Vaikuntha Ekadashi Celebrated with Grandeur Across Telugu States

The Telugu states were enveloped in spiritual splendor on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi , as massive crowds of devotees gathered to celebrate one of the most auspicious festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu . Tirumala , home to the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple , along with prominent temples across the region, witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees from the early hours.

Marking Mukkoti Ekadashi , special rituals, sevas, and offerings commenced before dawn, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere. At Tirumala, the sacred Vaikuntha Dwaram was opened at 12:05 a.m. amid Vedic chants , as the hills echoed with the chanting of “Govinda” . Devotees passing through the Vaikuntha Dwaram considered the darshan a moment of great spiritual significance . The ten-day Vaikuntha Dwaram darshan drew long queues from the early morning hours.

In view of the heavy pilgrim rush, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth darshan and pilgrim safety. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu , EO Anil Kumar Singhal , and Additional EO C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary personally i nspected queue lines, interacted with devotees, and reviewed facilities. Officials said special focus was placed on common pilgrims, with uninterrupted drinking water and Annaprasadam distribution, monitored through the AI-enabled Command and Control Centre.

As part of the celebrations, the Swarna Rathotsavam held on the Mada streets of Tirumala mesmerized devotees. From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. , Malayappa Swamy , along with Sridevi and Bhudevi , gave darshan on the golden chariot . The temple complex was adorned with nearly 60 tonnes of flowers and fruits , while a replica of the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple near the shrine emerged as a major attraction . For security, over 3,500 police and vigilance personnel were deployed.

Across the Telugu states , Vaikuntha Ekadashi was observed with devotion and religious fervour . Yadagirigutta, Srisailam, Simhachalam, and Dwaraka Tirumala witnessed steady crowds , with temple premises resonating with devotional hymns and Govinda chants.

On the occasion, the Chief Ministers of both Telugu states , along with their family members, had darshan of Lord Venkateswara through the Vaikuntha Dwaram . They offered prayers for peace, prosperity, happiness, and all-round development of their states. Temple priests later bestowed Vedic blessings and presented sacred theertha and prasadam.

The celebrations will reach another key spiritual milestone with the Chakrasnanam ritual scheduled at the Swami Pushkarini at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday . TTD officials announced that Sarva Darshan without tokens will be provided to devotees from January 2 to January 8 .