The world-renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh will observe an extended closure on Monday, March 3, 2025. This significant shutdown is due to a celestial event—a penumbral lunar eclipse. The temple doors will remain shut to devotees for a period exceeding ten hours to perform specific purification rituals.
Detailed Timings of the Temple Closure
According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the temple's governing body, the closure will be in effect from 9:05 PM on March 2. The sacred shrine will reopen for darshan only after the completion of all prescribed rites at 7:25 AM on March 3. This results in a total closure duration of 10 hours and 20 minutes.
The timings are meticulously aligned with the astronomical schedule of the lunar eclipse. The penumbral eclipse is expected to begin at 10:23 PM on March 2 and will reach its maximum phase at 12:42 AM on March 3. The celestial event will conclude at 2:58 AM.
Rituals and Purification Procedures
In adherence to ancient scriptural traditions and temple protocol, specific rituals will be conducted during this period. As the eclipse is considered a time requiring spiritual cleansing, the temple will undertake 'Samprokshana' ceremonies.
The key rituals planned include:
- Closure of the temple doors at the specified time before the eclipse begins.
- Performance of special prayers and 'ashtottaras' (recitation of 108 names) dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
- Conducting the 'Samprokshana' (purification) ritual after the eclipse ends.
- Only after this purification ceremony will the temple be reopened for regular worship and public darshan.
These practices are deeply rooted in the temple's 'Agama' Shastra traditions, which mandate the purification of temple idols and premises after an eclipse. The TTD ensures that all procedures are followed with utmost precision to maintain the sanctity of the holy site.
Impact on Devotees and Pilgrims
The extended closure will significantly impact the pilgrimage schedule for thousands of devotees who visit Tirumala daily. Pilgrims planning darshan for the early hours of March 3 are advised to reschedule their plans accordingly.
The TTD has made arrangements to inform the public well in advance through its official channels and announcements at the temple complex. Regular temple activities, including 'Suprabhatham' and 'Thomala' sevas, will also be suspended during this closure period and will resume only after the 'Samprokshana' is complete.
This event highlights the continuous harmony between astronomical phenomena and traditional religious practices observed at one of India's richest and most visited spiritual centers. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams manages the temple with strict adherence to both ritualistic codes and efficient crowd management, ensuring spiritual protocols are honored while minimizing inconvenience to devotees.
