It used to be different in old times when the number of devotees availing this seva used to be smaller.Įach of these cost INR 750. There is really no difference in the current manner of treatment of devotees who paid for either of these Sevas. Types of Abhishekam Seva: This Seva is of 4 kinds - Only 3 of them are advertised, the 4th being the most expensive of all Sevas in Tirumala, and naturally, the least advertised. One ticket for the Tiruppavada Seva allows 6 people to participate including one couple for Sankalpam and begets a full basket of Sacred food cooked inside The Temple - 'Prasadam' - 7 Big Laddus, 1/4Kilo of Pulihora, 5 humongous Jilebis (only cooked for this Seva), 5 dosas, and 5 big Vadas and 5 Jilebi Vadas. This new Thin Naamam then stays for the entire Thursday, and finally peeled off completely in the early hours of the next morning (Friday) during Abhishekam. The 'Pulihora' therefore acts like a Veil ('Paavada' in Telugu/Tamil) protecting devotees from His Powerful Gaze. Instead, it is made to fall on the mound of 'Pulihora' directly in front of Him, thereby sanctifying it and reducing the intensity of His Gaze. When this happens, it is believed that The Lord's first gaze after 'opening' His Eyes (because they were covered by The Naamam) should NOT fall on mortals, because it has so much power.

A Huge mound of cooked Tamarind spiced rice (Pulihora) is poured on a gold plated tray (Size about 6ft X 4ft) and placed directly in front of The Lord such that it is about a couple of feet in front of His steed, Sri Garudalwar, in the foyer area of The Temple's Sanctum Sanctorum.Īmid Chanting of Mantras, The previous wide Naamam is peeled off and a thin Naamam is adorned on His forehead just to cover the space between His eyebrows.

Therefore, The TTD introduced a New Seva every Thursday Morning by the Name of 'Tiruppavada' (translated, means a divine skirt, or loosely, a veil).

Ttd pancha suktam