|
'Suprabhatam' is the first and foremost pre-dawn seva performed in the temple of
Lord Venkateswara. This ritual is performed at Sayana Mandapam inside sanctum sanctorum
to wake up the Lord from His celestial sleep, amidst the rhythmic chanting of vedic
hymns.Every day in the early hours acharyapurushas recite the hymns beginning with
'Kausalya Supraja Rama Purva Sandhya Pravarthathe’ in front of the main deity at
Bangaru Vakili, while on the other hand, a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya
sings some songs penned by the great saint poet in praise of Lord Venakteswara at
the first corridor of the sanctum sanctum at the same time.
|
'Suprabhatam' is a Sanskrit term which literally
means “Good Morning”. This particular hymn
consists of four parts including Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapatti and Mangalasasanam
|
Suprabhatam-It means the awakening of Lord from His divine sleep and it consists
of 29 slokas.
|
Stotram-These are the hymns in praise of Lord, consisting 11 slokas.
|
Prapatti-Meaning Total Surrender to the lord and it has 16 stanzas.
|
Mangalasasanam-It is the prayer sung in the glory of Lord consisting 14 stanzas.
|
Thus, Suprabhatam, composed by Prativadi Bhayankara Annan, a disciple of the celebrated
Vaishnava Preceptor, Manavala Mamuni consists of a total of 70 slokas.
|
This arjitha seva is performed before the Bangaru Vakili, after which the Bhoga
Srinivasa Murthy(silver replica of the main deity and is also known as “Dhruva Beram”)
who was laid to bed in the “Sayana Mantapa”
is shifted back to “Garbha Griha” to commence
His activities for the day. Archakas, jeeyangars, temple authorities and the Grihastha
pilgrims who purchase tickets for Suprabhatam’, worship the Lord during this early
morning seva and feel immense solace with the first glimpse of His Divine Charm
that which cannot be described in mere words.
|
Immediately after completing the 'Suprabhatam',
Bangaru Vakili is kept open. The ritual lasts for over 30 minutes. (Suprabhata seva
will not be performed in Dhanurmasa. Instead, 'Tiruppavai'
is recited during this time.)
|
The worship of Lord Venkateswara during Suprabhatam is considered highly meritorious.
'Suprabhata seva', tickets can be booked in
advance.
|
|
|
|
“Kousalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya pravarthathe
Uttishta Narasardula karthavyamdhaivamanhikam”
|
O Rama! Great Son of Kausalya, the Sun is about to rise in the Eastern skies; please
arise to offer the early morning oblations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|