Extensive Preparations Underway for Vaikunta Ekadashi at Tirumala

DECCAN FREEDOM NEWS, 

TIRUMALA, DECEMBER 28

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao announced extensive arrangements for Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrations, scheduled from January 10 to 19, 2025. Speaking at the “Dial Your EO” program held at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala, the EO detailed various measures being implemented for the smooth conduct of the event.

To minimize waiting times for devotees, TTD will issue time-slot tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan. Online bookings for darshan tickets began on December 24, with 1.40 lakh tickets priced at ₹300. Additionally, special darshan tickets under the Srivani Trust for January 10 are limited to 1,500, with 2,000 tickets available for the subsequent nine days.

Special provisions include offline tokens issued at 91 counters across Tirupati and Tirumala, with 1.2 lakh tokens available on January 9 for the first three days. For subsequent days, tokens will be distributed daily at designated counters. Devotees are urged to follow assigned timings to ensure hassle-free darshan.

Accommodations for donors will be temporarily suspended from January 8 to 11 to prioritize general devotees. Regular bookings will resume from January 12. TTD will also halt VIP break darshans, except for protocol dignitaries, during the 10-day period due to anticipated crowds.

On January 10, Sri Malayappa Swami, accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, will grace the four Mada streets in a golden chariot. The Chakrasnanam ritual is scheduled for January 11. Additionally, the Adhyayanotsavams, a traditional festival, will begin on December 30 and continue through Vaikunta Ekadashi.

TTD has also announced plans to participate in the prestigious Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. A replica of the Tirumala temple will be set up, complete with daily rituals and utsavams, offering devotees in North India an opportunity to experience the grandeur of Lord Venkateswara.

November Devotional Statistics

TTD shared the following data for November:

• Devotees: 20.35 lakh

• Hundi Collections: ₹111.30 crore

• Laddu Sales: 97.01 lakh

• Annaprasadam Served: 19.74 lakh

• Tonsures: 7.31 lakh

Additional EO Sri C.H. Venkayya Chowdary, JEO Gautami, CVSO Sridhar, and CE Satyanaray

ana were among the officials present.