VIPs at Tirumala on 'Vaikunta Ekadasi'

Tirumala, Dec 30 (UNI) Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh were among the VIPs who offered worship at Sri Venkateswara Temple here on the auspicious occasion of 'Vaikunta Ekadasi' today.

The 'Vaikunta Dwaram' (gate to heaven) was opened in the early hours of today after performing various rituals in the temple.

Earlier, TTD Junior Jeer along with his disciples recited verses from the 'Andal Thirupavai' and performed rituals before the processional deity was taken through the 'Vaikunta Dwaram.' The 'Vaikunta Dwaram' would remain open tomorrow also in view of the heavy rush of pilgrims.

The TTD had cancelled all paid sevas, including 'kalyana utsav' in the temple.

TTD Chairman B Karunakar Reddy, Executive Officer A P V N Sarma, JEO G Balaramaiah and other senior officals were among those who offered prayers.

Lord Malayappaswamy (the processional deity) along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi were placed on a Golden Chariot and taken around the four mada streets of the temple early this morning.

The temple was decorated with 12 metric tonne of flowers donated by devotees from 12 states of the country, on the occasion of 'Vaikunta Ekadasi' and new year.

UNI KNR GM SSC VV1449