The world woke up to the news of stampede at Tirupati which resulted in 6 deaths and left 40 people injured. Though Vaikunta Ekadasi was a one-day event in the past, it is now a 10-day event that attracts huge number of devotees and tokens are issued for the auspicious day.
So what is it that brings in such huge crowds to Lord Venkateswara? It is that time prior to Sankranti when the Uttara Dwaram or north entrance in the temple is open and the devotees can enter the temple through it.
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There are two major events at Tirumala, one is the annual nine-day Brahmotsavam and the other is Vaikunta Ekadasi. In 1980s, ’90s, Vaikunta Dwadasi was also extended as a sacred day.
It is widely believed that Lord Venkateswara bestows moksha and heavenly blessings on those who catch a glimpse of him on Vaikunta Ekadasi. Many devotees even wear a 41-day mala, wear yellow clothes and walk barefoot to the temple.
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Many devotees come from far and wide leading to a surge in numbers. Many start before a week or 10 days and reach Tirumala by the festive day.
Though it was a one-day affair in the past, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi was made into a 10-day event as devotees get a bigger window to see Lord Venkateswara and perform parikrama. This was done in 2021-22 after consultations with various gurus and Hindu religious heads.
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According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu holds a meeting with his disciples and his devotees are symbolically allowed through Uttara Dwaram into the meeting.
While this explains the high numbers, during the previous government a local MLA and TTD chairman introduced a token system for Vaikunta Ekadasi-Dwadasi.
Traditionally, the TTD managed all the temple events. But this rule has now led to the stampede leading to loss of lives.
Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on January 10, 2025.
