TELUGU STATES: Vaikuntha Ekadashi Sees Massive Devotee Rush
Devotees flock to sacred shrines across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, embracing the spiritual fervor of Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu open their northern gates for special darshan, drawing massive crowds from dawn.
This auspicious occasion promises blessings and liberation for those who participate with devotion.
Sacred Gates Open at Tirumala
The Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple welcomed pilgrims through the Vaikuntha Dwaram early on December 30, 2025.
Long queues formed as devotees sought the divine view of Lord Venkateswara.
TTD made special arrangements to handle the surge, including dedicated lines for seniors and the disabled.
Crowds at Key Regional Temples
In Vijayawada, the Kanaka Durga Temple saw a steady stream of visitors offering prayers.
Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple experienced similar devotion, with families gathering in large numbers.
At Dwaraka Tirumala, Mukkoti Ekadashi celebrations featured vibrant chants and filled queue lines.
Grand Ceremonies in Bhadrachalam
The Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple hosted a majestic Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan.
Lord Ramachandra appeared on Garuda Vahana, Goddess Sita on Gaja Vahana, and Lakshmana on Hanumantha Vahana.
Devotees passed through the northern gate in a spirit of reverence and joy.
Majestic Observance at Simhachalam
Simhachalam’s Uttara Dwara Darshan started with great pomp in Visakhapatnam district.
Lord Simhadri Nath blessed devotees dressed as Vaikuntha Narayana. Aditi Gajapathi Raju, daughter of hereditary trustee Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, received the first darshan, followed by public access.
Notable Visitors Seek Blessings
Several prominent figures visited Tirumala for darshan through the Vaikuntha Dwaram.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy led the list, joined by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu.
Other attendees included Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, film star Chiranjeevi with family, Bharat Biotech MD Krishna Ella, and actor Nara Rohit.
Additional dignitaries included cricketer Tilak Varma, producer DVV Danayya, Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishna Raju, and various ministers. At Simhachalam, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Government Whip P. Ganababu also participated in the rituals.
This year’s Vaikuntha Ekadashi highlights the deep cultural and spiritual ties in Telugu states.
Temples’ elaborate preparations ensured smooth experiences despite heavy footfall. The event reminds many of faith’s power to unite people in pursuit of peace.