The renowned Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple, along with other temples managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), remained closed for more than 10 hours on Tuesday in observance of the lunar eclipse.
According to a TTD official, the temple doors were reopened to devotees only after conducting Suddhi (purification) and other traditional rituals.
“The Sri Venkateswara temple and other TTD-run temples were shut for over 10 hours and reopened for devotees after Suddhi and other purificatory ceremonies,” the official told PTI.
Darshan at the Tirumala temple resumed at 8:30 pm following the completion of the prescribed rituals.
Eclipse Timings and Closure Protocol
The lunar eclipse occurred between 3:20 pm and 6:47 pm. In keeping with long-standing temple traditions, the shrine was closed nearly six hours before the eclipse began.
A press release issued by TTD stated that the closure followed established religious practices observed during celestial events such as eclipses. Devotees were not allowed inside the temple premises during this period.
Other Temples Under TTD Also Observed Restrictions
Several other prominent temples administered by TTD followed similar protocols:
- Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
- Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
- Sri Srinivasa Temple
Temples in Tiruchanoor reopened at around 7:30 pm after completing purification rituals.
Sevas and Darshan Categories Cancelled
In view of the eclipse, several sevas and darshan categories were cancelled for the day. These included:
- Astadala Padapadmaradhana Seva
- Kalyanotsavam
- VIP Break Darshan
- Srivani Darshan
- ₹300 Special Entry Darshan
- Other special entry categories
Devotees who had booked these services were informed in advance about the suspension.
Why Temples Close During Eclipses
In Hindu tradition, eclipses are considered spiritually sensitive periods. Many temples close their doors during solar and lunar eclipses and reopen only after performing purification rites. These rituals are believed to cleanse the temple premises and restore sanctity before devotees are allowed to resume worship.
The Tirumala temple, one of the most visited religious sites in the world, strictly adheres to these time-honoured customs.
With rituals completed and doors reopened, regular darshan services have now resumed at Tirumala and other TTD-administered temples.