival at every Sri Vaishnava divya-desam, celebrated in Aadi or Avani (Jul-Aug). The pavitra-malas (sacred multi-threaded garlands of gold, silver, silk, cotton, and pancha-pattu) are placed on the moolavar deity to atone for any inadvertent errors in the year's worship.

Dates 2026–2027

August 5, 2026July 26, 2027

Mantra

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Salutations to Bhagavan Vasudeva — the Dvadashakshara mantra recited during the Pavitra-aarohanam.

How to recite

Pavitrotsavam runs for three days at Tirumala (and most divya-desams) in Aadi or Avani (July-August). On Day 1 (Pavitra-aarohanam), pavitra-malas (sacred threads) made from gold, silk, and pancha-pattu are placed on the deity to atone for any errors in the year's worship. Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama daily through the festival.

Benefits

The Pavitrotsavam is the annual purification festival prescribed by the Pancharatra agama. The pavitra-malas correct any defects (apacharas) committed in the year's worship of the deity. Without it, the temple worship cannot continue — it is the most essential utsavam for the priestly community.

✦ Special Note

Tirumala-Tirupati's Pavitrotsavam is the largest. The festival is essential for the continuity of agama-prescribed temple worship — without it, the priestly community cannot resume regular worship in the new year. Dates follow the SriVaishnava Calendar of Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashramam (andavan.org/srivaishnavacalendar/), Tenkalai convention; Vadakalai households may observe Ahobila Mutt Panchangam dates, which can differ by a day on some Ekadashi/Utsav observances.

Foods Allowed

Tirupati laddu — the iconic prasadamSundal (chickpea or peanut with coconut)Sakkarai pongal and akkaravadisalCoconut rice and curd riceVada and dosa (made with sendha namak if fasting)Fresh fruits — banana, mango, pomegranateMilk, curd, ghee, panchamritTulsi-charanamritaTilaka-prasadam (turmeric, kumkum, vibhuti)

Foods to Avoid

Onion, garlic, drumstick — alwaysMeat, fish, eggs, alcoholAnything not first offered via the Pavitra-mala on the deity

Meal Idea

Tirupati laddu and sakkarai pongal as morning naivedya; sundal and curd rice for the noon abhisheka prasad; vada and akkaravadisal for the evening Pavitra-naivedya.

Related vrats

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Andal Tirunakshatram (Aadi Pooram) — August 1, 2026Same tradition and category
Brahmotsavam (Tirumala / Srirangam) — September 15, 2026Same tradition and category
Garuda Sevai (Tirunangur Eleven Divya-Desams · Thai Amavasai) — February 6, 2027Same tradition and category
Sri Manavala Mamuni Tirunakshatram (Aippasi Tiruvadirai) — November 3, 2026Same tradition and category
Nammazhwar Tirunakshatram (Vaikasi Visakam) — May 31, 2026Same tradition and category

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