Major Temples in Telugu States Shut for Lunar Eclipse Observance
Synopsis
On March 3, major temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including the iconic Tirumala Temple, closed their doors for a lunar eclipse. Rituals precede the reopening, emphasizing traditional observances.
Key Takeaways
Closure of major temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during the lunar eclipse.
Traditional rituals are conducted before reopening.
Darshan for devotees resumes in the evening.
Significant temples affected include Tirumala and Kanaka Durga.
Common practice to close temples during eclipses.
Tirupati, March 3 (NationPress) The entryways of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple situated atop Tirumala in the region were sealed on Tuesday, along with all prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, due to the occurrence of a lunar eclipse.
After conducting the necessary rituals, the priests secured the temple doors. They will be reopened only after the lunar eclipse concludes and subsequent purification rituals are performed.
The lunar eclipse is set to begin at 3:20 p.m. and finish by 6:47 p.m. on Tuesday. In accordance with tradition, the doors of the Tirumala temple were closed six hours before the eclipse's commencement.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the governing body for the renowned hill shrine, has announced that the temple doors will welcome visitors again at 7:30 p.m., following purification processes (Suddhi), Punyahavachanam, and other mandated religious rites.
Devotees will be allowed darshan starting from 8:30 p.m..
All Arjitha Sevas and VIP Break Darshans have been suspended for the day.
Temples managed by TTD in Tirupati and its vicinity have also been closed.
At Tiruchanoor, the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple, and Sri Srinivasa Temple were also closed due to the lunar eclipse.
Other significant temples within both Telugu states faced similar closures due to the lunar phenomenon.
The Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Kodandarama Temple in Vontimitta, Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Yadadri, and Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Simhachalam were also closed.
In Vijayawada, the doors of the Kanaka Durga Temple on the Indrakeeladri Hills and the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple were also shut by the priests and officials in light of the partial lunar eclipse.
It is a common practice for temples to temporarily close during solar and lunar eclipses. The authorities typically cancel darshan and all sevas, reopening the temples in the evening after the purification rituals.
The Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple, also referred to as the sun temple located at Arasavalli in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, was closed due to the lunar eclipse as well.
Additionally, the Saraswati Temple at Basar and the Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple at Vemulawada were also shut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are temples closed during a lunar eclipse?
Temples are closed during a lunar eclipse as a part of traditional observances, which include rituals and purification processes.
When will the temples reopen after the lunar eclipse?
Temples are expected to reopen after purification rituals are completed, typically by the evening following the eclipse.
Which major temples were affected by the lunar eclipse?
Temples such as the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Kanaka Durga Temple were among those that closed.
What rituals are performed during the lunar eclipse?
Rituals include purification rites such as Suddhi and Punyahavachanam before the temples can reopen.
Is this practice common in Hindu temples?
Yes, it is a common practice for Hindu temples to close during solar and lunar eclipses.
