Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Ekantha Seva

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Ekantha Seva

Ekantha Seva is the last Seva performed to Lord Venkateswara before the temple closes for the day. During this ritual, the garlands adorning the moolavar (main deity) are removed. The previous day's Gaddam Bottu will be replaced by a new one. Bhoga Srinivasa idol is laid on a gold Uyyala in the Sayana Mandapam using silver chains. Milk, fruits, almonds are offered to the Lord. Chandanam is placed at the feet of the main deity after removing the Kavacham covering the feet. Chandanam (Sandalwood paste) is also placed on the chest of Bhoga Srinivasa.

Since it is believed that Lord Brahma comes to perform prayers to the Lord after the temple doors are closed every night. Chandanam, water and puja materials are left for his usage. Water filled in silver cups are also kept for being consecrated by Lord Brahma and the same is distributed as 'Tirtha' (holy/sacred water) to all pilgrims the next day. Tarigonda Vengamamba's aarti in a plate inlaid with one of the Dasavatharam (10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu) along with pearls bought by Vengamamba's descendent is waved to the Lord.

During the entire ceremony, descendants of Tallapaka Annamacharya sing Annamacharya's Jolapata (lullaby). During Dhanurmasa, the idol of Lord Krishna is put to bed in the Uyyala instead of Bhoga Srinivasa. The Bangaru Vakili is closed and bolted with archakas key followed by Jeeyars and administrator's keys. The temple authorities scale the door lock. On Varalakshmi Vratham day alone after Ekantha Seva a few more rituals are observed.

The Vakshasthala Lakshmi Thayar is adorned with a new vastram (traditional clothes) and neivedhyam (sacred food) is offered to her with preparations made out of Bengal gram. With this the curtain is drawn to daily Sevas and rituals in the temple. Devotees may or may not be allowed to view this ritual based on the pilgrim rush on that day. The exact date of start of the Seva is unknown while records exists of Krishnadeva Raya's wives - Chinnaji Devi and Tirumala Devi presenting golden cups to offer milk to the lord in 1513 A.D.