Vaikuntha Ekadashi Celebrations Draw Huge Devotee Turnout Across Telugu States
North gate darshan begins at major temples including Tirumala, Yadadri, Bhadrachalam and Simhachalam
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is being celebrated with great religious fervour across the Telugu states on Friday, as thousands of devotees thronged major temples from the early hours of the day to offer prayers to Lord Maha Vishnu. Devotees participated in the auspicious Uttara Dwara (North Gate) Darshan, a significant ritual associated with the festival.
At the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple, the north gate was opened in the early morning, allowing devotees to have Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan. A massive influx of pilgrims was witnessed at the hill shrine. Similar scenes were seen at the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada and the Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, where devotees turned up in large numbers.
At the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam, the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan festivities began ceremoniously. Lord Rama gave darshan on Garuda Vahanam, Goddess Sita on Gaja Vahanam, and Lord Lakshmana on Hanumanta Vahanam, captivating the devotees.
The Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam district also witnessed grand celebrations as Uttara Dwara Darshan commenced in a splendid manner. Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy was adorned as Vaikuntha Narayana, blessing devotees. The temple’s hereditary trustee Aditi Gajapathi Raju, daughter of Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, offered the first darshan, following which devotees were allowed entry. Bhimili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Government Whip P. Ganababu also offered prayers.
Prominent Visitors at Tirumala:
Several dignitaries visited Tirumala on the occasion, including Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, actor Chiranjeevi along with his family, Nara Rohith and his wife, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, cricketer Tilak Varma, film producer DVV Danayya, Bharat Biotech MD Krishna Ella, and TTD Board Member Suchitra Ella.
