Vaikunta Ekadasi is the most sacred and spiritually significant festival at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. On this auspicious day, the Vaikunta Dwaram (Paramapada Vasal)—the special northern entrance to the sanctum sanctorum—is opened for devotees . This doorway, believed to be the gateway to Lord Vishnu’s celestial abode, remains closed throughout the year and is opened only during this festival period.
For devotees, passing through the Vaikunta Dwaram is considered a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience that symbolizes entry into the path of salvation (moksha) . Lakhs of pilgrims flock to Tirumala during this 10-day festival, making it the busiest period at the temple.
In 2026, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on December 30, 2026 (Tuesday), and the Vaikunta Dwaram will remain open for 10 days, from December 30, 2026, to January 8, 2026 .
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Vaikunta Ekadasi | December 30, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Vaikunta Dwadasi | December 31, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Vaikunta Dwaram Opens | December 30, 2026 at 3:00 AM |
| Vaikunta Dwaram Closes | January 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM |
| Total Darshan Period | 10 Days |
Sources:
Vaikunta Dwaram Opening: A Debate on Duration
There is an ongoing discussion among religious scholars and the TTD administration regarding the duration for which the Vaikunta Dwaram should remain open . Traditionally, the sacred gate was opened only on Ekadasi and Dwadasi (two days). However, since 2020, TTD has extended the darshan through the Vaikunta Dwaram for ten days, following the practice at Srirangam temple.
Traditional View: Religious scholars argue that as per Agama Shastra, the Vaikunta Dwaram should be opened only on Ekadasi and Dwadasi . Extending it beyond these days, they say, goes against scriptures and temple customs.
Practical View: The extended 10-day schedule helps manage the massive crowds and allows more devotees to avail themselves of this special darshan. During the 2025 Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, nearly eight lakh pilgrims visited Tirumala .
For 2026, the Vaikunta Dwaram will remain open for 10 days, following the current TTD practice .
Vaikunta Dwara Darshan Schedule 2026-27
The 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan is divided into two phases with different darshan arrangements:
Phase 1: First Three Days (December 30, 31, 2025 & January 1, 2026)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Days | December 30, 31, 2025 & January 1, 2026 |
| Darshan Access | Only online e-dip token holders permitted |
| Special Darshan | No ₹300 SED or SRIVANI tickets |
| Arjitha Sevas | Cancelled |
| Total Tokens | 70,000 (Day 1), 75,000 (Day 2), 68,000 (Day 3) |
Important: During the first three days, all other forms of darshan, including VIP and recommendation-based darshans, will remain cancelled .
Phase 2: Remaining Seven Days (January 2 – 8, 2026)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Days | January 2 – 8, 2026 |
| Sarva Darshan | Available without tokens through Vaikuntam Queue Complex-2 |
| ₹300 SED Tickets | 15,000 tickets/day (online) |
| SRIVANI Tickets | 1,000 tickets/day (online) |
| Local Quota | 5,000 tickets/day for Tirumala residents (Jan 6-8) |
Online Booking: How to Get Vaikunta Dwara Darshan Tickets
For the First Three Days (Dec 30, 31 & Jan 1)
TTD has implemented an Electronic Dip (Lucky Dip) system for the first three days to ensure fair allocation of tokens .
Registration Process:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | November 27 – December 1, 2025 |
| E-Dip Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Languages Supported | English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada |
How to Register:
- Visit the official TTD website:
ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in - Log in or register as a new user
- Navigate to the Vaikunta Ekadasi e-dip registration section
- Fill in your personal details
- Submit the registration before December 1
- Check results on December 2
- If selected, complete the darshan process as per the allotted slot
For January 2 – 8, 2026
₹300 Special Entry Darshan Tickets:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Quota | 15,000 tickets |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Release Time | 3:00 PM |
| Booking Method | Online through official TTD portal |
SRIVANI Trust Darshan Tickets:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Quota | 1,000 tickets |
| Donation Amount | ₹10,300 |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Release Time | 10:00 AM |
Booking Steps for January 2-8:
- Visit
ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in - Log in to your TTD account
- Select “Special Entry Darshan (₹300)” or “SRIVANI Trust Darshan”
- Choose your preferred date (January 2-8)
- Enter devotee details exactly as per ID proof
- Complete payment online
- Download and print your e-ticket
Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan)
For devotees who do not secure online tickets, Sarva Darshan will be available from January 2 to 8, 2026, without tokens . Devotees can directly enter through Vaikuntam Queue Complex-2.
Waiting Time Expectation: 12 to 24 hours or more, depending on crowd conditions .
Vaikunta Dwara Darshan Rules and Guidelines
What You Must Know Before Visiting
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| ID Verification | Original Aadhaar card matching booking details is mandatory |
| Name Match | Only the devotee whose name appears on the ticket is allowed |
| No Recommendations | All recommendation-based darshans are cancelled during the festival |
| No Arjitha Sevas | All paid sevas are suspended during the 10 days |
| Vehicle Restrictions | Only devotees with valid darshan tokens allowed to motor up to Tirumala on first three days |
Prohibited Items
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Electronics | Mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches |
| Bags | Large bags, backpacks, handbags |
| Leather | Belts, wallets, leather bags |
| Food | Outside food and drinks |
Dress Code
| Gender | Required Attire |
|---|---|
| Men | Dhoti with shirt or kurta (traditional) |
| Women | Saree, half-saree, or salwar kameez with dupatta |
Note: Shorts, sleeveless tops, and jeans are not permitted.
Special Rituals During Vaikunta Ekadasi
Swarna Ratham (Golden Chariot) Procession
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 30, 2026 (Vaikunta Ekadasi day) |
| Time | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Deities | Sri Malayappa Swamy, Sri Devi, and Bhu Devi |
| Event | Procession in Golden Chariot followed by Asthanam |
Chakra Snanam
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 31, 2026 (Vaikunta Dwadasi) |
| Time | 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM |
| Location | Swamy Pushkarini (temple tank) |
| Significance | Ceremonial bath of Sudarshana Chakra marking the conclusion of celebrations |
Daily Rituals During the Festival
Even during the 10-day festival, the traditional daily rituals continue:
- Suprabhatam (3:00 AM – 4:00 AM): Waking the Lord
- Thomala Seva (Early morning): Flower garland adornment
- Archana (Early morning): Chanting of sacred names
Special Arrangements for Tirumala Local Residents
For residents of Tirumala, TTD has made special arrangements:
| Date | Quota | Booking Method |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2026 | 5,000 tokens | Online through e-dip system |
| January 7, 2026 | 5,000 tokens | Online through e-dip system |
| January 8, 2026 | 5,000 tokens | Online through e-dip system |
Source:
Donors’ Quota for Vaikunta Darshan
Donors who have contributed ₹1 lakh and above to TTD can book Vaikunta Darshan using the Donor Application .
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Donors with ₹1 lakh+ contribution |
| Booking Method | Donor Application portal |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM |
Statistics: How Many Devotees Can Expect Darshan
TTD has planned to accommodate approximately 8 lakh devotees during the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan period .
| Day | Tokens Allocated |
|---|---|
| December 30, 2025 | 70,000 |
| December 31, 2025 | 75,000 |
| January 1, 2026 | 68,000 |
| Remaining 7 days | Varied (including 15,000 SED/day) |
Out of the 182 hours of total darshan time during the 10 days, 164 hours have been set aside for ordinary devotees, ensuring maximum accessibility for common pilgrims .
How to Reach Tirumala for Vaikunta Ekadasi
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (TIR) – approximately 15 km from Tirumala base
- Regular flights from major cities; taxi/bus to Tirumala
By Train
- Nearest Station: Tirupati Railway Station – approximately 22 km from temple
- Well-connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other major cities
By Road
- TTD operates free buses from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Tirumala
- Private taxis and APSRTC buses also available
Important Travel Note
During the first three days of Vaikunta Ekadasi, only devotees with valid darshan tokens will be allowed to motor up to Tirumala . This measure is strictly enforced to control overwhelming crowds while preserving devotional order.
Best Time to Visit During the 10-Day Festival
| Period | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| First 3 Days (Dec 30 – Jan 1) | Most spiritually significant; Vaikunta Dwaram freshly opened | Requires e-dip token; extremely crowded |
| Middle Days (Jan 2 – Jan 5) | Easier ticket availability (SED/SRIVANI) | Still crowded; long waiting times |
| Last Days (Jan 6 – Jan 8) | Sarva Darshan available; token not required | Longest waiting times (12-24+ hours) |
Recommendation: For a balanced experience, consider visiting between January 2 and January 5 with a pre-booked ₹300 SED ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is Vaikunta Ekadasi in 2026?
A: Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on December 30, 2026 (Tuesday) . The Vaikunta Dwaram will remain open from December 30, 2026, to January 8, 2026 .
Q2: How can I book Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets?
A: For the first three days (Dec 30, 31 & Jan 1), registration is through the Electronic Dip system from November 27 to December 1 . For January 2-8, tickets are available online through the TTD website.
Q3: When will the ₹300 SED tickets for Vaikunta Darshan be released?
A: ₹300 Special Entry Darshan tickets for January 2-8 will be released on December 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM .
Q4: What is the donation amount for SRIVANI tickets during Vaikunta Ekadasi?
A: The SRIVANI Trust donation is ₹10,300, which includes Mahalaghu Darshan and accommodation quota .
Q5: Are Arjitha Sevas available during the Vaikunta Ekadasi period?
A: No. All Arjitha Sevas and special paid darshans are cancelled for the entire 10-day period to ensure maximum darshan access for ordinary devotees .
Q6: What is the significance of Chakra Snanam?
A: Chakra Snanam is the ceremonial bath of the Sudarshana Chakra performed at Swamy Pushkarini on Vaikunta Dwadasi (December 31) morning. It marks the conclusion of the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations .
Q7: Is Sarva Darshan (free darshan) available during the festival?
A: Yes. Sarva Darshan is available from January 2 to January 8, 2026 without tokens through Vaikuntam Queue Complex-2 .
Q8: How long is the waiting time for Sarva Darshan?
A: Waiting time for Sarva Darshan during this period can range from 12 to 24 hours or more, depending on crowd conditions .
Q9: Can I bring my mobile phone for Vaikunta Darshan?
A: No. Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the temple. Free lockers are available for storage.
Q10: What is the dress code for Vaikunta Ekadasi Darshan?
A: Traditional attire is mandatory. Men must wear dhoti with shirt or kurta; women must wear saree, half-saree, or salwar kameez with dupatta.
Q11: Will recommendation-based darshans be allowed?
A: No. All recommendation-based darshans are cancelled during the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan period. Only protocol dignitaries visiting in person are allowed .
Q12: What are the timings for the Golden Chariot procession?
A: The Swarna Ratham (Golden Chariot) procession will be conducted on December 30, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM .
Temple Contact Information
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in |
| TTD Call Centre | 0877-2233333 (24×7) |
| Toll-Free Helpline | 18004254141 |
| Vaikunta Ekadasi Queries | TTD Call Centre (during festival period) |
Address:
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams,
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – 517501