TTD Cleans Tirumala For Vaikunta Ekadasi

Speaking to the media after the ritual, TTD executive officer Anil Kumar Singhal said the ceremony is performed ahead of major festivals in accordance with age-old temple tradition.

“Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam is conducted before important occasions such as Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Brahmotsavams and Vaikunta Ekadasi. As part of the ritual, the sanctum sanctorum, sub-shrines, temple premises, potu, walls, ceilings and pooja articles are cleansed with sanctified water, followed by special prayers and offerings,” he said.

The EO said elaborate arrangements had been made for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam to be held from December 30 to January 8, with priority given to common devotees. He said a special board meeting was convened, as per the directions of the Chief Minister, to take several decisions aimed at ensuring smooth access to darshan for ordinary pilgrims.

Darshan tokens through the e-DIP system have been allotted for December 30, 31 and January 1. Of the nearly 24 lakh registrations received, 1.89 lakh devotees were selected for the first three days. “Token holders have been assigned specific dates and time slots, and if they adhere to the schedule, darshan can be completed within two hours,” the EO said.

Devotees who could not secure tokens can have sarva darshan through queue lines from January 2 to 8. During this period, 15,000 special entry darshan tickets (₹300) and 1,500 SRIVANI trust-linked break darshan tickets will be issued online daily. Local devotees will be issued 5,000 tokens per day on January 6, 7 and 8.

“Special darshans have been cancelled in view of the expected heavy rush. Free food distribution and stringent security arrangements, including the deployment of police and vigilance personnel, have been put in place,” the EO added.

Photo captions: TTD officials and priests cleanse the temple as part of Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam at Tirumala on Tuesday.