Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy marked the auspicious occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi with a visit to the sacred Tirumala temple on Tuesday. He was accompanied by his immediate family, including his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, for the special prayers.
Massive Devotee Turnout at Tirumala
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) witnessed an immense influx of devotees for the significant festival. In the early hours, the sacred Vaikuntha Dwara (northern entrance) was opened, allowing thousands of pilgrims to have darshan of the presiding deity through this special gateway. The temple town was thronged by believers from across the country, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi.
Political Leaders Join in Celebrations
The spiritual occasion also saw participation from several political figures. Alongside CM Revanth Reddy, a number of ministers, MPs, MLCs, and MLAs from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana offered their prayers at the hill shrine. This highlighted the festival's importance transcending regional politics and uniting leaders in devotion. Revanth Reddy concluded his visit and returned to Hyderabad by Tuesday afternoon.
State-Wide Celebrations and Rituals
The fervour of Vaikunta Ekadasi was not confined to Tirumala alone. Major temples across Hyderabad, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh celebrated the day with great devotion and elaborate arrangements. Prominent temples like the Hare Krishna Golden Temple in Banjara Hills and the Simhachalam temple held special rituals, prayers, and were adorned with festive decorations. The day was marked by a series of VIP visits and traditional ceremonies, drawing large crowds at each location.
The widespread celebrations underscored the deep-rooted cultural and religious fabric of the region, with devotees observing fasts and participating in prayers to seek spiritual merit on this highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.
