TTD to Issue 4.25 Lakh Time-Slotted Sarva Darshan Tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan
Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced that it will issue 4.25 lakh time-Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens to common pilgrims to accommodate the influx of devotees during the upcoming Vaikunta Dwara Darshan. The tokens will be available at around 100 counters located at nine different points in Tirupati from December 23 onwards.
The TTD executive officer, A.V. Dharma Reddy, made the announcement during the "Dial Your EO" programme held in Tirumala on Friday, where he briefed pilgrims on forthcoming religious events. He informed that Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam is scheduled to commence on December 23, coinciding with Vaikuntha Ekadasi, and will continue until January 1. To facilitate a smooth darshan, TTD will distribute 4.25 lakh SSD tokens during these 10 days.
In addition to the SSD tokens, TTD will also release 2.25 lakh Rs 300 special entry darshan tickets online starting from November 10. Additionally, 20,000 SRIVANI-trust linked darshan tickets will be made available online. The EO highlighted that SRIVANI ticket holders will be granted Rs 300 darshan during the Vaikunta Dwaram period, similar to previous years.
The TTD executive officer said that the TTD has decided to cancel VIP break darshans, Arjita Seva darshan, and other privileged darshans, including those for parents with infants, physically challenged individuals, senior citizens, and NRIs during these 10 days. For those interested in Srivari Pushpayagam, 1,000 tickets will be released online on November 4, priced at Rs 700 each, with a provision for two individuals per ticket.
Dharma Reddy further shared that Tirumala temple reported a Hundi collection of Rs 108.65 crore for the month of October 2023. During this period, approximately 21.75 lakh devotees visited the hill temple, leading to the distribution of 1.05 crore Srivari laddu prasadams and 47.14 lakh servings of Annadanam (free meals).
Notably, around 8.30 lakh devotees fulfilled their vows by undergoing head tonsuring and offering their hair at Kalyanakatta. Responding to queries, the TTD executive officer reaffirmed that devotees who make payments through UPI mode while booking rooms at Tirumala will receive their caution deposits refunds to their bank accounts within one hour. However, for those who use credit cards and debit cards, the refund process will take 3-7 working days.
