The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) reinstated the Tirunamadharana Seva, a traditional ritual involving the application of the sacred Tirunamam (three-line tilak) on devotees’ foreheads, as part of efforts to enrich the spiritual experience of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine. The service, offered free of cost, was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic and has now been revived.
Under the initiative, devotees are greeted with the sacred mark before entering queue lines for darshan at the temple of Lord Venkateswara, symbolising purity and devotion.
TTD officials stated that approximately 168 Srivari Sevaks are deployed daily in two shifts to carry out the service across multiple locations in Tirumala. These include Vaikuntam Queue Complexes I and II, Golla Mandapam, Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Kalyanakatta, Varahaswamy Temple, Supatham, Ram Bagicha, the Annaprasadam Centre, and the four Mada Streets.
The Tirunamam is applied using red sindoor with specially designed moulds known as Namakopus to maintain uniformity and traditional authenticity. The style is said to reflect the Tirumanikapu decoration that is ceremonially applied to the deity on a weekly basis.
Devotees believe that applying the tilak at the Ajna Chakra—the point between the eyebrows—helps enhance spiritual focus and offers protection from negative influences. The response from pilgrims has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction and a deeper sense of connection through the ritual.
Srivari Sevaks, who volunteer for the service, described the experience as deeply fulfilling. “It gives us immense satisfaction to serve devotees in this sacred manner,” a volunteer said.
With the revival of Tirunamadharana Seva, TTD continues its efforts to uphold age-old traditions while ensuring a spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for visitors to Tirumala.
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