Vaikunta Ekadashi draws massive crowds in Bengaluru, over 70,000 expected at Vyalikaval TTD temple

From overnight queues to continuous darshan till midnight, Bengaluru witnesses intense devotional fervour as Vaikunta Ekadashi coincides with the sacred Dhanurmasa.

Vaikunta Ekadashi, regarded as the most sacred among all Ekadashi observances, was marked with deep devotion and large public participation across Bengaluru on Tuesday. Considered a holy day in the Hindu calendar, the festival is believed to grant Vaikunta prapti (attainment of heaven) to devotees who have darshan of Lord Srinivasa on this day. The significance is further heightened this year as Vaikunta Ekadashi is being observed during the auspicious Dhanurmasa.

Temples dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara across the city witnessed unprecedented footfall from the early hours of the morning. Among them, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple at Vyalikaval in Malleswaram emerged as a major focal point, with authorities expecting more than 70,000 devotees over the course of the day.

Temple officials said elaborate arrangements were made anticipating the surge. Continuous darshan at the Vyalikaval TTD temple began at 2:35 am and will continue uninterrupted till 11:45 pm. Last year, over 68,000 devotees visited the temple on Vaikunta Ekadashi, and this year’s numbers are expected to cross that mark.

To manage the crowd, special queue arrangements were put in place, with lines starting from Chowdiah Memorial Hall and the 2nd Main Road. Drinking water facilities, barricading, and volunteer assistance have been arranged to ensure smooth movement of devotees. Special care has been taken to facilitate senior citizens and persons with disabilities, with dedicated volunteers guiding them to separate darshan areas for a more comfortable experience.

Devotees who opted for paid darshan were also accommodated, with a fast-track darshan facility available for those paying ₹200. Many devotees observed a strict fast and arrived at the temple in the early morning hours, chanting the name of Govinda as they waited in long queues stretching over several kilometres.

As part of the celebrations, the sale of Srivari Laddu Prasada commenced within the temple premises from 2:00 am. Temple authorities confirmed that laddu distribution would continue as long as stocks last.

Beyond temple premises, large-scale prasada distribution marked the occasion. The Sharavana Charitable Trust announced the distribution of nearly one lakh laddus across Bengaluru through various Venkateshwara temples. The initiative was formally launched at Sai Gold Palace in Basavanagudi by MLC Sharavana, in the presence of Bigg Boss former contestant Anusha Rai.

Senior officials and public representatives were also seen offering prayers. Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Commissioner Maheshwar Rao visited the Kote Venkateshwara Temple, where he conveyed his prayers for the well-being of all citizens and sought the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara. The Kote temple, like several others, witnessed kilometre-long queues, with devotees patiently waiting for darshan until late night. Darshan facilities there too will remain open till 11 pm.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda offered special prayers at the Tirumala Giri Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Temple in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, along with his wife, and had darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. Considered the largest Venkateshwara temple in the city, the Tirumala Giri temple witnessed heavy crowds throughout the day. The temple was opened as early as 1 am to accommodate devotees, with authorities expecting over 70,000 visitors. Devotees have been given the opportunity to have darshan until 11 pm amid elaborate arrangements to manage the rush.

Across Bengaluru, from major temples to neighbourhood shrines, chants of “Govinda Govinda” echoed through the day, reflecting the scale and spirit of Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations.