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Angapradakshinam at Tirumala: Cost, Tickets, Dress Code, Sevas and Timings
My name is Rahul Sharma, and for the last two years I have been writing blogs on temples and spiritual practices in India. Having researched and visited many temples, I always try to share information in simple words so that devotees and readers can understand easily. In this article, I will explain about Angapradakshinam in Tirumala, its meaning, cost, tickets, dress code, sevas, and timings. This guide is based on my knowledge and devotion towards temple traditions.
What is Angapradakshinam?
Angapradakshinam is a unique spiritual practice performed in the sacred Tirumala Tirupati temple. In this seva, devotees roll around the temple premises by lying flat on the ground and moving in a circle around the sanctum. The word “Anga” means body and “Pradakshinam” means circumambulation. So, Angapradakshinam means performing pradakshina by touching the whole body to the ground.
Devotees believe that this act symbolizes surrendering the body and soul completely to Lord Venkateswara. By doing Angapradakshinam, devotees pray for forgiveness of sins and blessings for health, wealth, and peace. It is one of the oldest traditions followed at Tirumala, and even today thousands of pilgrims take part in it every month.
Importance of Angapradakshinam
The main purpose of Angapradakshinam is devotion and humility. Rolling around the temple floor in the presence of the Lord shows complete surrender. Devotees believe that the Lord removes their past sins and grants them prosperity. It is also said that this seva gives mental peace and spiritual strength. Many people perform it after their wishes are fulfilled, while some do it to seek blessings for good health and family happiness.
In Tirumala, Angapradakshinam is performed inside the temple around the sanctum of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. That makes this seva very special because very few temples allow Angapradakshinam inside the inner premises.
Angapradakshinam Tickets
For devotees who wish to perform Angapradakshinam, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) provides tickets online and offline. Usually, tickets can be booked through the official TTD website. The tickets are released every month, and they get booked very fast because of the high demand.
Each ticket allows only one devotee to perform the seva. The quota is limited, and hence devotees should book in advance. On festival days and special occasions, tickets are booked even faster. For those who do not get online tickets, there is also the option of offline booking at the temple counters, but availability depends on the rush.
Angapradakshinam Cost
The ticket cost for Angapradakshinam is very affordable. TTD has kept the price low so that all devotees, irrespective of their financial status, can perform this seva. At present, the ticket price is around ₹50 per person. Since this seva is considered an act of devotion and surrender, money is not the main factor. Devotees are only required to book the ticket and follow the rules.
Dress Code for Angapradakshinam
Dress code is very important in Tirumala temple, especially for Angapradakshinam. Devotees have to follow the traditional dress while performing this seva.
For men, the dress code is dhoti without shirt or vest. For women, the dress code is saree or half saree. Modern clothes like jeans, trousers, churidar, or salwar kameez are not allowed for this seva. The reason behind this strict dress code is that devotees roll on the temple floor, and traditional clothes make it more respectful and pure according to temple customs.
Before entering the temple for Angapradakshinam, devotees should also take a proper bath and maintain cleanliness.
Timings of Angapradakshinam
Angapradakshinam is performed only during early morning hours in Tirumala temple. The usual timing starts around 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM after Suprabhatam darshan. This is the most peaceful and divine time in the temple when devotees can perform the seva without disturbance.
Since the seva is linked with darshan, devotees performing Angapradakshinam are also given the chance to see Lord Venkateswara after completing the ritual. Timings may change during special occasions or festivals, so devotees should check the official TTD updates before planning.
Rules and Guidelines for Devotees
TTD has some rules for Angapradakshinam. Pregnant women, elderly devotees, and people with health issues are advised not to perform this seva because it involves rolling on the ground continuously. Children below 8 years are usually not allowed. Devotees should also not carry luggage, mobile phones, or other belongings inside while performing Angapradakshinam.
It is also important to note that only those with tickets are allowed. Devotees without tickets cannot enter the queue for Angapradakshinam.
Sevas Linked with Angapradakshinam
Angapradakshinam is often combined with other sevas in Tirumala. Devotees who perform this seva also get darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Many people also book additional sevas like Suprabhatam, Thomala Seva, Archana, or Kalyanotsavam during their visit. This makes their pilgrimage more divine and complete.
My Experience and Thoughts
As someone who has studied temple traditions for years, I feel Angapradakshinam is one of the most powerful acts of surrender to Lord Venkateswara. I have seen devotees coming from faraway places just to perform this seva. Many of them share their experiences about how their wishes got fulfilled and how they felt peaceful after doing Angapradakshinam.
The sight of hundreds of devotees rolling together on the temple floor with complete devotion is truly moving. It shows the depth of faith and the greatness of Tirumala temple traditions.
Conclusion
Angapradakshinam is not just a ritual but a deep expression of devotion. From the cost of tickets to dress code and timings, everything is arranged by TTD in a disciplined way so that devotees can perform it smoothly. The seva reflects humility, surrender, and unshakable faith in Lord Venkateswara.
If you are planning a visit to Tirumala, try to book tickets for Angapradakshinam in advance. Performing it once in your life is a spiritual experience that you will always remember. As Rahul Sharma, with my continuous writing on temples and sevas, I can confidently say that Angapradakshinam is one of the most meaningful sevas you can do at Tirumala.