1.76 Lakh Devotees Selected for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has selected approximately 1.76 lakh devotees for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan ahead of the upcoming Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. This selection process was completed on Tuesday as part of a comprehensive digital initiative to facilitate the first three days of the ten-day event, commencing on December 30, 2023.

In a remarkable display of technological engagement, the TTD received a staggering total of 24.05 lakh registrations. The registration period, which began on November 27, saw an impressive influx of interest from pilgrims. The TTD website recorded 9.28 lakh registrations, while mobile platforms attracted 13.29 lakh and 1.47 lakh devotees registered via WhatsApp. This response highlights the significant digital reach of the temple administration.

Following the draw, the TTD implemented a meticulous duplication-elimination process to ensure fairness. By 14:00 hours, confirmation messages and official tickets were dispatched to the selected devotees. Additionally, a Google Maps link was provided to assist pilgrims in locating their designated reporting points for the darshan.

On Vaikunta Ekadasi, a total of 57,000 devotees will be permitted to participate in the darshan. The following two days will see 64,000 pilgrims on Dwadasi and 55,000 on January 1, which coincides with New Year’s Day. The TTD has also made arrangements for the remaining seven days of the festival, during which devotees can experience the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan without needing a darshan ticket, thereby broadening access.

In addition to the general access, TTD will release 15,000 Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets priced at ₹300 each, alongside 1,000 SriVani tickets available daily throughout the last week of celebrations. The booking for these tickets will open on December 5.

This digital initiative reflects the TTD’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrim experience while ensuring a smooth and transparent selection process. As the festival approaches, the temple administration is poised to welcome a significant number of devotees, reinforcing its status as a major spiritual destination.