The Austerities (Vratham / Deeksha)

The Austerities (Vratham) starts on the first day of the mandalam period ( Preferably Ekadasi ) for those devotees who intend to worship Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy on Mandala Pooja Day ( after 41 days around ) or Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi (around). "Mukkoti Ekadasi / Vaikunta Ekadasi" day is the most auspicious day at Tirumala and all the mahor hindu temples. 41 days minimum deeksha / vratham is necessary before the day of Pilgrimage to Tirumala in Govinda Mala as per the conditions of the pilgrimage.

Vratham / Deeksha

The vratham starts from the day of wearing of "Thulasi Mala" (garland) and "Rudraksha Mala" or "Chandanam Mala" with the locket of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy.

The mala / maala is to be accepted from a temple Priest serving lord venkateswara swamy or Guru Swami (The devotee who has visited the Tirumala Temple several times or a minimum of seven times continuously and who can guide the other devotees in all matters relating to Tirumala pilgrimage) after the mala / maala is duly sanctified in a temple / or pooja room.

A "Dakshina" may be given to the priest / Guru Swami concerned. After wearing the "Mala" the devotee is called as "Govinda" or "Swami / Swamy" ( in the name of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy) till the completion of his pilgrimage and removal of Mala thereafter.

The eligible female devotees are aged between 1 and 9 and above 50 years.

During the period of Vratham utmost care should be taken by each devotee to keep their mind and body clean, pure and balanced. The devotee is expected to live like "sadhu", "Yogi" and his action, word, thought should not under any circumstances hurt the feelings of the others.

The devotee should avoid all worldly pleasure and avoid taking alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. They are also not expected to cut hair, shave and nails. Yellow dhoti and shirt is the proper dress for the vratham. Wearing Chappal, Shoes are not allowed as per traditional rule of the Vratham.

Absolute Bramacharya during the period is essential without which no devotee should go to Tirumala Temple in vratham. The devotee is expected to pray in the morning and evening after taking bath. Before each meal devotee should pray and take the meal as "Prasadam" of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy.

Without proper Deeksha / Vratham Pilgrimage to Tirumala is not at all advisable for Govinda Swamy / Swami. The mental satisfaction of the pilgrimage can be attained only through the proper Vratham. May the Lord Venkateshwara Swamy help everybody to follow the rule of traditional Vrutham for the attainment of salvation of the soul.

" OM NAMO VENKATESAYA " - ఓం నమో వేంకటేశాయ - ॐ नमो वेंकतेशाया