Rare Rituals of Tirumala Temple That Most Visitors Don’t Know

Discover the hidden side of Tirumala! While millions visit Tirupati Balaji for darshan, only a few know about the rare rituals like Thomala Seva, Abhishekam, Vasanthotsavam, and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva. These sacred practices showcase the temple’s deep traditions and spiritual heritage, making every visit truly divine. Plan your spiritual journey with tirupatibalajipackage.com
for a complete Tirupati experience.

1. Rare Rituals of Tirumala Temple That Most Visitors Don’t Know
Tirumala is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India, famed for its grand darshans,
palki processions, and prasadam distribution. But beneath the surface of these well-known
practices are some lesser-known, deeply meaningful rituals that even frequent visitors often
miss. Discovering these rare rituals can enrich your spiritual trip and give you a fuller sense of
what Tirumala means not just as a destination, but as a living tradition.
1. Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam – Temple Purification
One ritual few regular pilgrims are aware of is Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, the ceremonial
cleansing of the temple complex.
- It takes place four times a year, before major festivals such as Ugadi, Vaikuntha Ekadasi,
AniVara Asthanam, and Brahmotsavam.
- During this ritual, almost every part of the temple is purified: the idols, the sanctum-
sanctorum, the walls, roofs, pillars, all puja utensils, and even food preparation areas.
- The main deity is covered with a white veil during the cleaning; once purification is complete,
it is removed and special pujas and naivedyam (food offerings) are made.
Why it’s special: For devotees, this ritual signifies not just physical cleaning but spiritual
renewal—removing impurities, both literal and metaphorical, in readiness for sacred
observances.
2. Abhideyaka Abhishekam – Armour & Holy Bath
Another rare ritual is Abhideyaka Abhishekam, sometimes also called Jyestabhishekam.
- This is done to protect the Utsava deities (processional idols) such as Malayappa Swamy and
his consorts, especially before procession or during festival times.
- Over three days, the idols receive snapana tirumanjanam (holy baths) with water mixed with
sanctified substances and spices like turmeric. Each day the deities wear a different kavacham
(armour): diamonds (Vajra), pearls (Muthyala), and gold (Svarna).
Why it’s special: Many devotees know about the processional deity, but fewer realize the care
taken to preserve the idols’ sanctity and safety via these periodic protective rituals.
3. Koluvu Srinivasa Seva – The Daily Financial Offering Ritual
A very interesting ritual, quite technical but spiritually symbolic, is Koluvu Srinivasa.
- Koluvu Srinivasa is a secondary idol, distinct from the main deity, that represents the Lord as
the “guardian of the temple’s finances and economy.”
- Every day, after the morning pujas, this idol is taken to a mantapam (hall) and seated on a

2. silver-plated throne. The temple’s accounts—offerings, expenses etc.—from the previous day
are ceremonially presented.
- Additionally, the priest reads out the Panchangam (almanac) and announces the
festivals/observances for that day, not only for Tirumala but also nearby associated temples.
Why it’s special: This ritual emphasizes that devotion in Tirumala is not just ritual and prayer
but a system with accountability and structure; even the economic side is presented before the
divine.
4. Ugra Srinivasa – The Hidden Angry Form
Ugra Srinivasa is one of the idols in Tirumala which carries a powerful story and strict ritual
protocol.
- The idol shows a form considered “ugra” (fierce or angry). Legend holds that during the
Brahmotsavam in the 14th century, a fire broke out, and divine intervention was associated with
Ugra Srinivasa.
- Because of such traditional beliefs, the idol is not taken out in processions after sunrise. It is
also believed that sun rays falling on this idol can have adverse consequences, which is why
certain restrictions are maintained.
Why it’s special: That an idol exists which is not part of mainstream darshan or processions
underlines the temple’s layered traditions—some rituals are deeply esoteric and have strong
mythic roots.
5. Pavitrotsavam – Purifying for Errors
Pavitrotsavam is an annual ritual focused on catching and correcting errors in ritual
performance.
- The name derives from Pavitra (sacred/pure) and Utsavam (festival). The ritual is penitential,
meant to remove any omissions or errors (“doshas”) that may have occurred in the daily rituals
over the past year.
- It was institutionalized historically, discontinued for a period, but later revived.
- Devotees can participate; tickets are sold for certain days, and there are specific offerings such
as pongal, vadas, vastram, and prasadam distributed.
Why it’s special: It shows that even in ancient temples with long traditions, there is humility
and awareness: rituals are not assumed perfect, but there is space for correction, purification,
and recommitment.
6. Vasanthotsavam – Celebrating the Spring Season
Though some pilgrims know about Brahmotsavam, fewer know of Vasanthotsavam, the festival
to celebrate the onset of spring.

3. - It is observed on three days in the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar.
- The ritual begins with Ankurarpanam—sowing of nine types of seeds—a symbolic act of
fertility, growth, and renewal.
Why it’s special: Although not as grand or famous as the major festivals, Vasanthotsavam adds a
seasonal dimension to worship, reminding devotees of nature’s cycles, life, and rejuvenation.
7. The Myths Behind Devotee Practices: Neela Devi & Hair Offering
This is one ritual almost everyone who visits sees, but few know the origin story or full spiritual
symbolism.
- Devotees offer their hair as tonsure—often seen simply as a vow fulfilled or some sacrifice. But
the myth goes that Neela Devi, a cowherd, once offered her hair to the Lord when she heard her
Lord had been hurt and his head had a bald patch.
- Moved by her sacrifice, Lord Venkateswara granted that all hair offerings by devotees would
be accepted by her.
- So the act is one of surrender: ego, shame, and vanity—symbolic ideas are given up through
this humble offering.
How Knowing These Rituals Can Enhance Your Tirumala Visit
- Deeper Connection: When you know what is being done and why, your darshan or seva
becomes more than just seeing or doing—it becomes participating in a living tradition.
- Timing Your Visit: Some of these rare rituals occur only on certain days or periods. If you plan
your travel around them, you’ll get a special, less crowded experience.
- Spiritual Insight: Rituals like Koluvu and Pavitrotsavam remind you that spirituality in
Tirumala is not just devotional fervour but also order, responsibility, and humility.
- Respecting Tradition: Knowing about restrictions (e.g. Ugra Srinivasa not going out after
sunrise) helps you appreciate and respect ancient practices.
Planning Tips from TirupatiBalajiPackage
At TirupatiBalajiPackage.com, we believe in helping you experience both the popular and the
hidden wonders of Tirumala. Here’s how we can assist:
- Custom itineraries that include rare ritual timings so you can witness them.
- Guides who explain the stories behind rituals like Koluvu, Abhideyaka, and Pavitrotsavam.
- Alerts for upcoming special ritual days—so you can plan accommodation and darshan in
advance.
- Assistance with seva tickets for ritual-viewing (where allowed) so you don’t miss out.
Final Thoughts
Tirumala is not just about seeing; it’s about immersing. These rare rituals are windows into

4. centuries-old devotion, myth, structured worship, humility, and cosmic order. Even if you come
back many times, there are always layers still to uncover.
Plan your next pilgrimage with TirupatiBalajiPackage.com and experience not only the grand
darshan of Lord Venkateswara but also the hidden traditions that make Tirumala truly unique.