Samatha Kumbh 2026 Day 1 Jan 30

It is that time of year when all of us come together to celebrate the day when Swami Ramanuja blessed all of us by appearing in the form of Grand Statue of Equality in Hyderabad. This is third such anniversary. Elders have given the event a name – “Samatha Kumbh” and prescribed that it starts on the day of Ardraa star during the month of Magha as per lunar calendar. Typically it goes on for 11 days and concludes on the day of Chitta star. During this year, we are celebrating from 9th February 2025 to 19th February 2025.

Utsava A:ambha Snapanam

The day started with the rutwiks, in presence of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, offering divine showers to the golden statue of Ramanuja at 8 AM. This marked the beginning of 11-day festivities – “Utsava aarambha snapanam”.

HH Jeeyar Swamiji explained the outline of these Brahmotsavams. These start on the birth star (Ardraa) of Swami Ramanuja and end with the birth star (Chitta) of Lord Rama, who is the presiding deity of Divya Saketa Kshetram. He explained about the structure of upcoming Brahmotsavam festivities.

To mark the beginning of this annual event, a “Samatha Yatra” – possession was arranged in Hyderabad city near Necklace Road. The devotees proceeded to the venue of yatra in buses.

. Sanctum Sanctorum of SoE nicely decorated to start the annual festivities
Swarna Ramanujulu getting ready to accept Abhishekam from archaka swamis.
Abhishekam being offered.
. Sanctum Sanctorum of SoE nicely decorated to start the annual festivities
HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji explained about the Ardraa Abhishekam and the history of Samatha Kumbh.
HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji explained about the Ardraa Abhishekam and the history of Samatha Kumbh.
. Sanctum Sanctorum of SoE nicely decorated to start the annual festivities
Sanctum Sanctorum of SoE nicely decorated to start the annual festivities

Dhwajaarohanam

To mark the beginning of this annual event, a “Samatha Yatra” – possession was arranged in Hyderabad city near Necklace Road. The devotees proceeded to the venue of yatra in buses.

Dhwajaarohanam

Afternoon session started with Vishwaksena Puja. At the beginning of any event, we pray to Vishwaksena to ensure there are no hurdles in conducting that event.

The utsava murtis of Swami Ramanuja and Lord Ramachandra arrived at the venue and oversaw the puja.

HH Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji kept explaining various steps in this puja to the assembled devotees.

The ingredients that will be used in homams are all purified with mantras as prescribed in agamas. This is called ‘Punyaham’. The theertham used in this process was taken to

the devotees and sprinkled on them too, by archaka swamis.

Rutwiks bring the nava-dhanyas (nine types of seeds) and sow them in 12 pots (palikas) in the north-east corner of the yaga-sala. This process is called ‘Ankurarpana’. It is believed that these seeds germinate and grow into nice saplings by the end of event, indicating that the event had been successful / fruitful.

At the end of this program, Vishvaksena swami goes around the entire premises to ensure all the arrangements are done properly for successful conduct of the event. It is called ‘Veedhee-sodhana’.