The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is ushering in a new era of convenience for devotees by launching an online current booking system for the coveted Srivani Trust VIP darshan tickets. This significant move, set to begin on a trial basis from Friday, January 9, 2026, aims to streamline the process and reduce waiting times for pilgrims at the sacred Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
How the New Online Booking System Works
Under the new initiative, the 800 Srivani Trust break darshan tickets that were previously available only at physical counters in Tirumala will now be released online for same-day darshan. This quota is separate from the existing advance online quota of 500 tickets released three months prior. The TTD has outlined a clear daily schedule: the tickets will be made available for booking online every day at 9:00 AM. The booking window will remain open until 2:00 PM.
Devotees who successfully secure these special VIP passes must report at the designated location in Tirumala by 4:00 PM on the same day to avail of the quicker, less crowded darshan. The Srivani Trust tickets are offered to donors who contribute Rs 10,500 or more per person. The TTD has explicitly urged devotees to utilize this new online facility to avoid the long physical queues for tickets.
Trial Run and Future Decisions
This online current booking facility is being introduced as a one-month trial run. The temple administration has stated that after closely monitoring the system's performance during this period, a final decision will be taken regarding the overall timings and structure of the Srivani darshan. The trial represents a major step in TTD's efforts to digitize and modernize pilgrim services while maintaining the sanctity of the ritual.
Important Closure Notice for Devotees
In a separate but crucial announcement for pilgrims planning their visit, the TTD has declared that the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple will remain closed for over 10 hours on March 3, 2026, due to a lunar eclipse. As per tradition, the temple doors will be shut six hours before the eclipse begins.
The eclipse on March 3 is expected to last nearly three and a half hours, from 3:20 PM to 6:47 PM. Consequently, the temple will remain closed from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Darshan for devotees will resume only after the completion of special purificatory rituals, starting at 8:30 PM on the same day. The TTD has cancelled all other routine services on that day and advised devotees to plan their ticket bookings and accommodation accordingly.
The introduction of online booking for Srivani Trust tickets marks a pivotal shift towards a more accessible and efficient pilgrimage experience at one of India's most visited spiritual destinations.
