Seva and Darshan — The Two Wings of Devotion

Seva and Darshan — The Two Wings of Devotion

Tirupati teaches that devotion is both inward and outward.
Darshan allows us to see God — a moment of grace.
Seva allows us to serve God — a lifetime of surrender.

In that sacred balance lies the essence of Tirumala — a place where faith finds its form, and service finds its soul.

 

Darshana is grace received, Seva is grace earned through devotion.

 

Tirupati Darshan

 

·        ₹300 Special Entry Darshan (SD) Ticket (Online): Ideal for those with limited time, it offers a structured route without compromising on spiritual intensity. After completing the darshan, a Ladoo will be given free of cost to the Pilgrims after submitting the token at the Ladoo complex located outside the Temple.

Ø  Release Date & Time: Usually 24^th of each month at 10:00 AM for 3^rd month e.g. Booking for Feb happens on November

Ø  Details: This is a major ticket. One mobile number can book for a maximum of six people.

Ø  Important: Many error messages and problems occur during the booking of this ticket. Slot selection is very important; your arrival time and selected slot must match and be in sync. You must be ready with your details (Name, Aadhaar Number, and preferred date) the moment the booking window opens.

Ø  Average Darshan Time: 3 to 4 hours.

 

·        ₹500 Special Entry Darshan (SD) Ticket (Online): The ₹500 ticket is not a direct darshan ticket. It is part of the TTD Virtual Arjitha Seva system — you first book a Seva, watch it online (virtually), and then you receive a Darshan privilege to visit Tirumala once within a year. This is why devotees often call it the “₹500 Virtual Seva Darshan Ticket.”

Ø  Release Date & Time: Usually 21^th of each month at 3:00 PM for 3^rd month e.g. Booking for Feb happens on November

Ø  Details: One mobile can book for a maximum of two people

Ø  Important: When you book this, ₹5000 is charged immediately. However, you cannot directly go to Tirumala to participate in the seva you selected. You must watch the seva from home. The benefit is that within 365 days from your booked seva date, you can book a separate ₹500 darshan ticket whenever it is released by TTD, which allows you to go to Tirumala for darshan.

Ø  Clarification: The darshan ticket is not for the same month as your seva booking. It depends on TTD's release schedule. But you can check whether there is any tickets are available for your date before booking seva.

Ø  Average Darshan Time: 3 to 4 hours.

 

·        Senior Citizen, Physically Challenged, and Medical Condition Tickets (Online)

Ø  Release Date & Time: Usually 22^nd of each month at 3:00 PM for 3^rd month e.g.  Booking for Feb happens on November

Ø  Details: These are all free tickets. There is a separate hall for these devotees, and darshan is usually completed within an hour comfortably.

Ø  Average Darshan Time: 2 to 3 hours.

 

·        Sri Vani Trust Donation Tickets (VIP Break Darshan) (Online)

Ø  Release Date & Time: Usually available on 22^nd of each month at 11:00 AM for 3^rd month e.g.  Booking for Feb happens on November

Ø  Details: The cost is ₹10,500 (₹10,000 donation + ₹500 darshan ticket). You can also book accommodation specifically for Sri Vani donors.

Ø  Benefits:

o   This ticket allows devotees to have Darshan from very close inside the sanctum (Garbha Griha).

o   Rescheduling: Unlike other tickets, you can reschedule these darshan and accommodation tickets once.

o   Offline Availability: Available offline at Tirupati Airport (100 tickets/day) and near Gokulam Guest House in Tirumala (900 tickets/day). Note: Offline tickets are for the next day's darshan, and donor-specific accommodation is not available offline.

Ø  Average Darshan Time: 2 to 3 hours.

 

·        Sarva Darshan (Offline Free Darshan): Open to all, this Darshan may involve long queues but remains the most democratic path to the divine. The wait becomes a spiritual sadhana in itself. Sarvadarsanam means 'darshan for all'. The timings for Sarvadarsanam are different on different days of the week. Please refer the weekly temple programme for the timings. On normal days, about 18 hours are allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it is open for 20 hours.The entrance for this darshan is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. The complex is a series of inter-connected halls that leads to the main temple. An efficient queue system ensures that pilgrims move in an orderly fashion through the Queue Complex, towards the main temple.

The halls in the Queue Complex are clean, spacious and airy. TTD provides a wide range of facilities in the Queue Complex:

Ø  Annaprasadam is provided for the waiting pilgrims on free of cost.

Ø  Milk, Coffee & Tea are provided for waiting pilgrims on free of cost at every   3 hours interval.

Ø  Free Medical facility is also provided.

Ø  Well maintained toilets , RO filter water are available.

Ø   Closed Circuit Television, through which devotional programmes and music are relayed

There are officers to look after the facilities in the Vaikuntam Queue Complex, regulate the queues and attend to complaints.

 

·        Slotted Sarva Darshan (Offline Free Time Slotted Darshan) is the darshan where devotees have the darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy free of cost without waiting in the Q-line for long hours. For the benefit of pilgrims, TTD has started time-slot darshan tokens which will enable convenient darshan for pilgrims reducing long waiting hours in queue lines and compartments. To have this darshan, Pilgrims must get the tokens from Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) counters in Tirupati. They need to report at the time mentioned in the token. After completing the darshan, a Ladoo will be given free of cost to the Pilgrims after submitting the token at the Ladoo complex located outside the Temple.

Reporting Time & Place for Time Slot Darshan

Ø  Reporting Time –  As per the time mentioned in the ticket

Ø  Reporting Place – ATGH Circle

Ø  Time slot counters opens at 5 am and closes once the ticket quota is completed for that day.

       SSD token Counters at Tirupati:

Ø  Vishnu Nivasam (Opp Tirupati Railway Station)

Ø  Srinivasam Complex  (Opp Tirupati Main Bus Station) 

Ø  Govindaraja Satralu (Behind Tirupati Railway Station)

Tokens will be issued on day to day basis till the quota gets exhausted. If the tokens quota exhausts for the day, devotees can go to Vaikuntha Queue Complex 2 and wait in the compartments for Darshan. 

 

·        Divya Darshan (Offline): Reserved for devotees who climb the Tirumala hills on foot, either through Alipiri or Srivari Mettu. A beautiful reward for physical and spiritual perseverance.

 

·        VIP Break Darshan(Offline): Designed for officials or those with recommendations. Offers a quieter, less crowded experience of the Lord.

 

·        Child having age less than 1 years can accompanied with their parents can do Quick Darshan (less than 3 hours)(Offline)

 

·        Sri Vani Trust Donation Tickets (Offline): Available offline at Tirupati Airport (100 tickets/day) and near Gokulam Guest House in Tirumala.

Note: Offline tickets are for the next day's darshan. The cost is ₹10,500 (₹10,000 donation + ₹500 darshan ticket). This ticket allows devotees to have Darshan from very close inside the sanctum (Garbha Griha).

 

Tirupati Seva Tickets

 

Electronic Dip Seva (Lucky Dip) give a chance to perform rare Sevas directly to the presiding deity (Moolavar) inside the sanctum area.

Whereas

Śrīvari Arjitha Seva give a chance to participate in daily ritual services outside the sanctum area of presiding deity (Moolavar) Deity can do darshan presiding deity (Moolavar) through Supadam entrance.

 

Electronic Dip Seva (Lucky Dip) & Sri Vani Trust Donation Tickets (VIP Break Darshan) deity only get the opportunity to darshan inside sanctum area with comparatively more time.

 

·        Electronic Dip (Lucky Draw) Seva Tickets

Ø  Registration Period: Usually from 18^th to 20^th of each month for 3^rd month e.g.  Booking for Feb happens on November

Ø  Details: You get a two-day registration period for these tickets. With these tickets, you can have the closest darshan, which is why an electronic lucky draw is held. You can register from one mobile number for a maximum of two people. If selected, both will be selected; if not, neither will be.

Ø  Selection Process: If you are selected in this lucky draw, the list will be available on the official website/mobile app, where you must search for your registration number. If your number is there, you must make the payment for the seva you registered for, and then your ticket will be booked.

Ø  Gap Rule: A gap of 180 days is required between two seva bookings.

Ø  Sevas Included: The Electronic Dip includes four sevas: Suprabhatam, Archana, Thomala Seva, and Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana. You can register for all of them online.

Ø  Detail of Seva

1. Suprabhatam Seva
This is the ritual of waking up Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Vedic mantras and Suprabhatam stotrams are chanted. The Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy (a silver idol of the Lord) is brought from the Sayana Mandapam to the Garbha Griha. This entire program starts at 2:00 AM in the early morning. You must plan to be in Tirumala the previous day because the ghat road is closed from 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM. Plan to come to Tirumala a day earlier and stay so you can reach the temple comfortably in the early morning.

·        Cost: ₹120 for one person. For two persons, the cost is ₹240.

·        Duration: The Suprabhatam Seva lasts for about 1 hour (until around 3:00 AM). You can see the Lord very closely and clearly for a full hour, which is a long time, which is why most people opt for the Suprabhatam Seva.

2. Thomala Seva
As the name suggests, this is the adornment of the Lord with garlands of flowers. This seva is performed in privacy (Ekanta). First, the Lord is decorated, and afterwards, the group that has booked the Thomala Seva ticket online is sent into the Garbha Griha. You can watch the seva for about half an hour from a very close distance.

·        Availability: This seva is available only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for devotees to witness.

·        Cost: ₹220 per person.

·        Reporting Time: Usually around 3:00 AM.

3. Archana Seva
Archana involves the chanting of the 1008 names of the Lord. Mantras are chanted, puja is performed, and the group that has booked the Archana is sent into the Garbha Griha. There, each person's name and Gothram (lineage) are called out and recited in front of the Lord. It is a very fortunate moment to have your name and Gothram recited in the Lord's presence.

·        Important: When you go for this seva, please know your Gothram in advance. If you don't know, please ask your elders.

·        Time: This seva starts at 4:00 AM and lasts for about half an hour.

·        Cost: ₹220 per person.

4. Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana
As the name implies, this is the worship of the Lord's lotus feet with 108 golden lotuses. An Aarti and Puja are performed.

·        Availability: This seva happens only on Tuesdays.

·        Duration: You can watch this seva for about half an hour (6:00 AM to 7:00 AM).

·        Cost: ₹1250 per person.

 

More detail of Electronic Dip (Lucky Draw) Seva Tickets

• Suprabhatam: The Lord is gently awakened with Vedic hymns, echoing love and reverence.

'Suprabhatam' is the first and foremost pre-dawn seva performed in the temple of Lord Venkateswara. This ritual is performed at Sayana Mandapam inside sanctum sanctorum to wake up the Lord from His celestial sleep, amidst the rhythmic chanting of vedic hymns.Every day in the early hours acharyapurushas recite the hymns beginning with 'Kausalya Supraja Rama Purva Sandhya Pravarthathe’ in front of the main deity at Bangaru Vakili, while on the other hand, a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya sings some songs penned by the great saint poet in praise of Lord Venakteswara at the first corridor of the sanctum sanctum at the same time.
'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.)

 

• Thomala Seva: Fresh garlands made of tulsi, roses, and fragrant flowers are offered, a ritual that signifies welcoming and beautification The word “Thomala” means a garland of flowers. Hence this arjitha seva assumes importance of decorating the presiding deity with exquisitely tied colourful floral and Tulasi garlands after awakening Him from celestial sleep with Suprabhata Seva. This arjitha seva is intended to call the special attention of the pilgrim grihasta who takes part paying requisite amount to witness the flower decoration of the “Mula Virat”(main deity)which takes place at the end of the puja. Known as “Thodutha Malai” in Tamil, the flower garlands in Yamunathurai are brought by the Periya Jiyar-the chief pontiff of Tirumala temple as per the traditional custom or by his Ekangi (disciple) in the temple, with a lighted torch in a procession to the rhythmic beat of Jeganta (handy bells)to the temple. The flower garlands are made into several pieces and each piece being of a particular size to be adorned to the respective areas to enhance the Divine beauty of Lord in a spectacular manner. This seva lasts for about 30 minutes. This arjitha seva is performed only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while in Ekantam(pilgrims are not allowed)during the rest of the week.

·        Archana: A recitation of the Lord's 108 names, paired with tulsi leaves. This is often accompanied by personal prayers whispered from the heart. Archana refers to the recital of various names of Lord and seeking His divine blessings for the prosperity of the entire humanity. Also known as Sahasranamarchana, this arjitha seva deals with the recitation of 1008 glorious names of Lord. The important feature of this particular seva is that the divine blessings of Lord are invoked in the Names and Gotras of the grihasta pilgrims who take part in this seva by paying requisite amount. The Venkateswara Sahasranamarchana is unique to Tirumala shrine only and it is clearly mentioned in the inscription dated back to 1518 AD.

 

• Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana: 108 golden lotus flowers are placed at the Lord’s feet, a rare and soul-stirring experience. This seva is conducted after the second bell. This ritual was first introduced in Srivari Temple in 1984 on the Golden Jubilee Year of TTD, when a Muslim Devotee offered Lord Srinivasa 108 gold lotuses. The archaka commences the puja by offering dhupa(arti stick) and dipa(lit the lamp) to the main deity. Then he recites the divine names (108) of the Lord.While uttering each name of the Lord, one golden lotus is offered at the holy feet of the lord. On completion of the archana to the Mula Virat, archana is offered to Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavati. Later Ratha Harati is offered first, followed by ordinary Harati.

 

·        Normal Seva Tickets (Śrīvari Arajitha Sevas)

Ø  Release Date & Time: Usually from 18^th to 20^th of each month for 3^rd month e.g.  Booking for Feb happens on November.

Ø  Details: These tickets allow you to witness the seva and afterwards have darshan of the Moolavirat (main deity) through the Supatham entry. Some sevas like Kalyanautsavam, Brahmotsavam, Kunjala Seva, and Shastra Deepa Alanghanam happen outside the temple, but after the seva, everyone is sent inside for darshan.

Ø  Rules: One mobile number can book for a maximum of two people. A 180-day gap is required between two seva bookings.

Ø  Darshan Type: Supadam Entrance

Ø  Details of Seva

1.     Seva Name: Kalyanotsavam
Purpose and Description: Symbolic celestial wedding of Lord Malayappa Swami with Sri Devi & Bhu Devi.
Cost of Ticket: ₹1,000 (couple ticket)
Eligible Devotees: Any two devotees (couple, siblings, or family pair)
Special Privilege: Parents with an unmarried girl child can bring her without a ticket. Aadhaar verification required. Pay ₹300 or ₹500 at the counter. Not applicable for boys. Ticket holders receive blouse piece and upper cloth (Angavastram).

2.     Seva Name: Unjal Seva
Purpose and Description: Lord Malayappa Swami and consorts are seated on a swing while devotional hymns are sung.
Cost of Ticket: ₹500 per person
Eligible Devotees: Individual ticket

3.     Seva Name: Arjitha Brahmotsavam
Purpose and Description: Symbolic re-enactment of the grand annual Brahmotsavam festival for devotees.
Cost of Ticket: ₹500 per person
Eligible Devotees: Individual ticket

4.     Seva Name: Sahasra Deepalankara Seva
Purpose and Description: The Lord is adorned under the light of a thousand lamps in the Unjal Mandapam.
Cost of Ticket: ₹500 per person
Eligible Devotees: Individual ticket

 

 

Significance of Lord Balaji Idols in Different Sevas

The Tirumala temple has several forms of the Lord, each with a distinct purpose:

• Moolavar (Main Deity): The immovable, Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol enshrined in the sanctum. He is the core of all rituals.
• Utsava Murthy: Used during processions and festivals. This form brings the Lord into public view, symbolizing accessibility and divine outreach.
• Bhoga Srinivasa: Made of silver, this idol shares the Lord’s rest chamber. All Sevas involving food and rest are performed in this form.
• Koluvu Srinivasa: Presides over the temple’s daily accounts. He is the divine administrator, blending spirituality with responsibility.

 

·        Angapradakshinam : For devotees of Lord Venkateswara, a pilgrimage to Tirumala is a journey of the soul. Among the many sacred rituals offered, Anga Pradakshina (circumambulation using one's body) stands out as one of the most profound and physically demanding acts of devotion. It is a powerful expression of surrender, where the devotee offers their entire self to the Lord.

This guide provides a detailed look into the entire process, from the online booking to the final divine darshan, based on a pilgrim's first-hand experience.

What is Anga Pradakshina?

Unlike a normal darshan where you walk on your feet, Anga Pradakshina involves rolling one's body on the ground around the inner sanctum of the temple. This act symbolizes complete submission, humility, and the offering of one's physical being to the divine. It is a deeply personal and intense spiritual experience.

The Step-by-Step Process: A Pilgrim's Journey

1. The Elusive Booking

·        Where to Book: The only way to book Anga Pradakshina is online through the official TTD website (tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in) or the TTD mobile application.

·        Advance Booking: Slots are opened approximately three months in advance. For example, slots for August are typically released around the 23rd or 24th of May.

·        The Rush: This is a free service with high demand. All available slots are often booked within just 2 minutes of the quota being released online. You must be ready with your details (Name, Aadhaar Number, and preferred date) the moment the booking window opens.

            2. The Night of the Ritual: Reporting and Preparation

·        Reporting Time: As per the pilgrim's experience, the reporting time was 1:00 AM at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex I (VCQC-I) near the ATC Circle.

·        The Sacred Bath: Before reporting, devotees must go to the Swami Pushkarini temple tank. Here, they take a holy dip (bath) in the sacred waters.

·        Wet Clothes: A key part of the ritual is that devotees must proceed to the queue complex in their wet clothes after the bath. This signifies purity and detachment from physical comfort.

3. The Wait and the Commencement

·        After verification of the ticket, devotees are held in a waiting compartment within the queue complex.

·        The wait can be long. In this case, the devotee reported at 1:00 AM and the ritual began around 3:00 AM.

·        Sequence: Ladies are generally allowed to perform the Pradakshina first, followed by gents.

4. Performing the Anga Pradakshina

·        Once inside the temple precincts, near the main Gopuram, men are required to remove their upper garments (shirt or vest) and perform the ritual bare-chested.

·        The circumambulation path starts around the Vimana Venkateswara area. The act of rolling on the stone floor, especially in the early morning cold, is physically challenging.

·        The Spiritual Atmosphere: The entire ritual is performed to the divine chants of "Sri Srinivasa Mangalam," creating an intensely spiritual and powerful atmosphere that helps devotees transcend physical discomfort.

5. Completion and Darshan

·        The Pradakshina is considered complete after rolling past the point of the Vimana Venkateswara deity.

·        After the ritual, devotees are allowed to have a proper darshan of the main deity, Lord Venkateswara. This darshan typically happens after the Suprabhatam Seva is complete.

·        Finally, devotees can collect the sacred Laddu Prasadam before exiting.

 

Note :- All the above mentioned seva are available offline also. One has to reach to Central Reception Office (CRO), Tirumala between 11 am to 5 om for seva of next day. Seats are very limited and you may try again daily if not selected. Online and offline dips are separate systems.