Get in line, no 'special' darshan on Ekadasi, Dwadasi days at Tirupati temple

There will be no special (privileged) darshans allowed this year on the occasions of 'Vaikunta Ekadasi' and 'Vaikunta  Dwadasi' on December 21 and 22 respectively, according to a New Indian Express report.

This was decided in a meeting held by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Tuesday, to discuss arrangements for the two days. The move will enable more common pilgrims to witness the 'Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam'. 

The EDP wing has been reportedly instructed to release 10,800 online tickets, whereas the IT wing has been asked to keep booking slots open from 1pm to 9pm. Since each slot would accommodate 1,200 pilgrims, Temple Deputy Executive Officer C Ramana had been directed to check provisions for hassle-free 'darshanam', the report adds. 

The 'Annaprasadam’ facility would commence from early hours of December 21 and light food such as 'rava upma’, ‘atukula upma’, ‘pongal’ etc., would be served to the devotees.