Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirupati Balaji Temple Rituals

September 8, 2023

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Within the hallowed precincts of the Tirumala Venkateshwar Temple, a rich tapestry of sacred rituals, pujas, and sevas unfurls like an intricate mosaic. This divine symphony is meticulously orchestrated by the revered custodians of the temple, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. These age-old customs and observances, steeped in tradition and spirituality, manifest on a daily, weekly, and periodic cadence, as prescribed by the ancient Vaikhanasa Agama scriptures. However, it is important to note that access to and participation in these rituals is granted only for select ceremonies, making each occasion even more treasured.

The Sacred Rituals

1. Suprabhatam: Awakening the Lord

The day at Tirupati Balaji Temple begins with the melodious chanting of “Suprabhatam.” This ritual involves singing hymns and offering prayers to awaken Lord Venkateswara from His divine slumber.

2. Abhishekam: The Purifying Bath

Abhishekam is a holy ritual where the deity’s idol is bathed with various sacred substances like milk, ghee, and honey. This cleansing process signifies the purification of one’s soul.

3. Archana: Offering Praises

Devotees perform Archana, wherein they offer flowers, fruits, and sacred leaves to the deity while reciting His thousand divine names, expressing their devotion and gratitude.

4. Alankaram: Dressing the Deity

The deity is adorned with beautiful silk clothing and adorned with precious jewelry, enhancing the divine splendor. Devotees witness this captivating transformation with awe and reverence.

5. Naivedyam: Offering of Food

Naivedyam is the offering of cooked food to Lord Venkateswara. Devotees believe that the Lord partakes in this offering, sanctifying the food and bestowing blessings upon all.

6. Deepa Aradhana: Illuminating the Divine

As night falls, the temple comes alive with the Deepa Aradhana ritual, where oil lamps are lit, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and ignorance.

7. Sarvadarsanam: Seeking the Divine Glimpse

The most awaited moment for devotees is when they get to have a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara during the Sarvadarsanam. It is believed that this divine sight absolves one of their sins and brings immense spiritual bliss.

Daily Rituals

Suprabhata Seva

The breaking of dawn heralds the Suprabhata Seva, a sacred ritual dedicated to rousing Lord Venkateshwar from slumber. This reverent puja unfolds within the sanctum sanctorum and involves the chanting of 70 slokas, offering a melodic serenade to the deity.

Thomala Seva

Following the Suprabhata Seva, the Thomala Seva ensues. This thirty-minute ceremony entails adorning the deity with intricately crafted garlands woven from a medley of exotic flowers and sacred tulsi leaves. These fragrant offerings are brought forth by the Jeeyangar, the chief pontiff, and his devout disciples, adding an air of opulence to the proceedings.

Koluvu

The Koluvu is a private ritual conducted during the early hours, venerating the Koluvu Srinivasa idol enshrined within the temple’s inner sanctum. This exclusive puja is the purview of the temple’s archakas (priests), as it involves the recitation of significant invocations in the presence of the divine idols.

Kalyanotsavam

A celebration of divine matrimony, the Kalyanotsavam puja is a magnificent spectacle where numerous couples partake in this auspicious union. The ceremony is dedicated to Utsava Murti-Sri Malayappa Swami and his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and is conducted by the temple’s priests on behalf of the bridegroom.

Arjita Brahmotsavam

Within the hallowed precincts of the Vaibhavotsava Mantapam, the Arjita Brahmotsavam unfolds daily. This puja commences by paying homage to Sri Malayappa Swami, who is seated atop Garuda Vahanam, followed by reverence to Hanumanta Vahanam and Peddasesha Vahanam. Each ticket for this puja admits only one person to partake in the divine darshan.

Arjita Vasanthotsavam

The Arjita Vasanthotsavam, conducted by the temple’s priests, is a ritual where scents are first applied to the deities. Pundits then chant Purusha Suktam, Narayana Suktam, Shri Suktam, and Bhu Suktam. Following this, an Abhishekam is performed, bathing Lord Venkateshwar and his consorts in sacred water, honey, milk, curd, and turmeric. The deities are adorned with sandalwood paste and garlands of tulsi leaves before a final purification through a cascading flow of water. Devotees can partake in this puja by securing a valid ticket.

Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva

This unique puja unfolds beyond the temple’s confines. During this seva, a thousand lamps illuminate the path as Sri Malayappa Swami and his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, embark on a grand procession through the streets surrounding the temple. Devotees can bear witness to this awe-inspiring spectacle by purchasing tickets.

Ekanta Seva

As the day draws to a close, the Ekanta Seva is offered to Lord Venkateshwara just before the temple’s closure. Garlands are gently removed, and offerings of milk, almonds, and fruits are presented to the Lord. The Bhoga Srinivasa idol is tenderly placed in a reclining position upon a temporary golden bed known as the Uyyala.

Weekly Rituals

Vishesha Pooja (Monday)

Every Monday, following the second bell, the Vishesha Pooja takes center stage. This puja involves the consecration of 14 kalasas to the utsava murthy. Seven of these vessels contain precious substances like oil, curd, milk, ghee, yellow grains, darbha, and panchagavya, while the remaining seven hold pure and sacred water (suddhodaka).

Asthadala Pada Padmaradhana (Tuesday)

On Tuesdays, a special puja unfolds, known as the Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana. This ritual is characterized by the offering of 108 golden lotus flowers. The archaka initiates the ceremony by offering dhoopa and deepa, followed by the recitation of 108 names of the Lord. With each name, a lotus flower gracefully descends to caress the sacred feet of the deity. Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavati also receive veneration during this seva.

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam (Wednesday)

Wednesday mornings witness the Sahasra Kalasabhishekam, a puja conducted after the second bell at Bangaru Vakili. This elaborate rite involves the offering of water from 1008 Kalasas, each containing sandalwood-scented sacred water. Additionally, eight Parivara Kalasas and one golden vessel filled with water are presented at the Mantapam in front of Bangaru Vakili. The temple priests recite the Pancha Suktas and Pancha Shanti Mantras during this profound ceremony.

Triuppavada Seva (Thursday)

Thursday unveils the captivating Triuppavada Seva, a unique ceremony where copious amounts of ‘Pulhihora’ (tamarind-cooked rice) are poured onto a silver tray, positioned directly in front of the Lord. Mantras reverberate through the air, and the Naamam (scented camphor paste) is removed. A new, delicate Naamam is meticulously applied to the Lord’s forehead, concealing the area between his brows. This puja is rooted in the belief that the Lord’s first gaze possesses potent energy, and this offering serves as a protective barrier for devotees.

Poolangi Seva (Thursday)

Poolangi Seva, a simple yet heartwarming puja, adorns the main deity and other deities with a profusion of flower garlands that cascade from head to toe. The ceremony is accompanied by the melodic strains of aarti.

Abhishekam (Friday)

On Friday mornings at 3:30 AM, the Abhishekam puja commences. Temple priests lovingly bathe the primary deity with a mixture of water, milk, turmeric, sandal paste, and various other sacred substances. Throughout the ceremony, devout prayers resonate through the temple’s hallowed halls.

Vasthralakarana Seva (Friday)

This puja, exclusively held on Fridays, involves the temple priests draping the deity of Venkateshwara in a new saree, provided by a devoted participant. Additional jewelry and Namam adorn the deity, and this ritual is conducted away from the prying eyes of devotees.

Nijapada Darshanam (Friday)

In this unique seva, devotees are granted the privilege of gazing upon the divine feet of the Lord. The golden Kavacham that typically conceals the Lord’s feet during this seva remains uncovered.

Timings for Pujas and Sevas at Tirumala Venkateshwar Temple

Monday

Special Seva – Vishesha Puja: 05:30 to 07:00 hrs
Suprabhatam: 02:30 – 03:00 hrs
Thomala Seva (Ekantam): 03:30 – 04:00 hrs
Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam (Ekantam): 04:00 – 04:15 hrs
First Archana (Ekantam), Sahasranama Archana (Ekantam): 04:15 – 05:00 hrs
Vishesha Puja: 08:00 – 09:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 07:00 – 19:00 hrs
Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Vasanthostavam, Unjal Seva: 12:00 – 17:00 hrs
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva: 17:30 – 18:30 hrs
Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam), and Night Bell: 19:00 – 20:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 20:00 – 01:00 hrs
Suddi and preparations for Ekanta Seva: 01:00 hrs
Ekanta Seva: 01:30 hrs

Tuesdays

Special Seva: Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana: 06:00 – 07:00 hrs
Suprabhatam: 02:30 – 03:00 hrs
Thomala Seva: 03:30 – 04:00 hrs
Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam (Ekantam): 04:00 – 04:15 hrs
First Archana (Ekantam), Shasranama Archana: 04:15 – 05:00 hrs
Suddi Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Second Bell: 06:00 – 07:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 07:00 – 19:00 hrs
Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Vasanthostavam, Unjal Seva: 12:00 – 17:00 hrs
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva: 17:30 – 18:30 hrs
Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam), and Night Bell: 19:00 – 20:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 20:00 – 01:00 hrs
Suddi and preparations for Ekanta Seva: 01:00 – 01:30 hrs
Ekanta Seva: 01:30 hrs

Wednesdays

Special Seva: Sahasrakalasa Abhishekam: 06:00 – 08:00 hrs
Suprabhatam: 02:30 – 03:00 hrs
Thomala Seva: 03:30 – 04:00 hrs
Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili (Ekantam): 04:00 – 04:15 hrs
First Archana (Ekantam), Shasranama Archana (Ekantam): 04:15 – 05:00 hrs
Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam Second Archana (Ekantam) and Bell: 06:00 – 08:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 09:30 – 19:00 hrs
Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Vasanthostavam, Unjal Seva: 12:00 – 17:00 hrs
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva: 17:30 – 18:30 hrs
Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam), and Night Bell: 19:00 – 20:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 20:00 – 01:00 hrs
Suddi and preparations for Ekanta Seva: 01:00 – 01:30 hrs
Ekanta Seva: 01:30 hrs

Thursdays

Special Seva: Tiruppavada – 06:00 – 08:00 hrs
Poolangi Alankaram – 21:00 – 22:00 hrs
Suprabhatam: 02:30 – 03:00 hrs
Thomala Seva: 03:30 – 04:00 hrs
Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili (Ekantam): 04:00 – 04:15 hrs
First Archana (Ekantam), Shasranama Archana: 04:15 – 05:00 hrs
Sallimpu, Second Archana (Ekantam), Tiruppavada, Second Bell: 06:00 – 07:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 08:00 – 19:00 hrs
Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Vasanthostavam, Unjal Seva: 12:00 – 17:00 hrs
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva: 17:30 – 18:30 hrs
Pedda Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams, Poolangi Alankaram and Night Bell: 19:00 – 21:00 hrs
Poolangi Alankaram and Sarvadarshanam: 21:00 – 01:00 hrs
Suddi and preparations for Ekanta Seva: 01:00 – 01:30 hrs
Ekanta Seva: 01:30 hrs

Fridays

Special Seva: Abhishekam: 04:30 – 06:00 hrs
Suprabhatam: 02:30 – 03:00 hrs
Sallimpu, Suddi, Nityakatla Kainkaryams, Morning I Bell and preparation for Abhishekam: 03:00 – 04:00 hrs
Abhishekam and Nijapada Darsanam: 04:30 – 06:00 hrs
Samarpana: 06:00 – 07:00 hrs
Thomala Seva and Arcahna (Ekantam): 07:00 – 08:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 09:00 – 20:00 hrs
Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Vasanthostavam, Unjal Seva: 12:00 – 17:00 hrs
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva at Kolimi Mandapam and Procession along the Mada streets: 18:00 – 20:00 hrs
Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam), and Night Bell: 20:00 – 21:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 21:00 – 22:00 hrs
Suddi and preparations for Ekanta Seva: 22:00 – 22:30 hrs
Ekanta Seva: 22:30 hrs

Saturdays and Sundays

Suprabhatam: 02:30 – 03:00 hrs
Thomala Seva (Ekantam): 03:30 – 04:00 hrs
Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam (Ekantam): 04:00 – 04:15 hrs
First Archana, Shasranama Archana (Ekantam): 04:00 – 04:30 hrs
First Bell, Bali, and Sattumura: 06:30- 07:00 hrs
Suddhi Second Archana (Ekantam), Second Bell, etc.: 07:00 – 07:30 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 07:30 – 19:00 hrs
Kalyanostavam, Brahmostavam, Vasanthostavam, Unjal Seva: 12:00 – 17:00 hrs
Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva: 17:30 – 18:30 hrs
Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam), and Night Bell: 19:00 – 20:00 hrs
Sarvadarshanam: 20:00 – 01:00 hrs
Suddi and preparations for Ekanta Seva: 01:00 – 01:30 hrs
Ekanta Seva: 01:30 hrs

The Tirumala Venkateshwar Temple boasts a rich tapestry of pujas and sevas that enrich the spiritual experience of devotees from far and wide. These sacred rituals unfold with intricate detail and devotion, inviting all to partake in the divine blessings.