DO NOT's:- In Govinda Maala Deeksha

While speaking with others, do not address in singular forms. i.e., HE, SHE, IT etc.

Atleast from the date of Maladharan and the commencement of Vratham, till reaching home after Darsanam and removing of Mala, do not consume any alcoholic, intoxicating substance and to avoid eating non-vegeterian food.

Avoid oil bath, smoking and chewing of pan during this period.

Never get angry under any circumstances.

Do not tell lies.

Do not hurt others feelings either by word or action

Do not take part in death ceremony. After the Mala dharan during the Vratham period, if any close relatives passes away, adhere to your family traditions and as far as possible avoid performing the Yatra this time. As per the advise of Guru swamy, if it is of distant relatives, you can remove the Mala, take bath observe the morning for that period without removing the deeksha and on the completion of the said period, take bath, ,keeping three times very little cow dung every time and then chant Govinda Naamalu / " OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA " 108 times or if you had GAYATRI MANTRAM upadesam already, chant 108 times and wear the Mala after purifying it with Panchagavyam, through Gurus wamy or in the temple.

Do not tease anybody or any living things

Do not earn illegal money.

Do not scold any Govinda even they are your disciple.

Do not point out other’s mistakes

Do not take part in Court Cases and stand surety for anybody during this period.

Do not take part in Dramas or in Cinemas in which you have to act in undesirable scenes and avoid seeing such Cinemas.

Either knowingly or unknowingly, do not commit sins.

Do not go near or touch ladies who are in monthly period. If it happens it is advised to have bath immediately and to take “PANCHAGAVYAM” if available or chant Govinda Naamalau / " OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA " 108 times before attending other works.

Do not have shaving and hair cuttings during this period.

Avoid sleeping day time and to avoid sleeping long time in night.

As far as possible avoid taking solid food outside and consume only fresh food. If you have to take food outside, due to unavoidable circumstances, have it after bath and avoid spending money lavishly.

After having Dharsanam and after reaching home only remove the Malas. On reaching home, breaking coconut at entrance, keep the Prasadam at your Pooja place at home, take bath, do Harathi for the Prasadam with Naivedyam, distribute the Prasadam for the entire family of yours and then remove the Mala yourself, duly chanting " OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA " or chanting the Manthras for the removal of Mala, if you know it. Removing the Mala en-route is not advisable.

Do's :- In Govinda Maala Deeksha

He must wear Tirunamam, Namam every time in deeksha.

MALADHARANAM:- For Tirumala Yatra, the prime duty is the Maladharanam. As far as possible the Mala, should be worn through Guru swamy with whom the Bhaktha intend to perform the Yatra. If Guru swamy could not be contacted, the priest / poojari at any venkateshwara Swamy temple Sannidhanam. The Mala can be of either Rudraksham or Tulasi or Chandanam.

As a main principle, Mala should be worn first and then the VRATHAM starts which should be observed for a minimum of 41 days and to be completed before the commencement of the Yatra.

From the day of Mala Dharan and commencement of Vratham, the Bhaktas should take bath twice every day, i.e., early in the morning and after Sun set and to do pooja at both the times. Also should chant Goninda Naamalu before closing the Pooja.

BRAMACHARIYAM:- Should be observed very strictly during the Vratham period till the reaching of their home after the Dharsanam at Tirumala.

During the Vratham period, Bakthas should take only limited food as required to subside the hunger.

During this period always speak TRUTH and Talk LESS.

What ever may be your daily work, you have to do for your livelihood, do it with full devotion on Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy and discharge it in the correct manner.

Treat all living creatures, as they are also created by the GOD, like us.

While talking with others (whether they are any Swamis or not) the main Taraka Manthram, i.e. govinda Swami Saranam should be uttered with every sentence you use.

Try to be, as far as possible in the company of small govinda swami group so that you can gain more experience about the Yatra and Vratham.

During this period, as far possible, try to take part in the Poojas and Bhajans.

Before the date of commencement of Yatra, within your capacity, if possible, do a small Pooja and do a small scale ANNADANAM to poor and needy people. The guidance in all the connected books clearly says that swami's should do ANNADANAM to poor. Feeding Bhakthas with big feast, assuming that we are satisfying Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, is a great Sin, as during this period the Bakthas should have restricted food.

Try always to be calm and even when you are being provoked by others, control your temper and say the only word “ OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA”

Address all men, boys as “Govinda or Swami” (Not only Vratham Govindas) including ladies and girls, including your wife.

One of the main principle of Govinda Maala Deeksha is, that all religions and castes are to be treated as ONE. Any body (Whether they are Christians, Muslims or other religion) having faith in Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, can worship Him. Ladies can participate in Poojas and Bhajans, but only girls below 10 years who have not attained Maturity and Ladies who have reached menopause, after certain age, can very well perform the Yatra duly observing the Vratham.

Manasa, Vaacha and Karmana (with mind, word and duty) have full devotion to Lord.

Though there is no specific prescribed dress to wear during this Vratham and Yatra period, to distinguish you as Govinda on Deeksha either yellow or saffron dresses can be worn.

As your mind is always occupied with devotion, it is desired to have always atleast Viboothi or Kumkumam or Chandanam or Namam on the forehead.