What Is Arjitha Seva at Tirumala?

Arjitham means performing Darshan or Seva to the Lord by paying a prescribed fee fixed by the temple authorities. When devotees are allowed to take part in a specific seva by paying this fee, it is traditionally known as Amantranotsavam.

At Tirumala, Arjitha Sevas are not merely rituals—they are sacred opportunities for devotees to spiritually connect with Lord Venkateswara through time-honored traditions.

Vaikhanasa Agama – The Foundation of Tirumala Rituals

The Agamas are respected Hindu scriptures, revered alongside the Vedas, that explain temple worship and rituals. Among them, the Vaikhanasa Agama is unique because it provides detailed guidance on rituals performed both in temples and at home.

The Vaikhanasa Agama has two important sections: temple rituals offered to the presiding deity, and purification practices that priests must follow to qualify for temple service.

This sacred Agama was composed by Sage Vikhanasa and is one of the four principal Vaishnava Agamas. His disciples— Mareechi, Bhrigu, Kashyapa, and Atri—spread its teachings far and wide.

Arjitha Sevas at Tirumala as per Vaikhanasa Agama

For centuries, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual Arjitha Sevas and festivals at the holy Tirumala temple have been conducted strictly as per the Vaikhanasa Agama.

The Agama recommends six pujas each day, each serving a spiritual and social purpose. As performing all six pujas daily is not always practical, the Agama allows a minimum of one puja.

Present Puja System at Tirumala

Currently, three pujas are performed daily at Tirumala. The first is the morning puja conducted along with Thomala Seva, which is open to devotees. The second is an abridged puja in the afternoon (Madhyahna). The third is a night puja, which is strictly private and attended only by temple priests and officials.

All these sacred services are conducted by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams as part of divine duty. Importantly, devotees (Grihastas) are allowed to participate in daily Arjitha Sevas, symbolizing shared devotion and collective spiritual involvement.