Temples get ready for Vaikunta Ekadashi
Hyderabad:Temples of Lord Vishnu and his avataras are getting ready for the ‘Uttara Dwara’ darshanam on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadashi on January 10. Preparations are in full swing to manage crowds and ensure a comfortable visit for devotees.
At the Ranganatha Swamy temple in Jiyaguda in Old City, a large number of devotees, including from various districts, will be visiting the temple. The Uttara Dwara darshanam and Garuda Perumal procession will begin in the morning at 5 am.
According to temple priest Shesha Chary, “The celebrations will continue from Ekadasi to Pournami as part of Dhanurmasam traditions.”
He said while many devotees visit Tirumala for Vaikunta Ekadasi, those unable to travel due to financial or other constraints can experience a similar spiritual atmosphere at the Ranganatha temple. The temple will be decorated to resemble Vaikuntam; devotees can experience Sheerasagara Vaikunta Nadha Darshanam. “Last year, there was a huge turnout of up to 1 lakh people and we are expecting the same this time,” he said.
Sringaram Atreya Charyulu, the priest of Lord Venkateswara temple at Charminar, said that Abhishekam is scheduled at 3.30 am and a huge procession would be held at 6.30 am after which the temple will open for Vaikunta Darshanam.
The GHMC is assisting with sanitation facilities and police are providing barricades and help to maintain the crowd, said Lenin Babu, the chairman of the Lord Venkateswara temple at Phool Bagh. Vaikunta Dwaram opens at 5 am after the completion of procession in the temple surrounding areas.
The Venkateswara Swamy temples in Santosh Nagar, Malakpet and Chennakesava Swamy temple at Chandrayangutta are expected to see a huge turnout.