Planning to witness the beautiful Thomala Seva at Tirumala? This special flower decoration ritual is one of the most divine experiences you can have. Here’s your complete guide to booking Thomala Seva tickets online and everything you need to know before your visit.
What is Thomala Seva?
Thomala Seva means “garland of flowers” in Telugu. This is a special ritual performed after the Suprabhatam Seva, where Lord Venkateswara is decorated with beautiful flower garlands and Tulasi (holy basil) decorations.
Also known as Thodutha Malai in Tamil, this seva happens early morning when the priests adorn the main deity (Mula Virat) with colorful flower garlands in a traditional procession with lighted torches and the rhythmic sound of Jeganta bells.
The flowers from Yamunathurai are brought by the Periya Jiyar (chief pontiff of Tirumala temple) or his disciple. These garlands are carefully arranged in different sizes to decorate specific parts of the deity, creating a stunning divine appearance.
Why is Thomala Seva Special?
Attending Thomala Seva offers devotees a unique opportunity to:
- Witness Flower Decoration: See Lord Venkateswara being adorned with fresh flower garlands
- Close Darshan: Limited crowd ensures a peaceful and intimate darshan experience
- Traditional Ritual: Be part of an ancient tradition that’s been followed for centuries
- Divine Atmosphere: Experience the sacred early morning atmosphere with vedic chants
- Special Blessing: Receive prasadam after the seva
Thomala Seva Timings & Details
Basic Information:
- Seva Days: Only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Reporting Time: 3:00 AM at VQC-I
- Seva Time: 3:30 AM to 4:00 AM
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
- Ticket Price: Rs. 220 per person
- Persons Per Ticket: Only 1 person (no group booking)
- Prasadam: 1 small laddu per person
Important Note: Thomala Seva tickets are not available on Mondays during May, June, and July. On other days of the week, it’s performed in Ekantham (without devotees).
How to Book Thomala Seva Tickets Online
Thomala Seva tickets are available through the Electronic Lucky DIP system – same as Suprabhatam Seva. Follow these simple steps:
Step-by-Step Booking Process:
Step 1: Visit TTD Website
Go to ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in/home/dashboard
Step 2: Login
- Enter your Indian mobile number
- Verify with OTP
- Login to your account (or register if you’re new)
Step 3: Select Seva Electronic DIP
- Under “Pilgrim Services”, click on “Seva Electronic DIP”
- Read all instructions carefully
- Check the box to accept terms and conditions
- Click “Continue”
Step 4: Fill Registration Details
- Enter all required personal information
- Upload valid ID proof
- Select number of persons (Note: Thomala Seva allows only 1 person per booking)
- Double-check all details before proceeding
Step 5: Choose Thomala Seva
- You’ll see a list of available sevas under Electronic DIP
- Click on “Select Seva & Date” button
- Find “Thomala Seva” and select the checkbox
- Choose your preferred dates (Tip: Select multiple dates to increase your chances)
- Click “OK”
Step 6: Review & Submit
- Click “Continue to Review”
- Carefully verify all entered information
- Click “Confirm & Submit”
- Note down your registration number
Step 7: Wait for Lucky Draw Results
- The lucky draw date will be announced
- If selected, you’ll receive SMS and email notification
- You must pay within 3 days of selection to confirm your booking
Booking Tips for Better Chances:
- Register for Multiple Dates: Select all available dates for Thomala Seva to increase selection probability
- Consider All Sevas: Many devotees register for all available sevas (Suprabhatam, Thomala, etc.) to maximize chances
- Complete Payment Quickly: Once selected, pay immediately – don’t wait for the 3-day deadline
- Keep Contact Details Updated: Ensure your mobile number and email are correct
- Save Registration Number: Keep it safe for future reference
When Does Booking Open?
- Registration Window: Usually opens every Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM
- Lucky Draw Date: Announced by TTD on their website
- Booking Period: Generally opens 2-3 months in advance
For current booking dates and availability, visit intirupati.in regularly or check the official TTD website.
What to Expect During Thomala Seva
When you attend Thomala Seva, here’s what happens:
- Arrival: Report at VQC-I by 3:00 AM with your printed ticket
- Verification: Show your ID proof and booking confirmation
- Procession: Watch the priests carry flower garlands in a traditional torch-lit procession
- Flower Decoration: Witness the beautiful flower decoration of Lord Venkateswara
- Darshan: Get a close view of the decorated deity
- Prasadam: Receive blessed laddu prasadam
- Duration: The entire experience takes about 30 minutes
Important Things to Remember
Before Booking:
- Check TTD calendar for available dates
- Ensure you can travel on selected dates
- Keep ID proof ready for verification
- Have a working mobile number and email
On Seva Day:
- Reach reporting point (VQC-I) by 3:00 AM
- Carry printed ticket copy
- Bring original ID proof used during booking
- Follow TTD dress code strictly
- No mobile phones or cameras inside temple
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before reporting time
Dress Code:
Men: Dhoti or traditional wear (no shirts) Women: Saree or traditional dress
Cost Breakdown
- Thomala Seva Ticket: Rs. 220 per person
- Maximum Persons: 1 person per booking only
- Payment Mode: Online payment through TTD portal
Alternative Sevas at Tirumala
If you don’t get Thomala Seva tickets, visit intirupati.in for information about other special sevas:
- Suprabhatam Seva (Rs. 120) – Daily at 3:00 AM
- Kalyanotsavam (Rs. 1200) – Divine marriage ceremony
- Sahasra Deepalankara Seva (Rs. 500) – Lamp decoration
- Arjitha Brahmotsavam – Annual festival sevas
- Vasanthotsavam – Spring festival sevas
How to Check Booking Status
After registration:
- Login to TTD website
- Go to “My Bookings” or “DIP Status”
- Enter your registration number
- Check selection status
- If selected, complete payment immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I book for 2 people in Thomala Seva? No, Thomala Seva allows only 1 person per booking.
Q: Is Thomala Seva performed daily? No, only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Other days it’s performed in Ekantham (without devotees).
Q: What if I’m not selected in the lucky draw? You can register again in the next booking window or try booking other sevas.
Q: Can I cancel my booking? Once selected and paid, cancellations are not allowed. Please plan accordingly.
Q: Are children allowed? Yes, children need separate tickets. There’s no age limit.
Q: How early should I reach Tirumala? Reach Tirumala at least 3-4 hours before reporting time for smooth travel and parking.
Accommodation Options
Need a place to stay before Thomala Seva? Check intirupati.in for:
- TTD accommodation booking
- Private hotels in Tirupati
- Guest houses near the temple
- Budget lodging options
- Last-minute accommodation tips
Travel Planning
Since Thomala Seva starts at 3:30 AM, plan your travel carefully:
- From Tirupati: Take free TTD buses or book private vehicle night before
- From Bangalore/Chennai: Reach Tirupati previous day and stay overnight
- Parking: Use TTD parking facilities (limited slots, arrive early)
- Walking Path: If trekking, start climb previous evening
Visit intirupati.in for detailed travel guides from different cities.
Contact Information
TTD Helpline: 155257 (24/7)
Online Booking: ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in
Official Website: tirumala.org
For any seva-related queries, call the helpline or visit TTD counter in person.
Final Thoughts
Thomala Seva is a beautiful ritual that showcases the devotion and artistic tradition of Tirumala temple. The flower decoration of Lord Venkateswara is truly mesmerizing and creates lasting spiritual memories.
While getting selected through the lucky draw requires some luck, the experience is absolutely worth the effort. The peaceful early morning atmosphere, the traditional procession with torches, and the divine sight of the Lord adorned with fresh flowers make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Start planning your Thomala Seva visit today! Keep checking intirupati.in for updated booking dates, travel tips, and complete Tirumala darshan guides.
Book your Thomala Seva tickets through electronic DIP today and witness the divine flower decoration of Lord Venkateswara!
For more helpful guides about Tirupati sevas, darshan timings, accommodation booking, and travel tips, visit intirupati.in – your trusted companion for a perfect Tirumala pilgrimage.
