Amazing Temple of Lord Kedhareswaswara Swamy (Lord Shiva)

 Click on Image to View Large Size

          ఇక్కడ మీరు చూస్తున్న అపురూప మైన ఇంకా అద్భుతమైన కట్టడం. ఇది అహమద్ నగర్ లో హరిచంద్ర కోట లో వున్నా కేదా రేస్వర్ స్వామి వారు. ఈ మందిరం పైన వున్నది ఒక పెద్ద బండరాయి. కింద 4 స్థంబాలు పై గుడి కట్టారు. ఇది ఎప్పుడు నిర్మించారో ఎవరు చెప్పలేరు. కానీ 4 యుగాలికి సంకేతాలు గా 4 స్థంబాలు వున్నాయి. (సత్య యుగం,త్రేతా యుగం, ద్వాపర యుగం, కలియుగం). ఒక్కో యుగంతనికి ఒక స్థంబం విరిగిపోతుంది. ఇప్పుడు మనం కలియుగం లో వున్నా...ం కనుక ఈ పెద్ద బండరాయి ఒక స్థంబం పై న మాత్రమే వున్నది. ఎప్పుడు ఐతే ఈ స్తం కూడా పతనం అవుతుందో ఆ రోజు ఈ కలియుగాని కి ఆఖరి రోజు గా నిర్దారించారు...!! అంతటి మహాత్వమైన గోపురం ఇది...
ఇంకో మరో గొప్ప విషయం ఏమిటంటే...ఈ గుడి 4 గోడలు నుండి నీరు ప్రతి రోజు వస్తూనే వుంటుంది...ఇది చాల చల్లగా వున్నదు వలన ఎవరు లోనికి వెళ్ళేరు. ఒక్క వర్ష కాలం లో మాత్రం ఒకా చుక్క నీరు కూడా గుడి లో ఉండదు...!!వేసవి, శీతాకాలం లో 5 అడుగుల ఎత్తున నీరు వుంటుంది...వర్ష కలం లో చుక్క నీరు కూడా ఉండదు...!!!

"అంతా ఆ మహాదేవుని లీల....!

Tirumala Brahmotsavam in Tirumala Lord Venkateswara Temple

               Tirumala Brahmotsavam is an annual festival at Tirumala Lord Venkateswara Temple celebrated for nine days in the months of September and October. The celebration attracts pilgrims and tourists from all parts of India and across the world.

History:

The Brahmotsavam festival is one of the most important and auspicious functions in Tirupati. Popular stories trace the origin of this celebration to Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati. Brahma worshiped Sri Balaji on the banks of the holy Pushkarini in Tirupati as a way to give thanks for the Lord’s protection of mankind. Hence, this utsava bears his name as “Brahmotsavam,” which means “Brahma’s Utsavam.” In Tirumalai, Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of October.

Celebration:

The Brahmotsava is performed over a nine-day period in the Tamil month of Purattasi. On the evening before the start of the first day, the rite of “Ankurarpana” (sowing of the seeds to signify fertility, prosperity and abundance) is performed along with a festival for Sri Vishvaksena (the leader of Narayana’s retinue who removes obstacles and protects worship). On the first day, the main activity is the “Dhvajarohana,” the hoisting of the Garuda flag at the Dhvajastambham. This signifies the commencement of the Brahmotsava. It is believed that Garuda goes to Devalokam and invites the Devas to attend the function. During the days of the festival, the religious activities include daily homas and processions for the utsava murti on different vahanas (chariots) that can be seen in the temple. Every evening, the utsava vigrahas are decorated with different alankarams. The concluding day is the Janma Nakshatra (birth star) of Sri Balaji, which is celebrated in a grand way with Avabhritha Utsava (special abhishekams for the utsava murti). In Tirupati, the Sudarsana Chakra is bathed in the Pushkarini and all the devotees bathe afterwards. In Aurora, a priest takes the Sudarsana Chakra on his head and takes a holy bath near the Dhvajastambham. Afterwards, the Chakra is placed on a high platform, so the devotees can walk under it and be blessed with the water dripping down from the Sudarsana. The celebration officially concludes with “Dhvajavarohanam,” the lowering of the Garuda flag. The priests pay respects to Gods and Sages with the chanting of Vedic mantras and see them off on their return to the Devaloka.

The Brahmotsavam celebration provides a unique opportunity for all devotees to participate in the festivities and utsavas and experience the “Vaikuntha Anubhava” (heavenly enjoyment and feeling) and receive the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swami. Every year, millions of devotees witness the processions,celebrations during the annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumalai. Every day of Brahmotsavam will be a feast for the eyes of the devotees who gather there. On the first day the Garudadhwaja (flag with the emblem of a black garuda) is hoisted near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham. A festive procession of Lord Venkateswara on the Pedda Seshavahana proceeds around the four streets of the main temple for two hours until midnight.Ankurarpana and Senadhipati Utsavam are celebrated on the day preceding the first day of Brahmotsavam.

Observations during brahmotsavas: As incredibly as the swan which separates the water content from milk, the reigning deity of the seven hills, too, on Hamsavahan, relegates the paap and blesses the bhakta based on his punya. As the powerful snake transforms itself as a vehicle for the Lord during the Seshavahan and Chota Seshavahan in the Brahmotsavam celebrations, the essence of the Sharanagati Tatva explains the moral behind this utsav. The initial prayers offered at the Dwajarohan utsav and Garudotsav is to pray for an unscathed living with high moral values, while Garuda, requested by the Lord himself to stay in the hills, guards the skies from anything untoward coming by.

Dwajaarohanam

Dwajaarohanam is a flag-hoisting festival that is held on the first day by hoisting a flag (Garudadhwaja) with a picture of Garuda (vehicle of Lord Maha Vishnu) on the top of the Dwajah Sthambham in front of the sanctum santorum. It is said to be a symbolic significance of formal invitation to all the deities to attend the Brahmotsavam festival. After Dwajarohanam, The Chief Minister, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh symbolically offers new silk clothes to the Lord as a mark of obeisance and thanks giving to the Lord of the Universe in a procession. This was earlier done on 5th day (Garuda Vahana) but due to heavy rush of devotees and for CM security reasons, it has been changed to Dwajarohanam day

Pedda Sesha Vahanam

After the Dwajaarohanam the Lord is taken out in a procession in the evening on Aadi Sesha the thousand headed Chief Serpent God as his vehicle. Aadisesha is the seat on which Lord SriManNarayana rests in his abode Sri Vaikunta. Tirumala hills the abode of Lord Venkateswara is said to be the manifestation of Lord Aadisesha. Pedda Aadisesha vahanam will be seven headed.

Chinna Sesha Vahanam

On the second day morning the Lord is taken out in a procession on Vaasuki (Serpent God) as his vehicle. In Bhagavath Geetha Lord Sri Krishna says He is Vaasuki among the serpents. Chinna Sesha Vahanam will be five headed.

Hamsa Vahanam

On the second day evening the Lord is again taken out in a procession on Hamsa (Swan) as his vehicle. Hamsa or swan means ‘pure’. Hamsa is believed to have a high intellectual capability and can distinguish good from bad.

Simha Vahanam

On the third day morning the Lord is taken out in a procession on Lion symbol as his vehicle. Lion is a symbol of royalty and power. Lord assumed the form of half man and half lion in his Narasimha Avathara. Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavath Geetha that he is the Lion among the animals.

Muthyala Pallaki Vahanam

On the evening of the third day, the Lord is again taken out in procession along with his concerts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in a palanquin decorated with a canopy of pearls. Pearl is said to be a symbol of purity and royalty.

Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam

On the fourth day of the festival the Lord is taken out in procession in the morning on Kalpa Vruksha as his vehicle signifying that he is the giver of boons to his devotees and fulfills their wishes.

   

Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam

On the fourth day evening the Lord is again taken out in procession on a vehicle called as Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam signifying that He is the Lord of Lords.

 

Mohini Avatharam

On the fifth day morning the Lord is taken out in procession decorated in the attire of Mohini Avatharam (Ksheera Sagara Madhanam) the one who has distributed the Divine Nectar.

Garuda Vahanam

On the fifth day evening the Lord Sri Venkateswara is taken out in procession specially decorated, with his main devotee and chief vehicle Garuda (Garukmantha) the king of birds as his vehicle. It is a unique occasion when thousands gather together and would like to witness the procession. It is believed and said that it is highly meritorious and mukthi pradham to have darshan of the Lord seated on Garuda

Hanumantha Vahanam

On the sixth day morning the Lord is taken out in procession with Lord Hanuman as his vehicle. Hanuman was the personification of the most trusted and self less service to the Lord in his avathara as Sri Rama in Treta Yuga. Undoubtedly Lord Hanuman was the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama.

Swarna Rathotsavam / Gaja Vahanam

On the sixth day evening the Lord is taken out in procession on Elephant (Gaja) or Airavatham as his vehicle. We find in Sri Madbhagavatham (Gajendra Moksham) Lord instantly coming to the rescue of Gajendra and get him relieved from the clutches of the Crocodile.

Surya Prabha Vahanam

On the seventh day morning the Lord Venkateswara is taken out in procession with Sun God driving the Chariot. Purusha Sooktha describes Sun as born from the eyes of Lord SrimanNarayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayathah!). Sun is said to be an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu (Surya Narayana) .

Chandra Prabha Vahanam

On the seventh day evening the Lord is again taken out in procession with Moon as symbol of his vehicle. Purusha Sooktha describes Moon as "Chandrama Manaso Jaathaha" (Moon is born from the mind Lord Maha Vishnu). Moon is the commander of mind and is a symbol of cool and pleasantness. Both these rituals are symbolic significance that He is the cause for day and night.

Rathostavam

On the penultimate day (eighth day) morning the Lord Venkateswara is taken out in procession along with his concerts seated on a fully decorated Chariot pulled by the devotees with the chanting of Govinda Nama Smarana. Tirumala will be flooded with devotes to witness this occasion. It is believed and said that those who witness the Lord seated on the Chariot during Rathostavam will not be reborn. Idols of Daruka the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna and four horses are placed before the Lord on the chariot.

Aswa Vahanam

On the eighth day evening the Lord is again taken out in procession with Aswa (Horse) as his vehicle symbolizing the forthcoming Kalki Avathara. Lord Venkateswara used to ride on a horse during hunting of wild animals. Lord assumed the form of Horse head during his avathara as Hayagreeva.

Chakra Snanam

On the ninth day morning, last day of the Brahmostavam, special abhishekam (Avabhrutha Snanam) is held for utsava moorthy of Lord Venkateswara and his concerts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in the complex of Lord Varaha Swamy temple on the banks of Swamy Pushkarini. Later, the Sudarshana Chakra (Disc weapon of the Lord) is immersed in the waters of Swamy Pushkarini. We find large number of devotes simultaneously taking a dip in the Pushkarini waters at that time. It is believed and said that one will get absolved from sins by taking a dip in Swamy Pushkarini simultaneously along with the Sudarshana Chakra on this day.

Dwajaavarohanam

On the ninth day evening the Garuda flag will be lowered as a mark of completion of the Brahmostavam.

Details of Ekanta Seva in Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy

Ekanta Seva

Ekanta Seva is the last seva performed to Lord Venkateswara before closing the temple for that particular day. Bhoga Srinivasa idol is laid on a gold Vuyyala (Swing) in the mukhamantapam using silver chains. Milk, fruits, almonds are offered to the Lord and performed chandanam is placed at the feet of the main deity after removing the kavacham covering the feet. Chandanam is also placed on the chest of Bhoga Srinivasa, Alamelumangai (on the chest of main deity). Since it is believed that Lord Brahma comes to perform prayers to the Lord after the temple doors are closed every night, chandanam, water and puja material is left for his usage. Water filled in silver cups are also kept for being consecrated by Lord Brahma and the same is distributed as 'thirtha' (holy/sacred water) to all pilgrims on the next day.

Tarikonda Venkamamba's harati in a plate inlaid with one of the dasavatarams (10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu) along with pearls bought by Venkamamba's descendent is waved to the Lord. During the entire ceremony, descendants of Tallapaka poets sing Tallapaka sankirtanam. In the Dhanurmasa (Marga masa), the idol of Lord Krishna is put to sleep in the vuyyala instead of Bhoga Srinivasa.

This last ritual is in the night. This is called ekantha seva. This is also known as Rathri pooja as it is done in the night. This pavalimpu seva is an arjitha seva. It lasts for 45 minutes. During this ritual the garlands adorning the moolavar are removed. 'The gaddam bottu i.e. the 'Sripada renu' on the chin is removed and fresh one put. The gold kavacha for the feet is also removed. The priest performs Sripada seva viz. at the feet of Dhruvabera, two full tablets of sandal paste are taken and after covering the bare feet with a vastra, the two tablets are placed on the two feet over the cloth. A tablet is placed on Alamelmanga on Dhruvabera's chest (Vakshasthala Lakshmi). In the meantime the sayana mantapa is ready for the deity. A silver cot will be brought in and suspended from silver chains from the roof in the sayana mantapa. The floor will be covered with Rangavalli design with rice powder. A velvet bed is laid on the cot. The sanctum is cleaned as the Kantakabera is removed from the Jeevasthana. Now milk is offered to the Kantakabera in a silver pot. The 2 queens of Krishnadevaraya (Chinna devi and Tirumala devi) are gifted each a gold cup (374 tulas) for offering milk during this seva. One another large silver plate with cashewnuts, almonds, dried grapes, clarified butter, fruits, sugar candy & tambula (50 betel leaves, nut, coconut gratings, cloves, cardamom and Japatri) is also offered. Then the Kantakabera is laid on the cot with its head to the south, sayana sukta is recited. Half a tablet of chandana is placed on the chest of the sayanabera. Meantime at the Bangaru Vakili, Mukhaveena will be played. Then a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya will sing some songs. Aarti is offered to the Kantakabera with Dasavathara aarti plate i.e. each day the aarti plate will have one avatara of the Lord engraved in it. Simultaneously the puja articles will get ready for Brahmaradhana in the night. Another half tablet of chandana paste will also be kept there and 5 vattils (cups) will be filled with water from Akasaganga and other fragrant articles. Then the priest goes to the sanctum to put out all the lights. Previously the Brahma-akhanda lamp was kept lighted as that light lit by the creator while conservating the shrine. It is said that every day this lamp used to consume not less than 17 kg of clarified butter. But nowadays all the lights are put out in order to avoid fire hazard. The Bangaru Vakili is closed and bolted with archakas key followed by Jiyar's and administrator's keys. The temple authorities scale the door lock. On Varalakshmi Vrata day alone after Ekantaseva a few more rituals are observed. Later the archakas go to Potu (kitchen) and Thirumanjanam is done to Potu Thayar. She is adorned with a new vastra and naivedya is offered to her with preparations made out of Bengal gram. With that the curtain is drawn for the day on the daily worship rituals in the temple. Quite often the rush is so much in the temple town that even within 15 minutess of closing the doors and depositing the keys in the matha, steps for opening it for the next day's suprabhata seva start. The deity is not given the luxury and comfort of a long sleep. He is ever at the beck and call of his sincere devotees. 'Edukondalavada', 'Apadbandhava', 'Vaddikasulavada', 'Sankataharaka', 'Venkataramana', 'Narayana', 'Govinda' - the devotees cry & call for his grace.

This exercise is done everyday, either as an arjita seva (paid service with public allowed to view) or in ekanta (without any public presence) based on the pilgrim rush on that day. Each ticket allows entry for one person and 2 small laddus are awarded as prasadam along with the mixture of milk, almonds from the seva. The duration of the seva is 30 mins

The exact date of start of the seva is unknown while records exists of Krishnadeva Raya's wives - Chinnaji Devi and Tirumala Devi presenting golden cups to offer milk to Lord in 1513 A.D.[1] cost of this seva is 200rs/person

Details of Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva in Tirumala Temple

Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva

 To view Large size Click on the Image

             Sahasra Deepalankara (1000 Candle decoration) seva is the only daily seva that is performed outside the temple. The seva is performed in the Unjal mantapam located on the south eastern corner of the Srivari Temple at 1730 hrs every day evening. Sri Malayappa swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi are taken out in procession where one thousand wick lamps are lit. The lord is seated in an unjal in the midst of the lamps and Annamaya Sankirtanas and vedic hymns are sung to the newly wed God and Goddesses. On occasions, group dance (typically from Karnataka, though not restricted) is also held. As a recent practice, after the Sahasra Deepalankarana seva, the Lord and his consorts are taken on a procession on the 4 streets surrounding the temple, before he is taken inside the temple complex.

           The ticket holders are given vastra bahumanam and 5 small laddus for this seva. At the conclusion of the seva, the ticket holders are also sent for the darshan of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum. The duration of the seva is 30 minutes.

Details of Arjitha Vasanthotsavam in Tirumala Temple

Arjitha Vasanthotsavam

Arjitha Vasanthotsavam is conducted daily as an abridged version of the Vasanthotsavam. The seva is conducted in the Vaibhavotsava Mantapam . The seva is offered to Sri Malayappa swami and His consorts - Sridevi and Bhudevi. The seva begins with perfumeries and scents applied to the deities. The veda pandits chant Purusha suktam,Narayana Suktam,Shri Suktam and Bhu Suktam. Abhishekam is done to the Lord and His consorts with sacred water, milk, curd, honey and turmeric. Finally, sandal paste is applied to Sri Malayappa Swami and consorts. At the conclusion of the Seva, a perforated plate is held on top of the deities and water poured, creating a shower.

The ticket holder are given vastra bahumanam, 5 big laddus, 5 small laddus and 5 vadas as prasadam for this arjita seva. The duration of the seva is about one hour. At the conclusion of the seva, the ticket holders are also sent for the darshan of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum. cost of this sev is 300rs/ person

Details of Arjitha Brahmotsavam in Tirumala Temple

Arjitha Brahmotsavam

Arjita Brahmotsavam is performed daily and is the abridged version of the Brahmotsavam event. The seva is done in the vaibhavotsava Mantapam where the vahanams are kept throughout the year. In the seva, Sri Malayappaswami is seated on Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam and Peddasesha Vahanam in that order and offered worship. This seva is conducted after the Dolotsavam is completed.

Each ticket allows 5 people to participate in the seva. The ticket holders are given vastra bahumanam and 5 small laddus for this seva. At the conclusion of the seva, the ticket holders are also sent for the darshan of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum.

The above para about ticket, number of persons allowed, vastra bahumanam and 5 small laddus as mentioned is not in force now, I recently had darshan of malayappa swamy in Arjita Brahmotsavam seva, paid Rs.200/- towards ticket and no other bahumanas were given only 2 laddus were given.so kindly have all details clarified before purchasing a ticket for darshan/srivari seva at tirumala tirupaty devastanam
office.

Details of Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva) in Tirumala Temple

Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva)

            Dolotsavam is performed in the adhala meda (Mirror Hall) as it is popularly known. The hall is in Aina Mahal (Addala Mantapam) opposite Ranganayaka mantapam where Arjita Brahmotsavam is performed. The Aina Mahal consists of mirrors on four walls and a central stage with a provision for unjal (Swing). Sri Malayappaswami, Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated in the unjal (Swing) and the deities are swung to the accompaniment of Veda parayanam and mangalavadyam.

          The ticket holders are given vastra bahumanam and 5 small laddus for this seva. At the conclusion of the seva, the ticket holders are also sent for the darshan of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum.

Details of Kalyanotsavam in Tirumala Temple for Lord Venkateswara Swamy

Kalyanotsavam

            Srivari Kalyanotsavam is performed to the utsava murti - Lord Sri Malayappa swami (instead of the main deity) and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. A purohit conducts the marriage and an archaka is consecrated to perform other rituals on behalf of the bridegroom. The wedding ceremony is held according to Vaikhanasa Agama rituals and starts with the Panchamurthi Puja. This is followed by recitation of Vedic mantras and pronouncing the family pedigree of the brides and bridegroom. The idols of the Lord and his brides face each other with a thera (screen) in between them. After the priests perform appropriate homas, the bridegroom and the brides are allowed to see each other at the appropriate auspicious moment as the screen is removed. This is followed by Mangala sutra dharana, Thalambralu and then Lord and his consorts are garlanded.

         This seva is not performed on important festivals like Srivari Brahmotsavam. Pavitrotsavam, Pushpayagam etc. and on the days of solar and lunar eclipses. The duration of the seva is about one hour. Previously each ticket entitled two people; nowadays each ticket entitles only one person to attend this arjita seva and they are given one silver Pendant (2 grams), one big laddu, one vada, one vastra bahumanam (Cloth Gift consisting of one silk Uttariyam for gents and one cotton blouse for ladies), along with Lord's akshantalu ('sacred rice' used for blessing). At the conclusion of the seva, the ticket holders are also sent for the darshan of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum.

        The practice of Kalyana utsavam started in 1536 AD when Tallapakam Tirumala Ayyangar conceived the idea of celebrating the marriage festival of Lord Malayappa swami and the ceremony was conducted over five days in the Tirumamani mandapam

       This seva starts exactly at 11:30am and ends up at 1:00pm followed by darshan. More than 500 couples will take part in this seva.

Cost of this seva is 1000RS ( for 2 people /a couple)

Details of Archana for Lord Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala Temple

Archana

            On completion of Thomala Seva, Archana or Sahasranamarchana (1000 Name Recital) is performed to the main deity Lord Venkateswara amidst chanting of his one thousand names. After the recital, blessings are obtained from the Lord for the whole world as saying the name and gotram of each the ticket holders would make it a lengthy process as there would be about 200 Seva karthas every day. The entire ritual lasts for 30 minutes. Archana is then performed to Vaksha Sthala Lakshmi Thayar in Ekantham, with a curtain drawn over the sanctum.

Unlike other Vaishnava temples, the sahasranamarchana invoked is not the well known Vishnu Sahasranama but Sri Venkateswara Sahasaranama which is unique and recited to the Lord only in Tirumala. While the origin date of the seva is not known, an inscription from 1518 A.D. is the earliest recorded instance where sahasranamarchana is mentioned.

Lord Venkateswara receives the second and third archanas in ekantam later in the day. Archana is an arjita seva on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and is performed in ekantam on other days. Each ticket allows one person and 2 small Laddus are offered as prasadam for this arjita seva.

In tirumala it is very difficult to state the name and gothram of every sevakartha, as there would be some 1000 people who participate, so the gotram is not read. Instead the Lord's blessings is sought for the welfare of the whole world.

Lord Balaji Thomala Seva in Tirumala Temple Details

Thomala Seva

               Thomala Seva: Thomala is an abbreviated form of the Tamil word, Thoditta Malai, meaning garlands which are worn. The Thomala Seva is conducted in the Tirumala temple after Vishwarupa Darshanam. It is Arjitham, i.e., can be attended on the payment of certain amount, on all days except Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On these days, it is conducted in Ekantham.

             The Seva begins immediately after the Vishwaroopa Darshanam. The Sanctum is swept with a broom and dried flowers are removed from the idols. The priest performing the Seva hands out a golden pot to a Paricharaka, or servant. The servant goes to Akasha Ganga Thirtham, 3 miles from the temple and gathers water. The Paricharaka returns with the water pot in a procession, on an elephant.Two Ekangins, the representatives of Jeeyar Swami carry the floral garlands from Yamunothurai, a room in the second enclosure of the temple (Sampangi Pradakshinam), where the garlands are prepared, in a procession around the Dwajasthambam and the Balipeetham, accompanied by Nagari, Jheghanta and Firebrands. They carry the garlands in two bamboo baskets, called Thomala Butta, on their heads.A third priest carries a smaller basket of tulsi leaves. Meanwhile, in the sanctum, the priest would have received the Akasha Ganga water and arranged Bhoga Srinivasa and the gold cover of the feet of the Mulavar for Thirumanjanam, or bathing ritual. Upon receiving the garlands, Abhishekam is performed with holy water, milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, turmeric and sandalwood pulp. Purusha Sukta is chanted. After this Bhoga Srinivasa is replaced to His position at the left foot of the Mulavar. The holy feet of Sri Venkateswara is treated with
civet oil, and a new silk cloth laid upon it, tulsi leaves are placed and covered with the gold cover.

              Then 28 stanzas of Sri Aandaal's Tiruppavai ( 30 Tamil hymns scripted by the incarnation of mother earth (Sri Bhoomi Devi - one of the divine consorts of Lord Sriman Narayana) by name Sri Andal of Srivilliputtur who married The Lord Sri Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam) are recited as the Lord is decorated with the garlands. Other deities in the sanctum, also receive garlands.

           This Seva is performed in Ekantham (private, with only priests and TTD officials) during the months of May through July and again in the month of "Margazhi" (Margasira in Telugu) which roughly falls anytime between the English months of mid December through mid January. Devotees are allowed to sit all along the corridor leading to the Sanctum sanctorum at Tirumala, from the second doorstep, extending into the foyer area where the imposing idol of Sri Garudalwar (Lord Vishnu's mount) kneels in obeisance to His Lord.

The enchanting Seva lasts for about 45 minutes, giving the devotees to feast their eyes on the Lord

Suprabhatam Seva in Tirumala Temple - Details

Suprabhatam Seva

              Suprabhatam is a ritual performed every day in the Thirumamani Mandapam, in front of the Bangaru Vakili. The Bangaru Vakili are the two gold gilt doors, decorated with several small panels depicting the Lord in various Agamic forms such as Para, Vyuha, Vibhava and Archa. The Suprabhatam is performed in order to wake up the Lord and his consorts from His celestial sleep (Yoga-nidra)by chanting of the sacred Suprabhatam hymns, a series of poems composed by Prativadi Bhayankaran Annan, a direct disciple of Manavala Mamunigal. It consists of:

• Suprabhatam (Waking the Lord): 29 slokas
• Strotram (Hymns to the Lord): 11 slokas
• Prapatti (Surrender to the Lord): 16 slokas
• Mangalasanam (Prayer to Lord's Glory): 14 slokas.

                 Official temple chronicles like the Venkatachala Itihasa Mala mention that the Vedas were recited as a daily practice while the sanctum was prepared for the first worship everyday, as early as 12th century. Ramanujacharya is believed to have instituted recitation of Tamil Divyaprabandhams such as Thondaradippodi Azhwar's Thirupalliezhuchi, though it addresses Sri Ranganatha of Sri Rangam. Tallapaka Annamacharya instituted the tradition of singing 'Melukolupu' songs in simple Telugu, requesting the Lord to wake up and perform his duties of ensuring welfare to all. The tradition of reciting Vedic verses and singing Annamacharya's songs have been maintained and are performed in the present day, before the recitation of Suprabhatam begins.

              Early in the morning, usually at around 2 AM, The 'sannidhi-golla' (cowherd) will go to the residence of the archakas on the north side of Swami Pushkarini, the temple tank. The golla escorts the priests who have been allotted the duty in the sanctum sanctorum that day. The archaka would have by that time had his morning bath, completed his nitya-karmas, including worship of his own deity. He will then offer obeisance the key of the sanctum and proceed to the temple holding the key on his head, accompanied by paricharakas, temple paraphernalia and music of drums, bugles and horns. The 'golla' will be holding a fireband in his hand, and when the priest has reached the main entrance of the temple. The cowherd would go back and bring the Jiyyangar or his representative, the Ekangin to the temple. The Jiyyangar or Ekangi will come carrying on their head a box, which contains one key (duplicate) and seals which establish their administrative right over the temple.

            Meantime, the temple administration representative would have come there with one key. The system is triplicate lock system with archaka, Jiyyangar and temple authorities having one key each. The archaka will first symbolically place his key in the hand of the Dvarapalaka on the right of the Bangaru Vakili. The priest will do pranama todvarapalakas near the Bangaru Vakili. Then he will take the key from the dvarapalaka and seal is broken and the doors of golden vakili will be opened uttering suitable mantras. The 'golla', the paricaraka, jeeyar & archaka will go in and a curtain is drawn over the entrance. The golla will light the oil lamps inside the sanctum, while the priests replace the idol of Bhoga Srinivasa who acted as Sayana bera, the idol who slept, the previous night. He would have been ceremonially put to sleep on an ivory bed, with a velvet mattress during Ekantaseva. He will be lifted from that cot and will be taken back to the sanctum to rest near the feet of the Dhruvabera on the left side. That place is known as Kautuka-sthana. The height of the icon gifted by Samarai, the Pallava Princess does not reach even the anklet of the Dhruvabera. But all worship in the sanctum is done to this idol. The cot and the mattress are removed to a room called Sabera, the Lord's closet, on the northern side of the Sanctum opposite the Hundi, after the recitation of Suprabhatam is completed.

                 Bangaru Vakili is a Telugu word which means 'golden doorway'. Here the two doors are massive and gilt with gold. One should not miss studying these two doors in detail as they depict rare forms of Vishnu, conforming to the Agamas. On one door all the ten avataras (incarnations) of the Lord are depicted. The other door depicts the Para, Vyuha and Vibhava deities viz. Kesava, Narayana, Madhava and so on. Meantime in the Mukha mantapa the devotees for the Suprabhata seva would have assembled. There will be priests outside who will start reciting suprabhatam, stotra, prapatti. Mangalasasana verses composed by Sri Prativadibhayankaram Annan. While inside the Bangaru Vakili the antarala the golla with his fireband (torch) would have lighted all the lamps. The ekangin would have lighted the Brahmakhanda and sara lamps.

               The vaikhanasa practice is to establish a connection between the Dhruvabera and the Kantukabera through a sambandhakurcha during worship. This sambandhakurcha is a bunch of 32 blades of darbha (grass) tied by a knot in a rightward direction. The knot will be about 2 inches (angular) in length and will be in the middle thus having about 4 inches (angular) of darbha (grass) fire in the front. The front portion is set to represent Brahma, the knot Vishnu and rest Rudra. This sambandhakurca is placed in the space between the Dhruvabera and the kantukabera with the front portion of the kurca towards the kantukabera. The belief is that the sanctum is water, while dhruvabera is the earth below and the kantukabera is the flower that is nourished by the earth and water. The sambandhakurca is likened to the stalk of the flower, which is connecting link between earth and flower through water. After restoring the kautukabera to Jivasthana in the sanctum, the sayana mantapa is cleared of the cot and other articles used forEkantaseva the previous night.

                  At the conclusion of the recitation of Suprabhatam verses, the Bangaru Vakili (golden doors) are opened to the loud sounding of trumpets and conches, to nullify any inauspicious noises at that moment. The presiding Ramanuja Jeeyar of the Tirumala Math will light the camphor on a plate and give it to archaka who performs Harati to the Mula Vigraha. The devotees are then allowed to pass through the Bangaru Vakili and go up to the threshold of the Sanctum sanctorum (Kulasekhara Padi) for the Visvarupa / Suprabhata darshan, considered to be the most auspicious time to visit the Lord. In the Tirumala temple, each Harathi (camphor light) offered to the Lord is to be sponsored by an individual or group of individuals, such as a Matha or the Government. The cost of each Harathi, accounting for camphor, betel leaves, areca nuts and Sambhavana (fee) to the priest is duly noted. In keeping with this tradition, the first Harathi offered to the Lord everyday is sponsored by the Government of Karnataka through its Department of Endowments and Charitable Acts. This tradition is said to have been instituted by Sri Krishna Deva Raya and had been continued by every ruler of Karnataka since him.

              It is believed that Brahma conducts worship every night for the Lord at Tirumala. Every night before closing the doors of the Garbhagruha five gold cups of water with the spices specified for puja as per agamas, added to them along with other puja articles are left at the feet of the Lord so that Brahma may use them for the worship of Lord in the night (Brahmaradhana). The devotees who go for Visvarupadarsana get the Tirtha believed to have been used by Brahma & other Gods for the puja offered in the night.

              The seva lasts around 30 mins and usually starts at 3:00 a.m (2.30AM or earlier on Fridays). Suprabhatam is performed in Ekantham and no tickets are issued to pilgrims during the month of Jyestha (May–June). In the monthof Margazhi ( December–January), the Suprabhatam verses are replaced with the 30 verses of Thiruppavai. Suprabhatam may be conducted in Ekantham on Fridays of Margazhi, as several other rituals are prescribed for this month that restricts the time for Vishwarupa Darshanam. The piligrims are then allowed to enter the Bangaru Vakili, giving them the best view of the beautiful Lord. Each seva ticket provides entry for one person. 2 small laddus are provided to the pilgrim as prasadam. The seva does not allow children below 10 years though infants may be allowed with parents.

ARJITHA SEVAS AT TIRUMALA Booking Information:

ARJITHA SEVAS AT TIRUMALA

Devotees can obtain 'Arjitha Seva' tickets in three ways.

1. Internet / Online Booking
2. Advance Booking
3. Current Booking

 

Internet Booking :A limited number of Arjitha seva tickets are allotted under Internet quota.

Name of the seva	Amount	No.of persons	Day
Suprabhatham	120/-	1	Daily
Kalyanotsavam	1000/-	2	Daily
Vasanthotsavam	300/-	1	Daily
Visesha Pooja	600/-	1	Monday
Nijapada Darshanam	200/-	1	friday
Thomala	220/-	1	Tues,wed,thurs days
Archana	220/-	1	Tues,wed,thurs days
Astadala Pada Padmaradhana	1250/-	1	Tues day

 Devotees can log onto www.ttdseva online.com and see availability of seva tickets The devotees can select the date and seva ticket and payment can be made through credit card. Credit Cards, which have Citi Bank payment gateway only will be accepted. The devotee has to disclose his identity through driving licence / passport / voter's identity card / PAN card Arjitha seva tickets booked under internet quota can either be advanced or postponed but cannot be cancelled. In case of cancellation. the amount will be remitted to Srivari Hundi account In case they want to advance or postpone they have to remit 25% of the seva ticket cost through credit card only, provided the seva ticket is available on the day they requested. Once a transaction is made through internet the amount has to be paid by credit card onl.

ADVANCE BOOKING: 

Advance Booking will be accepted within three months 

Name of the seva	Amount	No.of persons	Day
Suprabhatham	120/-	1	Daily
Kalyanotsavam	1000/-	2	Daily
Arjitha Brahmotsavam	200/-	1	Daily
Unjal Seva	200/-	1	Daily
Vasanthotsavam	300/-	1	Daily
Sahasra Deepalankara Seva	200/-	1	Daily
Visesha Pooja	600/-	1	Monday
Nijapada Darshanam	200/-	1	friday

D. D's by hand will not be accepted. The demand drafts are accepted only by postal/courier serivce only. Devotees are requested to send money by demand draft in favour of Executive Officer, TTD, Tirupati payable at tirupati at least 90 days in advance. It is requested to give 3 more preferable dates in case the seva ticket is not available on the preferred date by the pilgrim. He will feel disappointment and lose priority if he sends the DO for other alternative date, later. There is no advance booking for Ekantha Seva. The DO may be sent to the ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER(AEO),ARJITHAM OFFICE,TTD, Tirumala Tirumala - 517 504 Chittoor District, A.P.

 Once the seva ticket is confirmed, the seva ticket will reach the devotee within 15 days from the date of receipt of the D.O. The devotees are requested to give correct address with telephone number to contact in case of urgency. In case the seva ticket is not available on the I preferred date the Demand Draft will be returned to the devotee.

In case, the devotee wants to advance or postpone the seva due to any circumstances, he is requested to send the original seva ticket along with 25% of the seva ticket cost as penalty in the form of D.O. and inform alternative (3) dates in that letter. It has to be sent to the ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER(AEO),ARJITHAM OFFICE,TTD, Tirumala Tirumala - 517 504 Chittoor District,  in time. 

ADVANCE BOOKING THOUGH THE E-DARSHAN COUNTERS

In the E-DARSHAN Counters also Devotees can get Advance Booking  i.e  SIXTY DAYS(60) days

Through Out the INDIA All E-DARSHAN counter they are issuing .

Name of the seva	Amount	No.of persons	Day
Suprabhatham	120/-	1	Daily
Kalyanotsavam	1000/-	2	Daily
Arjitha Brahmotsavam	200/-	1	Daily
Unjal Seva	200/-	1	Daily
Vasanthotsavam	300/-	1	Daily
Astadala Pada Padmaradhana	1250/-	1	Tuesday
Sahasra Deepalankara Seva	200/-	1	Daily
Visesha Pooja	600/-	1	Monday
Nijapada Darshanam	200/-	1	friday

E-Darshan counter Timings Are:

                                            Monday to Friday 9.00Am to 4.00Pm (Lunch Break is 1 -2 pm)

                                            Saturday &Sunday is : 9.00Am to 7.00Pm(Lunch Break is1-2 pm)

                                            Tuesday is Holiday

CURRENT BOOKING: 

Current  Booking  :These Seva Tickets may be Booked one day in advance through Biometric System at Vijaya Bank situated in C.R.O[CENTRAL RECEPTION OFFICE] Tirumala.

Name of the seva	Amount	No.of persons	Day
Suprabhatham	120/-	1	Daily
Kalyanotsavam	1000/-	2	Daily
Arjitha Brahmotsavam	200/-	1	Daily
Unjal Seva	200/-	1	Daily
Vasanthotsavam	300/-	1	Daily
Sahasra Deepalankara Seva	200/-	1	Daily
Visesha Pooja	600/-	1	Monday
Sahasra Kalashabheshekam	850/-	1	Wednesday
Tiruppavada	850/-	1	Thursday
Nijapada Darshanam	200/-	1	Friday
Poorabhishekam	750/-	1	Friday
Mellchat Vastram	12250/-	2	friday
Tomala	220	1	Tues,Wed,Thurs days
Archana	220	1	Tues,Wed,Thurs days

 In that Poorabhishekam,Mellchat Vastram, Tomala &Archana Tickets are issued Through the Luck Dip system only. One day in advance You have to Enrollee your name in C.R.O office i.e  Moring 11.30 am to 5.00 Pm .Dip will be conduct on 5.30 pm, result through the sms.

Some seva tickets are also sold one day in advance at the Vijaya Bank i.e in C.R.O Office opposite to  RTC BUSTAND. The counter is open from 7 a.m. until all seva tickets for the following day are sold. The devotees have to come themselves to obtain seva ticket. Their finger prints/biometrics will be obtained and verified at the time of entry at the Vaikuntam 'Q' Complex. This biometric system is introduced to

 avoid malpractices by touts or dalaries. If the fingerprint does not tally  the devotee will not be admitted to the Seva. Hence, pilgrims are  requested not to approach any dalaries for seva ticket. The seva tickets cannot be exchanged to others. The tickets purchased under current booking are not permitted for postponement or cancellation. 

GUIDELINES TO ARJITHA SEVA GRIHASTHAS: 

The Grihasthas who perform Seva / Utsavam shall have to wear traditional dress like dhoti and upper cloth (uttariyam). They should enter Vaikuntam Queue Complex - I well in advance.

The Anna Prasadams, pulihora, chekkara pongali etc., will be given to the grihasthas as per the dittam. In case grihasthas want limited quantity only, the rest of the annaprasadam will be distributed free to the pilgrims. 

Some sevas are cancelled during festivals like Anivara Asthanam, Pushpayagam, Annual Vasanthotsavam, Annual Brahmotsavams, Ugadi Asthanam, Makara Sankranthi etc .. The exact dates in a calendar year can be obtained from the TTO calendar or TTO panchangam. Hence, there will be no sale of certain arjitha seva tickets on those festival days. 

Thomala and Archana seva are performed in Ekantham on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Hence, no sale of these seva tickets on those days. The grihasthas are requested to read thoroughly the instructions issued on the seva ticket regarding dress, darshan, time of entry into Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I, free prasadams and other facilities offered to them. In case of any difficulty, please contact the 'Information Centre or Arjitham Office' for assistance. 

Grihasthas are requested to wear traditional dress for Srivari Darshan.The grihastas are also requested to listen to announcements made through public address system at Tirumala to know if any'changes are made in the reporting time at VQC due to temple festivals.

Arjitha Office: Telephone No. 0877 – 2263589, 0877 - 2263679 .

Vijaya Bank situated in C.R.O[CENTRAL RECEPTION OFFICE] Tirumala.

Reporting Timings  For Sevas

Name of the seva	Reporting Time
Suprabhatham	2.00 AM
Melchat Vastram	3.00 AM
Poorabhishekam	3.00 AM
Thomala	3.00 AM
Archana	4.00 AM
Nijapada Darshanam	4.30 AM
Astadala Pada Padmaradhana	5.00 AM
Sahasra Kalashabhishekam	5.00 AM
Tiruppavada	5.00 AM
Vishesha Pooja	6.00 AM
Kalyanotsavam	10.00 AM
Unjal Seva	11.00 AM
Arjitha Brahmotsavam	1.30 PM
Vasantothsavam	2.00 PM
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva	5.00 PM

 

 

DAILY SEVAS

Sl. No.

Name Of Seva

Day Of Seva

NOPA=No.of Persons Allowed W=Wife, H= Husband

Darshan Time

Bahumanam Offered

Cost of Ticket

NOPA

Reporting Time

1

Suprabhatham

Every Day

120/-

1

2:30 AM

3:00 AM

2 Small Laddus

2

Thomala

Tue,Wed,Thu only

220/-

1

3:00 AM

3:30 AM

2 Small Laddus

3

Archana

Tue,Wed,Thu only

220/-

1

4:00 AM

4:30 AM

2 Small Laddus

4

Kalyanotsavam

Every Day

1000/-

2

10:00 AM

12:00 PM

2 Big Laddus,2 Vadas,5 Small Laddus,1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

5

Unjal Seva

Every Day

200/-

1

12:00 PM

1:00 PM

2 Small Laddus,1 Upper cloth  or 1 Blouse Piece

6

Arjitha Brahmotsavam

Every Day

200/-

1

1:00 PM

2:00 PM

2 Small Laddus,1 Upper cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

7

Vasanthotsavam

Every Day

200/-

1

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

2 Small Laddus,1 Upper cloth  or 1 Blouse Piece

8

Sahasra Deepalankara Seva

Every Day

200/-

1

5:00 PM

5:30 PM

2 Small Laddus,1 Upper cloth  or 1 Blouse Piece

WEEKLY SEVAS

1

Visesha Pooja

Monday

600/-

1

5:00 AM

6:00 m

1 Big Laddu,1 Vada, 1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

2

Asta Dala Pada Padmaradhana

Tuesday

1250/-

1

5:00 AM

5:30 AM

2 Big Laddus,2 Vadas, 1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

3

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam

Wednesday

850/-

1

5:00 AM

5:30 AM

1 Big Laddu,1 Vada, 2 Appams,2 Dosas,1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse   Piece,Pulihora, Chakkara Pongal,Payasam

4

Thiruppavada Seva

Thursday

850/-

1

5:00 AM

5:30 AM

1 Big Laddu,1 Vada,1 Jilabi,1 Thentola,1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse   Piece

5

Vasthralankara Seva

Friday

12,250/-

2 W & H

3.00 AM

3.30 AM

2 Big Laddus,2 Vadas,1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

6

Poorabishekam

Friday

750/-

1

3.00 AM

3.30 AM

Two small Laddus &Two vadas

7

Nijapada Darshnam

Friday

200/-

1

4.30 AM

5.00 AM

Two small LAddus

ANNUAL OR YEARLY SEVAS

1

FLOAT FESTIVAL

YEARLY ONCE (FEBRUARY OR MARCH)

500/-

1

6.00 PM

7.00 PM

1Big Laddu,1 vada, upper cloth or blouse Piece

2

VASANTHTSAVAM

MARCH OR APRIL

300/-

1

1.00 PM

2.00 PM

2 Small Laddus& Vada ,upper cloth or blouse piece

3

PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM

MAY

1000/-

2

4.00 PM

4.30 PM

2 Big Laddus, 2 Vadas,1 Upper Cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

4

ABHIDEYAKA   ABISHEKAM

JUNE

400/-

1

8.00 AM

8.00 AM

2 Small Laddus,1 Upper cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

5

PUSPHA PALLAKI

JULU

200/-

1

6.30 PM

7.00 PM

2 Small Laddus,1 Upper cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

6

PAVITHROSTAVAM

AUGUST

2500/-

1

8.00 AM

9.00 AM

5 Small Laddus,2 Small vadas,1 Upper cloth or 1 Blouse Piece

7

PUSHPA YAGAM

NOVEMBER

700/-

1

8.00 AM

9.00 AM

1Big Laddu,1 vada,upper cloth or blouse Piece

8

KOIL ALWAR TIRUMANJANAM

FOUR TIME IN A YEAR

300/-

1

10.00 AM

11.00 AM

2 Small Laddu,upper cloth or blouse Piece