
TTD Ekantha Seva – Complete Guide to Timings, Booking, Rituals, and Significance
Ekantha Seva (also known as Pavalimpu Seva) is the final and most intimate ritual performed daily at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple before it closes for the night. This sacred seva marks the celestial rest of Lord Sri Venkateswara, carried out with devotion and grandeur.
What Is Ekantha Seva in Tirumala?
Ekantha Seva is performed after the day’s rituals conclude. The Bhoga Srinivasa idol is placed on a golden swing (vuyyala) in the Mukhamantapam, suspended with silver chains. Offerings of milk, fruits, almonds, and chandanam (sandal paste) are made.
The feet kavacham of the main deity is removed, and chandanam is applied to the feet and chest of the main idol and to Alamelumanga Thayar. These offerings are left for Lord Brahma, who is believed to perform night worship after the temple closes.
Lullabies and Rituals: The Divine Sleep of the Lord
A descendant of Saint-Poet Tallapaka Annamacharya sings divine lullabies (Panupu Paatalu) to put the Lord to sleep. This is why Ekantha Seva is also called Panupu Seva.
A unique Dasavatara Harati plate is used—each day featuring one of Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars, inlaid with pearls gifted by Tarikonda Venkamamba’s descendants. During Dhanurmasa, Lord Krishna is placed in the cradle instead of Bhoga Srinivasa.
Detailed Rituals During TTD Ekanta Seva
- The garlands adorning the main deity (moolavar) are removed.
- A fresh Sripada renu (chin mark) is applied.
- Chandanam tablets are placed over cloth on the Lord’s feet.
- One tablet is placed on Vakshasthala Lakshmi (on the Lord’s chest).
- A silver cot is suspended in the Sayana Mandapam, decorated with rangavalli designs and velvet bedding.
- Milk offerings are made using golden cups donated by Krishnadevaraya’s queens in 1513 A.D.
- Fruits, dry fruits, sugar candy, and tambula are offered.
- Aarti is performed using the Dasavatara harati plate.
- Brahmaradhana preparations begin with sandal paste and sacred water from Akasaganga.
All temple lights are extinguished to signify divine rest, and the Bangaru Vakili (Golden Door) is locked and sealed with three keys — held by the Archaka, Jeeyar Swamy, and the TTD Administrator.
Ekantha Seva Timings in Tirumala
- Start Time: Typically between 10:30 PM and 1:30 AM
- Duration: Approx. 30 to 45 minutes
- The seva time may vary depending on the temple schedule and crowd.
Special Note on Varalakshmi Vratam
On Varalakshmi Vratam, additional rituals are performed for Potu Thayar (Goddess in the temple kitchen). She is adorned in a new saree and special Bengal gram naivedyam is offered.
How to Book TTD Ekanta Seva Tickets Online
Step-by-Step Booking Guide:
- Visit the official TTD website: https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in
- Log in with your Username and Password.
- Click on the ‘Seva’ section.
- Choose Ekantha Seva from the list.
- Select your preferred date and number of tickets.
- Fill in pilgrim details (Aadhaar number required).
- Proceed to online payment via net banking, credit/debit card.
- Submit and download your ticket confirmation.
✅ Pro Tip: Ekantha Seva tickets sell out quickly due to limited availability, so book in advance.
TTD Ekantha Seva Dress Code
- Men: Dhoti or lungi with uttareeyam OR kurta-pyjama
- Women: Saree OR salwar kameez with dupatta
TTD Ekantha Seva Ticket Price
- Cost: ₹200 per person
- Prasadam: 2 small laddus + sacred milk-almond mixture from the seva
Spiritual Significance of Ekantha Seva
This sacred ritual symbolizes the celestial sleep of Lord Venkateswara. It reflects the humility and deep devotion of the priests and devotees. Despite being the final ritual of the day, preparations for the Suprabhata Seva often begin shortly after — symbolizing the Lord’s eternal vigilance for His devotees.
Names of the Lord heard during this time:
- Edukondalavada
- Apadbandhava
- Sankataharaka
- Venkataramana
- Govinda
Historical Origins
Though the exact beginning of this Seva remains unknown, records from 1513 A.D. show that Krishnadevaraya’s queens, Chinna Devi and Tirumala Devi, contributed golden vessels for this sacred offering.
What Happens After Ekantha Seva?
After the seva:
- The Bangaru Vakili is locked and sealed.
- Keys are handed to Jeeyar Swamy.
- The next morning, in Jeeyar’s presence, the doors reopen for Suprabhata Seva.
- Deepams are lit, and pleasant music plays as the Lord prepares to bless devotees once again.
Conclusion
TTD’s Ekantha Seva is a unique and emotional spiritual experience. Whether you’re witnessing it for the first time or returning as a seasoned devotee, it brings a deep sense of peace, tradition, and connection to the divine.
If you wish to attend this holy ritual, make sure to book your tickets early and follow the dress code for a smooth and fulfilling darshan.