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TTD stops issue of darshan tokens

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA DEC. 30. In an unprecedented move, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams today stopped the issuance of the computerised "Sudarshan'' tokens for darshan of Lord Venkateswara for January 1 - New Year Day. However, tokens were issued till December 31 midnight.

The issuance of Sudarshan tokens for the darshan on January 1 will be resumed only on Wednesday, just 24 hours in advance.

The waiting time for darshan had stretched beyond 60 long hours, following heavy turnout of pilgrims during the last one week - forcing several thousands of pilgrims to go back resulting in a slump in the flow of pilgrims. Pilgrims, who were aware of the long waiting hours, preferred to purchase Sudarshan tokens.

The TTD management stopped the issuance of darshan tokens only for today for the benefit of pilgrims and to bring down the waiting time. Apart from this, as if not to hurt the sentiments of pilgrims who have already reached the temple town today and who do not wish to stay till January 1, the TTD initiated alternative measures to provide them darshan, without affecting the Sudarshan token-holders.

Flower offering: In a munificient gesture, the Chairman of the Delhi-based Escorts Company, Anil Nanda, offered one lakh cut stem rose flowers to the temple for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival slated for January 3. This is in response to an appeal made by the TTD.

Temple ritual: "Koil Alwar Thiruumanjanam'' was today observed in the temple in connection with the "Vaikunta Ekadasi'' festival.

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