Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva Timings Booking
Contents
- 1 Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva Timings Booking Guide
Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva Timings Booking Guide
Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva is one of the most spiritually uplifting rituals you can witness at the sacred TTD Official Website during your pilgrimage to Tirumala. This divine evening ceremony involves the lighting of thousands of lamps (deepams) around Lord Venkateswara’s Unjal Mandapam and is truly magical when experienced live. In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything — from exact timings and booking steps to personal tips that will make your visit smooth and fulfilling.
Quick Facts
| Location | Tirumala Temple, Unjal Mandapam, Andhra Pradesh, India |
|---|---|
| Seva Timing | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Daily) |
| Reporting Time | 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Arrive Early) |
| Entry Fee | ₹200 – ₹220 per person (Children under 12 free) |
| Booking | Online & CRO Office (subject to availability) |
| Dress Code | Traditional Indian attire required |
| Contact | TTD Official Booking Portal |
How To Reach Tirumala
By Air
The nearest airport to Tirumala is Tirupati Airport (Tirupati International Airport), approximately 30–35 km away. From the airport, you can take prepaid taxis, app-based cabs, or buses to Tirupati city and then onwards to Tirumala via frequent APSRTC buses or shared taxis.
By Train
Tirupati Railway Station is the major railhead connecting Tirumala with cities across India. It is well-served by express and passenger trains. Upon arrival, take a taxi or bus to Tirupati Bus Stand and proceed to Tirumala by road.
By Road
Tirumala is well-connected by roads to major cities of South India. Regular APSRTC buses operate from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam right up to Tirupati. From Tirupati, frequent buses and taxis take you up the hill to Tirumala.
Booking / Ticket Information With Exact Steps
Booking tickets for Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva must be done carefully, as slots are limited and fill fast. You can book online or opt for current booking at the Tirumala CRO Office if tickets remain.
Online Booking (Recommended)
The official and safest way to book your seva ticket is via the TTD portal. The steps below are based on the official online system.
- Open the official TTD seva booking website: https://online.tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in.
- Register/Login using your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
- From the menu, select “Online Services” > “Sevas”.
- Choose “Srivari Temple” and then pick “Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva” from the list.
- Check availability for your desired date (slots usually open up to 30 days in advance).
- Enter devotee details like name, age, ID proof number, and gender.
- Proceed to payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
- Download and print your confirmation ticket for entry.
Offline Booking At Tirumala
If online slots are full or you’re already in Tirumala, you can try current booking at the CRO Office (Central Reception Office) counters until approximately 4:00 PM on the same day (availability dependent).
Ticket Costs & Rules
The general ticket price is around ₹200–₹220 per person. Children below 12 years usually enter free but must follow the dress code. Traditionally, each ticket admits one person and tickets are non-transferable.
What To Expect At The Seva
When I visited Tirumala for this seva, I was struck by the calm yet powerful atmosphere as the sun began to set. Thousands of small lamps flickered in the evening breeze around the Unjal Mandapam while priests chanted hymns. Lord Malayappa Swamy, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi, was gently swung on a ceremonial swing amidst the glow. Devotees sat in orderly rows, deeply engrossed in the ritual’s beauty.
After the seva, ticket holders are often allowed to exit directly toward the Supadham Gate for darshan of the main deity before merging with general queues — a subtle but highly appreciated convenience.
Nearby Attractions With Distances
| Attraction | Distance from Tirumala Temple |
|---|---|
| Srivari Pushkarini (Holy Pond) | Within temple complex |
| Akasa Ganga | ~5 km |
| Papavinasam Theertham | ~9 km |
| Tirupati Balaji Temple (Tirupati City) | ~20–25 km |
| Chandragiri Fort | ~25 km |
Best Time To Visit Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
The evening seva is performed daily throughout the year, but timing comfort and crowd levels vary with seasons. The coolest months — from October to February — offer comfortable weather for evening rituals and outdoor queue waiting. Plan your visit on weekdays if possible, as weekends and festival seasons (e.g., Brahmotsavam) see heavier crowds and booked-out slots.
I personally recommend arriving a day earlier than your seva date to acclimatize and book any pending services at the CRO Office if required. Doing so removes last-minute stress and gives you more flexibility with darshan and accommodation options.
Insider Tips From My Visit
- Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before the reporting time to clear security, deposit bags, and locate your seating area.
- Carry original ID cards for all ticket holders — TTD checks at entry.
- Dress code enforcement is strict; adhering to it avoids rejection at the gate.
- Even if online tickets show full, check at CRO counters — sometimes slots remain due to cancellations.
- Keep snacks and water for waiting times, but note that electronics and cameras are usually not allowed near the seva area.
FAQs
What Is The Exact Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva Timings?
The seva starts around 5:30 PM and usually lasts until about 6:30 PM daily. Devotees should be present at least by 4:30 PM.
Can Children Attend Free?
Yes, typically children below 12 years can attend without a ticket, but must still follow the dress code and entry rules.
Is Photography Allowed?
No, photography and mobile cameras are generally not permitted inside the seva area.
How Far In Advance Can I Book?
Online tickets usually open up to around 30 days before the seva date but can vary based on TTD’s quarterly quota releases.
Final Thoughts
Participating in Tirumala Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva is an unforgettable spiritual experience — the sight of 1,000 lamps glowing against dusk is deeply moving. With the right preparation and early planning using the official channels, your visit to Tirumala will be serene and spiritually enriching.
