Tirupati crowds surge for Vaikunta Ekadasi as token darshan begins

Millions of devotees flooded Tirumala in the early hours for Vaikunta Ekadasi, as the temple opened the Paramapada Vasal and began the day’s sacred procession. The event is anchored by the opening of the Paramapada Vasal, through which the processional deities head for darshan amid chants and ritual music. The temple administration has instituted an e-dip token system for darshan from December 30 to January 1, and access is strictly restricted to devotees who secured tokens. This arrangement aims to streamline entry and preserve the sanctity of the occasion as devotees seek the blessings of the presiding deity.

Pilgrims queued up in anticipation, with many chanting traditional praises and participating in the ceremonial rites as the processional deity is brought to the prime sanctum for darshan. The day’s rituals, including tirumanjanam and deeparadhana, accompany the climactic moment when the deity is led through the Paramapada Vasal for the darshan of devotees, a hallmark of Vaikunta Ekadasi at this famed hill shrine.

The celebration draws pilgrims from across the country, underscoring the festival’s significance in the Hindu calendar. While the day-long darshan is guided by token entries, the atmosphere remains intensely devotional, with the sounds of nagaswaram resonating through the temple precincts and worshippers offering prayers, thanking the divine for blessings and prosperity in the new year.

As Vaikunta Ekadasi marks the opening of the Paramapadha Vaasal at Tirumala, the event embodies a blend of age-old tradition and modern arrangements to accommodate the large crowds. Devotees hope for divine grace as they witness the sacred procession and seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual importance of this temple town during the festival.

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