Vasanthotsavam Seva is a daily Seva or ritual performed under Vasanthotsavam Mandapam in Venkateswara temple in Tirumala. It is also called Arjitha Vasanthotsavam Seva. This Seva is a kind of special worship offered to Swami Malayappa and his consorts that lasts for one hour daily.  The Seva starts with Abhishekam given to Lord and his consorts –Sridevi and Bhudevi. First of all, perfumes and scents are applied to all three deities then a sacred aromatic bath with water, milk, curd, and honey is given. At the end of the shower, a perforated plate is held on the top of idols and water is poured to give the final shower. Finally, a turmeric and sandalwood paste is applied to the idols. During this hours long Seva, Pandits keep chanting Purusha Suktham, Sri Suktham and other Vedic hymns. This is the daily Arjitha Vasanthotsavam Seva procedure. The annual three days Vasanthotsavam Seva is celebrated in a very rejoicing manner.

Vasanthotsavam Seva

The annual Vasanthotsavam Seva takes place every year on the auspicious days of Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, and Purnima in the month of Chaitra. In this three-day festival occurring in March or April, the whole place is exquisitely decorated with garlands.  The idols of Swami Malayappa and his consorts are decked with flowers & Tulsi Malas and the entire temple resonates with the loud Vedic hymns. During these three days, numerous rituals are done by the temple priests and almost every god is worshiped in a specific place called Vasanta Mandapam. These rituals are called Punyavachanam, Vaastu Shanti, Samprokshanam, and Abhishekam. Unfortunately, the access to these rituals is not allowed to the public. They all takes place in a private place in Ekantham. People can take the glance of deities only after all the rituals are done.

Significance of Vasanthotsavam Seva

Vasanthotsavam Seva holds a very strong significance back from the dates of 1460 A.D. According to temple legend, King Achyutaraya started this Vasanthotsavam Seva Festival in his empire. This festival is said to be the reminder for the arrival of summer season and the end of spring season. The reason behind the aromatic and the holy bath of Swami Malayappa and his consorts is to give them relief from the scorching and rushed sun.

Vasanthotsavam Seva Timings

3:30 PM – Daily Vasanthotsavam Seva

2:00 PM – Annual Vasanthotsavam Seva festival

Vasanthotsavam Seva Tickets

The Vasanthotsavam Seva Ticket costs 300/- per person for one day. It means, if you’re going for the three-day festival, you’re supposed to spend Rs. 900 per head. The Seva Tickets can be booked online and as well as in e-counter. If you want an advance booking, you can book 90 days prior to your visit whether in counter or online. Maximum 10 persons are allowed in daily as well as annual Vasanthotsavam Seva Darshan.  As a Prasadam, two small Laddus and one Vada are given with each ticket. Along with that, gents get a silk Dupatta and ladies get a cotton blouse piece too.  

Rules to Attend Vasanthotsavam Seva

• After attending the daily Vasanthotsavam Seva about for one hour, you’re expected to report at the Supadham counter. Only after then, you can have complete temple Darshan.
• During annual Vasanthotsavam Seva, people are not allowed to attend the rituals. Darshan can be done once all the rituals are performed.

Accommodation

Even if you’re going for the Arjitha Vasanthotsavam Seva, you will require a shelter to spend the night. Don’t worry about the accommodation. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) ensures every facility to the visitors.  If you don’t have much money to spend, you can go for free accommodation otherwise paid and luxurious hotel/ lodge are always there. TTD offers both free and paid stay possibilities. As said above, you can the book it in advance or on arrival.

Conclusion

It is said that Tirumala was abode to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Kaliyuga, about five thousand years ago. Now, you can assume the serenity and divine power of this place. It itself exudes the vibes of spirituality and inner peace. When reading about this place gives such inexpressible feelings, what could be the condition of heart when you would witness the place and it’s every ritual? I must say, it would be a surreal and celestial experience that can’t be narrated in words. Now, I can’t wait much. My bags are packed. Let’s go to heaven.

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