Also known as Balaji Jayanti Tirupati Balaji Jayanti, is an important Hindu festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Balaji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. With special prayers and rituals, devotees gather to seek the divine blessings of Lord Balaji for happiness, prosperity and salvation.
Let us know about the date, significance and rituals of this revered festival.
When is Tirupati Balaji Jayanti in 2024?
Tirupati Balaji Jayanti will be celebrated in 2024 Monday, December 23. According to reports, Ashtami Tithi will start at 2:32 pm on December 22 and end at 5:08 pm on December 23. Devotees all over India, especially in the southern states, celebrate this holy day with great devotion.
Importance of Tirupati Balaji Jayanti
Balaji Jayanti holds immense spiritual significance as it commemorates the day when Lord Balaji incarnated on earth for the upliftment of humanity and ridding the world of evil. Lord Balaji, known as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered for his grace and blessings. The festival is most prominently celebrated at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, a spiritual centre, considered to be the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.
Devotees express their faith and devotion by worshiping Lord Balaji, also known as Lord Venkatesh, with rituals and prayers. It is believed that celebrating Balaji Jayanti brings peace, prosperity and divine blessings in a person’s life.
Balaji Jayanti rituals and celebrations
Balaji Jayanti is marked by grand celebrations, including:
Temple Rituals: As a form of dedication and devotion devotees wake up early, take bath and visit temples to perform rituals such as Angapradakshina (circumambulating the temple by rolling on the ground).
Maha Aarti: Tirupati Balaji Temple organizes a grand evening aarti, which is attended by thousands of devotees. The temple is decorated with flowers and Lord Balaji is dressed in new clothes and jewellery.
Naivedya and Prasad: Sacred offerings like kumkum, garlands and sweets are offered to Lord Balaji. After the ceremony, Prasad was distributed to the devotees.
Chanting of Vedic mantras: Chanting mantras like Om Namo Narayan on this day is considered extremely auspicious and purifying.
Devotion Acts: Many devotees offer their hair to Lord Balaji as a symbol of humility and dedication, getting rid of ego and negative emotions.
Spiritual essence of Balaji Jayanti
The rituals and devotions associated with Balaji Jayanti are believed to bring the soul closer to the divine. By worshiping Lord Balaji, devotees seek his blessings for a full and prosperous life. Preparations for the festival begin several days in advance, the temples are thoroughly cleaned and beautifully decorated.
Balaji Jayanti exemplifies the enduring faith in the blessings of Lord Balaji, inspiring millions of people to participate in this holy festival with devotion and love.
