Imagine planning a traditional Hindu wedding or getting your little one’s ears pierced in the sacred hills of Tirumala—without worrying about sky-high priest fees. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, it’s happening right now, thanks to a thoughtful new step by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Starting today, February 9, 2026, the priests from the Tirumala Priests Association (Purohita Sangham) are offering a range of important life-cycle rituals and ceremonies at the Kalyana Vedika on Papavinasanam Road in Tirumala. The best part? Many are either completely free or cost just a tiny amount—making these sacred moments accessible to everyday families who come to seek Lord Venkateswara’s blessings.
The headline service that’s turning heads: full wedding rituals performed by experienced temple priests at zero cost. Yes, you read that right—free! Of course, families handle their own food, decorations, music, and other personal arrangements, but the core priest-led ceremonies? No charge at all.
And for parents with babies or young kids, the traditional ear-piercing ceremony (Karnavedha) is available for only Rs 50 when done at the Purohita Sangham (it’s Rs 100 if performed at your cottage). It’s the classic needle method (not a gun), quick and gentle, and all you need to bring is a pair of earrings for your child.Here’s a quick look at the other affordable services now open to all devotees:
- Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony for boys) — Rs 300
- Satyanarayana Vratham — Rs 300
- Namakaranam (naming ceremony) — Rs 200
- Annaprasana (first solid food for baby) — Rs 200
- Aksharabhyasam (child’s first letters/education start) — Rs 200
- Mundan / Keshakhandana (head tonsure) — Rs 200
- Vahana Puja (vehicle blessing) — Rs 200
- Dastra Puja — Rs 200
- Nadaswaram music (one set) — Rs 100 / (two sets) — Rs 300
- Other religious ceremonies — Rs 200
All these follow authentic Vaikhanasa Agama traditions, performed by the same dedicated priests who serve at the Sri Venkateswara Temple.TTD Joint Executive Officer V Veerabrahmam explained the idea simply: these services are now available at affordable (or no) charges purely for the convenience of devotees. Many pilgrims already visit Tirumala for darshan—now they can combine it with family milestones like a wedding, a baby’s naming, or that important first ear-piercing, all in the peaceful, divine surroundings of the seven hills.
No fancy advance booking needed for most of these—just head over to the Purohita Sangham at Kalyana Vedika. The priests are there from morning till evening, ready to help.
In a world where even small rituals can feel out of reach for many families, this move feels like a genuine gesture of inclusion. Whether you’re a local devotee or traveling from afar, Tirumala is making sure faith and tradition don’t come with a big price tag.If you’re planning something special soon, this could be the perfect, heartfelt way to celebrate—blessed by Lord Balaji himself.
