Vaikuntha Dwara Darsanam Commences In Tirumala

The prestigious Vaikuntha Dwara Darsanam commenced in a grand manner today at the Tirumala Lord Venkateswara temple.

The temple premises reverberated with the chanting of "Govinda Govinda" by devotees on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadasi. After having darsanam of Sri Venkateswara, devotees passed through the Vaikuntha Dwaram.

TTD Chairman B R Naidu, Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal and Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary personally inspected the arrangements inside the temple and along the external queue lines. They also interacted with devotees and sought their feedback. Devotees reportedly expressed happiness over the special arrangements made by TTD for the auspicious occasion.

Speaking to the media, Naidu said that unprecedented arrangements had been made to ensure that the pilgrims did not face any inconvenience, and that as a result the Vaikuntha Dwara Darsanam was progressing smoothly with foolproof planning and the devotees were highly satisfied with the arrangements.

As per the directions of AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, priority had been given to commoners with e-DIP token during the Vaikuntha Dwara Darsanams for the first three days, he said. He advised devotees with tokens to adhere strictly to their allotted time slots during the first three days. Devotees without tokens could have Vaikuntha Dwara Darsanam through Sarva Darsan queue lines from January 2 to January 8, he said.

Nearly 3,500 police and vigilance personnel have been deployed with robust security arrangements. Continuous monitoring is being carried out through the AI Command Control Centre to ensure safety and smooth movement.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadasi, the Swarna Ratham procession was today held in a grand manner. Between 9 am and 10:30 am, the Ratharanga Dolotsavam of Malayappa Swamy was conducted magnificently along the Mada Streets, enthralling devotees. A large number of devotees participated in the chariot-pulling ritual.

On the auspicious day, all Arjitha Sevas at the temple were cancelled.

The floral decorations at the Srivari temple captivated devotees. From the Mahadwaram to the Dhwajasthambam and at the Vaikuntha Dwaram, the temple has been beautifully adorned with a traditional touch using a variety of fruits, fragrant and colourful flowers, and foliage. Special arrangements have been made to provide a divine experience to devotees. Over ten days, 50 tons of traditional flowers, 10 tons of fruits, and four tons of cut flowers are being used for the decorations.

The Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple setting arranged near the Srivari temple also attracted devotees. It was set up with donor support under the supervision of TTD Garden Department Deputy Director Srinivasulu.

On the occasion of Vaikuntha Dwadasi, the Chakra Snanam of Sri Sudarshana Chakrathalwar will be held on Wednesday (December 31) between 4:30 am and 5:30 am at the Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is believed that devotees who take a holy dip at the auspicious time will receive sacred merit equivalent to bathing in the 66 crore holy theerthams located in the Seshachala Hills of Tirumala.

On Vaikuntha Dwadasi as well, all Arjitha Sevas at the Tirumala Srivari temple stand cancelled.