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January 3, Saturday, marks the Pushya Pournami Tithi, considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. Devotees are encouraged to worship Lord Shani, along with offering black sesame seeds. Prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are believed to bring financial stability. Also, donating clothes to the needy is recommended to foster goodwill on this day.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to include Bangladeshi batter Mustafizur Rahman in their IPL squad has sparked huge controversy. Purchased for ₹9.2 crore, Rahman’s inclusion has drawn criticism towards co-owner Shah Rukh Khan from certain spiritual and political groups. Critics have threatened disruptions during matches if a Bangladeshi player is fielded.
From today, Jan 2 to 8, TTD has opened Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan for general devotees without requiring online tokens. During this period, the Srivari Abhishekam Seva allowed darshan, a rare blessing for ordinary pilgrims visiting Tirumala. The initiative aimed to enable the maximum number of devotees to have the sacred Vaikuntha Dwara darshan.
Top Indian women cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Arundhati Reddy visited the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the occasion of the New Year. Temple authorities accorded them a warm reception. The priests later offered blessings, marking the tour as a spiritual start to the year for the players.
Tirumala is witnessing an unprecedented surge of devotees, as the darshan system shifts from electronic dip tokens to direct darshan of Lord Venkateswara starting tomorrow. The announcement has drawn large crowds, resulting in severe traffic congestion from Tirupati’s Alipiri Tollgate to Garuda Circle. Authorities are urging pilgrims to plan accordingly.
A wave of devotion marks New Year celebrations across the Telugu states as temples witness huge rush from dawn. Families arrive early, seeking divine blessings and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead. Chanting, special pujas, and long queues create a serene yet vibrant atmosphere, reflecting hope as devotees welcome the new year with prayers.
In a move to improve devotee services, new reforms have been introduced at Indrakiladri in Vijayawada. Temple authorities announced that devotees purchasing a ₹500 Antaralaya Darshan ticket will now receive free laddu prasad. The distribution will take place directly at the ticket scanning point, ensuring convenience and smoother darshan.
On Vaikunta Ekadashi, Vaishnava temples across India witnessed huge gatherings of devotees. Early morning queues formed at temples like Srirangam, Kanchi, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Tirumala, Ontimitta, Bhadrachalam, Yadadri, and Puri Jagannath, as worshippers sought darshan of Lord Vishnu. The festival highlighted the devotion of thousands of pilgrims nationwide.
Kannada and Tamil actress Nandini, known for her dual roles in the Tamil serial ‘Gauri,’ passed away in Bengaluru. Friends revealed she had been struggling with depression. Authorities indicate that personal pressures may have contributed to her distress. Mental health experts emphasize the importance of support and conversations for those facing challenges.
AP CM Chandrababu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan conveyed their heartfelt wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. PM Modi also extended his wishes, highlighting that the Puranas emphasize the spiritual merit of visiting the northern gate. Leaders urged devotees to seek blessings and embrace the auspiciousness of this festival.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy took part in Tirumala Srivari Seva on the auspicious occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi today. Accompanied by his family, he had VIP break darshan of Lord Venkateswara. AP Minister Payyavula Keshav also joined him, while TTD Chairman BR Naidu and temple officials accorded a warm reception. Several other dignitaries also offered prayers.
Vijay Thalapathy’s upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ created history with its grand audio launch in Malaysia on Dec 27. The event drew over 85,000 fans and celebrities from across the globe, earning a place in the Malaysian Book of Records. The huge celebration reflected Vijay’s global fan base ahead of the film’s January 9 release.
Uttara Dwara Darshan is sacred as it represents the celestial gateway to Vaikuntha. Observed on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, devotees believe Lord Vishnu grants liberation to those who receive darshan through the gate. Inspired by the legend of Madhu and Kaitabha, this ritual reflects compassion, release from karmic cycles, and spiritual renewal for devoted seekers.
Tirumala will begin Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebrations today, with the shrine decorated using 50 tonnes of flowers, 10 tonnes of fruits, and four lakh cut flowers, illuminated by vibrant lights. TTD expects 70,000 daily devotees, enforcing token-based entry until January 1. Swarna Rathotsavam is today, Chakrasnanam tomorrow, with 3,000 police deployed.
Tirumala will remain closed to general devotees for three days, the TTD announced. The restriction applies on Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December 30), Dwadashi (December 31) and January 1. Entry during this period will be permitted only for devotees who obtained darshan tickets through the online Lucky Dip system. Offline darshan access will resume from Jan 2 […]