Vaikunta Ekadasi is very important day at Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. Devotees used to fast for the whole day, starting before sunrise and ending after sunrise on the next day. If someone wants to break the fasting then it should be done afternoon hours only.
It is said in PADMA PURANA, that Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy to kill the demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margashirsha (Dec – Jan), impressed by ‘Ekadasi’, Lord Maha Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikuntam’ (Heaven) afterlife.
Like all Ekadasi days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil for the whole night. Used to perform Japa, meditation, and singing Hari Keerthanas. Rice should be avoided during Ekadasi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
It is believed that the doors to heaven ( Vaikunta Dwaram) open on Vaikunta Ekadasi day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta.
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 Date and Timings in Tirumala:
Tirumala Vaikunta Ekadasi & Dwadasi Darshan 2023 Date and Time Details:
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 Date: January 2, 2023
Vaikunta Dwadasi: January 3, 2023
Vaikunta Dwaram Opening Date and Hours: January 2, 2023, 3:00 AM (approx.)
Darshan Ticket Cost: Rs.10,000 (SRIVARI Trust Donation) + Rs 1,000 (Ticket) or Rs 300 (Special Entry Darshan)
Vaikunta Dwaram Darshan Timings: 3:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Vaikunta Dwaram Opening Dates: 2nd to 11th January 2023.
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 Darshan Ticket Booking:
Special Entry Darshan (Rs.300) tickets and SRIVARI Trust tickets will be released for online booking. A limited Online quota will be released for Rs.300 and SRIVARI trust tickets.
Tirumala on Vaikunta Ekadasi Day Darshan Procedure:
- Maha Laghu Darshan on Vaikunta Ekadasi for SRIVARI Trust ticket holders, Rs.300 Ticket holders, and SARVA darshan
- Maha Laghu Darshan is similar to Rs.300 Ticket Darshan
- The devotees are allowed to enter Vaikunta Dwaram on these special days.
- Vaikunta Dwara Darshan remains open for 10 days
- Laghu Darshan is similar to Rs.500 ticket darshan on the remaining 9 days for SRIVARI trust ticket holders.
- All privileged Darshan remains canceled during Vaikunta Dwaram Opening Dates.
- Senior Citizen Darshan, Differently abled Darshan, Patients Darshan, NRI Darshan, Infant Darshan, and other Supadam Darshan will not be available during this time.
Tirumala Vaikunta Ekadasi 22 Jan 2023 Schedule:
- Lord Malayappa Swamy will ride in Swarna Rathotsavam in the Morning Hours
- Vaikunta Dwara Darshan from 3:00 AM
- Rapathu Utsavam
Tirumala Vaikunta Dwadasi Day Activities:
Srivari Chakrasnanam before Sunrise.
Vaikunta Dwara Darshan
Bhogi Theru
Tirumala Vaikunta Ekadasi Swarna Ratham:
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam in connection with Vaikuntha Ekadasi will be performed on 1st January.
The procession of the Golden Chariot (Swarna Ratham) on Vaikunta Ekadasi day on 2nd January between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM in the four Mada streets.
On Vaikuntha Dwadsi day on 3rd January, Chakra Snanam will be performed in Swami Pushkarini between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
Tirupati Sarva Darshan Ticket Counters:
From 22nd December 2023, Free Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan will be issued in Tirupati.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi Free Slotted Sarva Darshanamu (SSD) tokens will be given at 9 counters as mentioned below:
- Srinivasam Complex (Opposite Main Bus Stand)
- Vishnu Nivas (Opposite railway station)
- Govindaraja Swamy Satram (behind the railway station)
- Bhoodevi Complex (near Alipiri Mettu/Steps)
- Indira Mydanam (Municipal Office)
- Jeevakona Zilla Parishad High School
- Ramanaidu High School, Bhairagipatteda
- MR Palli ZP High School
- Near Ramachandra Pushkarini