Ekantha Seva, also referred to as Panupu Seva, holds a significant place in the daily sevas of the temple. As the culmination of the Sarvadarsanam (general darshan) ritual, it marks the final act of devotion for the day. This sacred ritual takes place in the enchanting atmosphere of the Sayana Mantapam, where the splendid silver image of the presiding deity, Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi, is gracefully seated on a golden cot.
During the Ekantha Seva, a descendant of the renowned Saint Poet Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya assumes the role of a divine lullaby singer. Through the mesmerizing rendition of soothing lullabies, the aim is to lull the Lord into a celestial slumber. This melodious act is considered deeply sacred and adds a sense of divine tranquility to the entire ambiance.
In this serene atmosphere, Tarigonda Vengamamba’s harati, a special offering, is presented to the Lord. The harati is a plate meticulously crafted with inlaid designs of the ten dasavataras (incarnations of Lord Vishnu), each adorned with delicate pearls. This offering symbolizes deep reverence and is a testament to the devotion of Tarigonda Vengamamba, a revered figure in the temple’s history.
Throughout the year, Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi rests on the cot during the eleven months, while devotees offer their prayers and seek the Lord’s blessings. However, in the twelfth month, known as Dhanurmasa or Margali, a special occasion arises. It is during this auspicious month that Sri Krishna, one of Lord Vishnu’s most beloved avatars, is ceremoniously put to sleep on the golden cot.
Ekantha Seva encapsulates the essence of devotion and spiritual surrender. As the last seva of the day, it provides a divine conclusion to the temple’s daily rituals, leaving devotees with a sense of fulfillment and tranquility in their hearts.
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How to Book TTD Ekantha Seva Tickets:
The Ekantha Seva, a highly revered ritual conducted in Tirumala, holds immense significance for devotees seeking a personal connection with Lord Venkateswara. Please note that this seva is exclusively performed by the temple priests, and entry for pilgrims is not permitted during this time. The Ekantha Seva is dedicated to the worship of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi, with the exception being the Dharnurmasa month when Lord Srinivasa does not sleep.
To acquire tickets for other arjitha sevas, please follow the steps below. However, kindly note that Ekantha Seva tickets cannot be booked.
- Visit the official website of TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams).
- Enter your login credentials in the provided fields and click on the login button.
- On the webpage, select the “Seva electronic dip” option.
- The screen will display the rules and regulations for the seva. Carefully read each rule, and once done, click the “I have read and agree to the instructions” button to proceed.
- Fill in your name, age, email address, phone number, gender, picture ID number, and ID proof number. Additionally, you can also arrange for two more tickets for accompanying pilgrims.
- On the website, you will find two options: “any seva, any date” and “select seva and date.”
- Selecting “any seva, any date” will automatically assign a date and seva.
- Choosing “select seva and date” allows you to choose your preferred date when selecting a specific seva.
- Select a date and click the (X) button to close the window. Click the continue button to proceed.
- A new page will display all the services selected by you. Here, you can choose from a variety of arjitha sevas. Please note that the time slot will be assigned based on availability, and there is usually only one open time slot.
- Once you have made your selection, click “Submit” on the seva page. If you wish to select a different seva, you can click “Back.”
- The system will generate and save a submission identification for future reference.
- The lucky draw date will be announced, and pilgrims will be notified via SMS or email on their registered cellphone number or email address.
- Devotees can check their allotted dates by entering their form ID, submission ID, Aadhaar card, passport number, or cellphone number.
- If your application is approved by the system, payments must be made within three days to secure your booking.
It is important to follow the outlined steps to ensure a smooth process for acquiring tickets for various sevas at Tirumala Temple. However, please remember that Ekantha Seva tickets are not available for purchase, as it is a seva exclusively conducted by the temple priests.
Dress code for Ekantha Seva
For the Ekantha Seva, there are specific dress code guidelines to maintain the sanctity and traditional atmosphere of the ritual.
Male dress code for Ekantha Seva
Male devotees are advised to wear either a dhoti or a lungi, which are traditional Indian garments. They can pair it with an uttareeyam (a shawl-like cloth) or opt for a kurta-pyjama set. The dhoti is a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist and legs, while the lungi is a similar garment but without pleats. Both choices reflect the cultural heritage and create a traditional look.
Female dress code for Ekantha Seva
On the other hand, female devotees have the option to wear either a saree or a chudidar with a chunni. A saree is a graceful and elegant traditional Indian garment that consists of a long piece of fabric draped around the body. It is paired with a blouse and can be styled in various ways. Alternatively, a chudidar, which is a fitted bottom-wear, can be paired with a long tunic or kurta. The chunni is a dupatta or a scarf that can be draped over the shoulders or used as a head covering.
It is important to note that the dress code aims to maintain a respectful and sacred atmosphere during the Ekantha Seva. By adhering to these guidelines, devotees contribute to the overall ambiance and show their reverence for the divine ritual.
Customs Before Going To Ekantha Seva
Prior to attending the Ekantha Seva, there are certain customs and preparations that devotees can observe with respect to the main idol of Lord Venkateswara in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
One custom involves the removal of all garlands from the Mula Virat, the main deity of Lord Venkateswara. This gesture signifies the devotee’s intention to offer fresh garlands during the Ekantha Seva, ensuring that only the most pristine and fragrant flowers adorn the Lord.
Another custom is the replacement of Sripada Renu, which is located at the chin of the main idol. Sripada Renu refers to a sacred mark that is believed to be the divine footprint of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The existing Sripada Renu is gently removed and replaced with a new one, symbolizing the devotee’s desire to offer renewed devotion and respect to the divine couple.
Furthermore, the golden Kavacham, or protective covering, present at the holy feet of the main idol is carefully removed. This allows the feet of the Lord to be presented in their natural form during the Ekantha Seva, emphasizing the devotee’s reverence and desire to witness the Lord in his purest state.
These customs and preparations before the Ekantha Seva signify the devotee’s commitment to presenting the Lord with utmost care and devotion. By engaging in these rituals, devotees participate in the divine service and contribute to the sanctity of the seva.
Timings of Ekantha Seva
Ekantha Seva, a deeply revered ritual in Tirumala, holds a prominent place in the temple’s daily schedule. The timing for this sacred seva begins promptly at 01:30 AM, adding an air of mystique and devotion to the proceedings. During the Ekantha Seva, an intimate connection is established between the priests and the divine presence of Lord Venkateswara.
\It is important to note that the Ekantha Seva is exclusively performed by the temple priests; devotees are not allowed to participate in this particular ritual. The seva serves as a moment of solitude, where the priests take on the responsibility of representing the devotees’ reverence and devotion to the Lord.
As the Ekantha Seva commences, the temple premises are closed to pilgrims and devotees, ensuring an undisturbed environment for the priests to perform the sacred rites. The exclusivity of this time emphasizes the significance of the seva and allows the priests to focus solely on their duties.
During the Ekantha Seva, the divine entity worshiped is Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi. This beautiful silver idol is placed on a magnificent golden cot, signifying the Lord’s rest after the day’s activities. Throughout the year, for eleven months, the Ekantha Seva is conducted, with meticulous rituals performed to honor and serve the deity.
However, there is an exception during the twelfth month, known as Dhanurmasa or Margali. In this auspicious month, Lord Srinivasa does not sleep, and consequently, the Ekantha Seva is not performed. This unique aspect adds to the spiritual significance of the Ekantha Seva, highlighting the exceptional nature of the Dhanurmasa period.
By strictly adhering to the prescribed timing and guidelines, the temple authorities ensure that the sanctity and purity of the Ekantha Seva are upheld. This allows for an intimate connection between the priests and the divine, fostering an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility within the temple premises. The Ekantha Seva stands as a remarkable testament to the unwavering dedication and spiritual practices undertaken at Tirumala Temple, truly enriching the worship experience for all involved.
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