After celebrating Vinayagar Chaturthi, Hindus are getting ready to welcome the month of Purattasi. This Tamil month falls between mid-September and mid-October. Purattasi Saturday (Sani) is primarily dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is worshipped for wealth.
In 2026, the Purattasi month begins on September 18, 2026 (Friday)
The Purattasi month culminates on October 17, 2026 (Saturday)
Purattasi Saturday (Sani) dates in 2026
1. 19 September 2026 - Saturday – First week Purattasi Sani
2. 26 September 2026 - Saturday – Second week Purattasi Sani
3. 3 October 2026 - Saturday – Third week Purattasi Sani
4. 10 October 2026 - Saturday – Fourth week Purattasi Sani
5. 17 October 2026 - Saturday – Fifth week Purattasi Sani
Why is the Purattasi month considered auspicious to Lord Venkateswara?
During Purattasi, Lord Surya (the Sun) moves through Virgo (Kanni) Rasi, ruled by Mercury. Vaishnavites regard Purattasi as a favourable month for worshipping Lord Vishnu. Thus, they devotedly worship and offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara, also called Balaji, Govinda, Perumal and Srinivasa. Lord Vishnu is the Overlord of Mercury, the God of wealth. Hence, worshipping Lord Venkateswara on Purattasi Saturdays will bestow prosperity and wealth on his devotees.
Tirumala Tirupati conducts the annual Sri Vari Brahmotsavam to Lord Venkateswara during the month of Purattasi, which attracts crowds from across the world. In Perumal temples, devotees worship, offer prayers, recite his mantras, and perform Anna Daanam, etc. People who cannot travel to Tirupati perform Poojas, offer prayers, chant Govinda nama and eat sattvic meals at home.
The Saturday observance is known as Purattasi Sani Thozuval. Devotees pray to Lord Venkateswara for grace, protection, and strength to confront karmic hardships with righteousness. Devotees draw the white-and-red namam on their foreheads, chant “Govinda, Govinda,” and worship the deity devotedly.
Legend of Purattasi Saturday
According to legend, Lord Vishnu descended on earth at the Tirupati Hills as Venkateshwara in Purattasi. It is also believed that Shani (Saturn) drops his malefic powers in this month. Hence, worshipping Lord Vishnu on Saturdays bestows his blessings and curtails Saturn’s malefic effects.
Rituals of Purattasi Saturday Fasting
Generally, Lord Vishnu’s devotees fast on all Purattasi Saturdays. Devotees avoid eating non-vegetarian food, smoking and drinking alcohol throughout the month. They prepare Mavilakku, a lamp made of rice flour, jaggery and ghee, on every Saturday of this month. It is believed that the Lord smiles at his devotees through the light of the Mavilakku. Fasting on Purattasi Saturdays can remove scums, which is necessary to reach the Lord’s abode. They also chant hymns related to Lord Vishnu during the occasion.
Benefits of Observing Purattasi Saturday Fasting
Worshipping Lord Venkateshwara by observing fasting on Purattasi Saturdays can bestow devotees with innumerable benefits as follows:
- Gifts good health, wealth and joy
- Reduces Saturn’s negative effects
- Bestows comfort and spiritual growth
- Satisfies desires
- Leads to Moksha (salvation)
The sacred scriptures recommend Homam, Abishekam, Pooja/Archana, and chanting Mantras as ways to offer prayer to the deity. Of all, Homam is the most advanced spiritual technique for connecting with the divine. Performing them helps clear karma and receive divine blessings.
Famous Temples for Purattasi Worship
Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala-Tirupati, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram, Parthasarathy Temple in Chennai and Oppiliappan Temple near Kumbakonam are the most famous temples associated with Purattasi worship.
