Tirumala, July 4: In a surprise decision, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanms (TTD), the governing body of Lord Balaji and other shrines, has decided to close the the temple for pilgrims for for 9 days. During the period between August 11 and August 16 all sorts of darshans will be cancelled. TTD has issued a statement to this effect.
This decision has been taken ostensibly to avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims in view of Astabandhana Balalaya Mahasamprokshanam, a unique religious fete. According to TTD Board Chairman Putta Sudhakar Yadav, this unique religious fete takes place once in 12 years in Tirumala shirne. “This religious fete commences with Ankurarpanam on August 11. This holy fete commences on August 12 and concludes on August 16. As vedic rituals are to be performed inside the temple, the time for providing darshan to pilgrims will be very minimal. Our past history speaks that during the second week of August last, over 5.5 lakhs pilgrims visited hill temple. Keeping this in view, we have decided to dispense with darshan to avoid hardship to pilgrim devotees”, the chairman said.
During the period the pilgrims will not be allowed to enter Vaikuntham Queue Complex for darshan after 6pm of August 9.The darshan will resume to pilgrims only after 6 am from August 17 on wards.
“We therefore request the pilgrim devotees of Lord Venkateswara present across the globe to plan their pilgrimage accordingly”, the Chairman appealed