Kaisika Dwadasi procession of Ugra Srinivasa Murty in Tirumala on 13 November

Tirupati:The annual Kaisika Dwadasi procession featuring the rarely-seen idol of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murty will be held in Tirumala on 13 November. This unique event, honouring devotion and tradition, takes place before sunrise, followed by the Kaisika Dwadasi Asthanam.

Among the five main idols, or Pancha Beras, in Tirumala, Ugra Srinivasa represents Lord Venkateswara’s anger aspect. Historically, this idol served as the primary processional deity, though the tradition changed after a fire accident in the 14th century when sunlight fell on the idol. To prevent similar incidents, the procession now occurs exclusively before dawn.

Kaisika Dwadasi is celebrated in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, recounting the story of Nambaduvan, a devout worshipper, and his encounter with the cursed Brahma Rakshasa Soma-Sharma. Nambaduvan’s honesty led to Soma-Sharma's liberation from his curse. On this day, scholars recite the Kaisika Puranam in the Bangaru Vakili hall from 6 am to 7.30 am, adding to the festival’s spiritual significance.