Suprabhatam
The 'Suprabhatam' mirrors the cherished pre-dawn ritual at the temple of Lord Venkateswara. This sacred practice unfolds within the Sayana Mandapam, nestled in the heart of the sanctum sanctorum. It serves as a divine awakening, where Lord Venkateswara rouses from His celestial slumber to the resounding echoes of Vedic hymns. Each day, in the tranquil early hours, Acharyapurushas perform these ancient rites, commencing with the mellifluous verses of 'Kausalya Supraja Rama Purva Sandhya Pravarthathe' before the main deity, at Bangaru Vakili. Simultaneously, a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya serenades devotional hymns, celebrating the glory of Lord Venkateswara, in the hallowed corridor of the sanctum sanctorum.
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.
Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam (With Meaning in English)
“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.