What is the "Melchat Vasthram" Seva?
The Mel Chat Vasthram Seva is a special abhishekam (ritual bath) service dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, held every Friday.
When is the Mel Chat Vasthram Seva performed?
It is performed every Friday.
What happens during the Mel Chat Vasthram Seva?
Vastram Offering: Devotees participating in this seva bring a pattu vasthram (silk cloth) to the temple, which is placed on the head and carried around the temple in a procession.
Abhishekam: The vasthram is then offered to the archakas (priests) after the procession. After the abhishekam (which lasts about an hour), the vasthram is used to adorn the Lord.
Abhishekam Details: During this ritual, the priests chant Sri Suktham and Bhoo Suktham while performing the abhishekam with fragrant substances like milk, holy water (Akashaganga), camphor, sandalwood paste, musk, saffron, and other offerings.
What is the significance of this seva?
This seva is considered very auspicious and is believed that only those with good karma from past lives are eligible to participate.
It is the only occasion on Friday when devotees can view the Lord’s idol in its true form without ornaments. Only a single cloth (vasthram) covers the Lord after the abhishekam.
How much does the Mel Chat Vasthram Seva ticket cost?
The ticket price for the Mel Chat Vasthram Seva for a couple (husband and wife) is ₹12,250.
How can I book the Mel Chat Vasthram Seva tickets?
These tickets are not available online. Tickets can only be obtained through a lucky draw held on Thursday at the CRO office at Tirumala. Only two or three tickets are issued per lucky draw and sometimes no tickets are available at all. Tickets are issued only to couples. Single individuals cannot book these tickets.
Abhishekam Seva tickets are available with a cost of ₹750 per person. Only 5 to 6 tickets are available for this seva and tickets are usually booked in advance till 2050.
Writer : Sri Nunnagoppula Bhaskara Srinivasa Prasad
