Devotees throng temples across Telugu states on Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Hyderabad: The auspicious occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi witnessed massive crowds at major temples like Tirumala, Srisailam, Simhachalam, Yadadri, Bhadrachalam, and Vemulawada in the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for the 'Uttara Dwara Darshan.'

The auspicious 'Uttara Dwara Darshanam' (viewing through the northern gate) commenced grandly at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam district. Lord Simhadri Swamy graced the devotees in the attire of Vaikuntha Narayana.

Aditi Gajapathi Raju, daughter of the temple's hereditary trustee Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, had the first darshan. Subsequently, darshan was opened to the general public. Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Government Whip P. Ganababu also had darshan of the deity.

At the Yadadri temple in Telangana, Endowment Minister Konda Surekha, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, and other officials Stook blessings from Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

Meanwhile, the Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations were held grandly at Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Dharmapuri town of Jagtial district. At 3 AM, Maha Ksheerabhishekam and other rituals were performed for the main deities of Lakshmi Sametha Yoga Narasimha and Venkateswara Swamy. Minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar participated in the abhishekam ceremony. Jagtial district collector Satyaprasad and his wife attended the rituals being held at Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Dharmapuri. After special prayers, the temple priests opened the Vaikuntha Dwaram (gate). Thousands of devotees had darshan of the deities through the Vaikuntha Dwaram.

At the Vemulawada temple of Rajanna Sircilla district, the Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations were held grandly. The festivities included a procession of the deity, morning prayers for the Lord, and, after placing the processional idols on a palanquin and performing special pujas, devotees had the darshan of Vaikuntha Dwara.