Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Friday Abhishekam

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Friday Abhishekam

Every Friday after Suprabhatham Seva, the regular Thomala and Archana Sevas are done in privacy and then Srivari Abhishekam is observed. This happens to be the most ancient Arjitha Seva that is being observed in the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara. Abhishekam is a Sanskrit word for the celestial bath, performed to the main presiding deity in any Hindu Temples. As per tradition, in Tirumala, this is performed on the pre-dawn of every Friday. It will be performed from morning 3:30 a.m. which may last up to 5:00 a.m. A team of 4–5 priests will perform the Abhishekam based on Vaikhanasa Agama.

All bedecked gold and diamond ornaments, clothing, and finery is taken off from the presiding deity except a white loin, and a heavy gold necklace bearing a pendant with Sri Mahalakshmi's seated pose. The Abhishekam is performed by priests with water (brought from Akasaganga Theertham), milk, Punugu Kasturi Parimalam (scent), turmeric, sandal paste, etc.  During Abhishekam, priests will recite Pancha Suktam - Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam, Bhoo Suktam, Nila Suktam, and Santhi Vachanam. This is a paid Seva where devotees are allowed in limited number.

The Devotees who take part in this Seva, are all assembled inside the temple and each one is entrusted with one Silver Vessel that contain various scented articles like powdered Pachai Karpooram, Saffron paste, drops of civet oil, Chandanam and etc., All the Devotees carry these articles round the inner prakara of the temple accompanied by Mangala Vadyas. When they reach the Bangaru Vakili, the vessels and plates are collected by the Archakas and the contents will be used while performing Abhishekam to the Main Deity.

In the year 966 A.D. a Pallava Queen Samavai gifted the present silver idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy to the temple. This idol is exact miniature replica of the main Vigraha. The year when she gifted, it was on Jyeshta Bahula Tritheeya when Sravana star was in the ascendant in Akshaya Year and it was on Friday. While installing the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy idol in the Sanctum, an Abhishekam was performed to the main deity also. Thus, started the practice of doing Abhishekam to Moola Virat on every Friday.