Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vishesha Pooja

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vishesha Pooja

Every Monday after the second bell, the Utsava Vigraha is brought to the Vasantha Mandapam for what is called 'Chaturdasa Kalasa Vishesha Puja' (i.e. with 14 Kalasas). Seven vessels have the following seven materials (dravyas); Gingelly oil milk, curds, ghee, yellow grains (aks hata), darbha and Panchagavyam and the balance of seven vessels contain suddhodaka (i.e. pure water) with these 14 Kalasas, Abhisheka is performed to the Malayappa and the two consorts. The ritual goes like this. The Archaka seeks the Utsava vigraha's anujna followed by Ankurarpana.

This is a very simple ritual of merely putting the grains with palikas. As soon as the palikas are ready, agnihoma is started. Then aavahana is done to the Kalasas (i.e., invoking the presence of the deities). The sankalpa to those who are sponsoring a particular Arjita Seva is done and the Visesha puja starts with rendering upacharas to God, culminating in offering aarti. As panchasuktas are recited Thirumanjanam is done to the Utsava Vigraha starting with milk, water, curds and sandal wood paste. After the conclusion of Abhishekam, aarti is offered and the idol is given a bath with water in the Kalasas.

Purnahuti is offered so as to herald the conclusion of the Homa. Naivedya is offered to God. Each ticket entitles 1 people to attend this Arjita Seva and they are given one big laddu, one Vada as prasadam and vastra bahumanam (a silver laced upper garment) and sathari. At the conclusion of the Seva, the ticket holders are also sent for the darshan of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum. This special puja is done normally on Mondays and is not observed when special festivals like Brahmotsavam, Pavitrotsavam etc., take place. The Visesha Pooja was started by TTD on April 8, 1991 and then after it became as Arjitha Seva.