Tirumala Temple to Remain Closed for 12 Hours During Lunar Eclipse on Sept 7

Fast Summary

• The Tirumala temple of Lord Venkateswara will be closed for nearly 12 hours on September 7 due to the lunar eclipse.
• Temple doors will shut at 3:30 p.m. on september 7 and reopen at 3 a.m. on September 8, following purificatory rituals like Shuddi and Punyahavachanam.
• According to the almanac, the eclipse starts at 9:50 p.m. and ends at 1:31 a.m. Devotees can resume darshan from 6 a.m. onward on September 8.
• Key sevas such as Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva have been cancelled during this time frame.
• The Annadanam complex will remain closed between September 7 (3 p.m.) and September 8 (8:30 a.m.).
• As part of humanitarian efforts, TTD plans to distribute free Pulihora packets-30,000 in total-to devotees across designated locations during closure hours.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The decision by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to temporarily close temple operations reflects adherence to conventional practices that align with religious beliefs surrounding celestial events like eclipses. This careful observance is consistent with established rituals aimed at maintaining spiritual purity after such events as per Hindu customs.Of practical meaning is the cancellation of sevas and temporary disruption of services like Annadanam-a key source of sustenance for many devotees visiting the temple daily-highlighting administrative challenges in managing these closures efficiently without causing undue inconvenience to pilgrims.

The proactive measure of distributing free food packets underscores TTD’s commitment toward accommodating spiritual needs while addressing logistical concerns humanely during an anticipated surge in devotee activity post-eclipse restoration.

For further details: The Hindu