The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple, has announced a temporary suspension of its coveted VIP break darshan facility. This cancellation is due to a significant temple purification ritual scheduled later this month.
Key Dates for Devotee Attention
The VIP break darshan will remain cancelled on December 23, 2024. This coincides with the Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, a ceremonial cleansing of the temple premises. The TTD has explicitly stated that recommendation letters for this privileged darshan will not be accepted on December 22, the preceding day.
Officials provided clarity, noting that the cancellation applies to the general VIP break darshan system. However, protocol dignitaries will be exempted from this suspension as per standard practice.
Understanding the Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam Ritual
The Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam is a deep-cleansing ritual performed at the hill shrine four times annually. It is traditionally observed on the Tuesdays before four major festivals: Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Srivari Brahmotsavams, and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
This year, the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is set to be celebrated over ten days, from December 30, 2024, to January 8, 2025. The upcoming Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam on December 23 is in preparation for this grand event.
Extended Cancellation During Vaikunta Ekadasi
In a related announcement, the TTD has appealed to pilgrims to note a broader suspension. All forms of privilege darshans, including the VIP break darshan, will remain cancelled for the entire 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan period. This period starts from December 30 and runs through the festival's conclusion.
This move is intended to manage the immense influx of devotees expected during the sacred Vaikunta Ekadasi and to ensure smooth and equitable darshan for all pilgrims. The TTD's announcement serves as a crucial advisory for devotees planning their pilgrimage to Tirumala during the final week of December and the start of the new year, urging them to adjust their travel plans and expectations accordingly.
