CJI Surya Kant Pays Homage at Sri Venkateswara Temple

Key Takeaways

CJI Surya Kant's visit to the Sri Venkateswara Temple highlights his personal faith.

The temple is set to close for approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes on March 3 due to a lunar eclipse.

Traditional ceremonies included the presentation of sacred items like Shesha Vastra .

Changes in darshan token issuance were announced in light of the lunar eclipse.

TTD officials are urging devotees to cooperate amid these adjustments.

Tirupati, March 1 (NationPress) The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, engaged in a spiritual moment by offering prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Temple this Sunday.

Arriving in Tirumala on Saturday evening, he experienced the darshan in the morning hours.

Upon entering the temple premises, he was warmly welcomed by prominent figures including B.R. Naidu, Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), Muddada Ravi Chandra, Executive Officer, C.H. Venkaiah Chowdhury, Additional Executive Officer, and L. Subbaraidu, District Superintendent of Police.

The Chief Justice was greeted by the priests, who performed a traditional welcome ceremony accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras.

Following the darshan, the priests presented him with the sacred ‘Shesha Vastra’. Additionally, Vedic scholars honored him with the ‘Veda Shirvachana’ at the Ranganayakula Mandapam.

Officials from TTD also provided him with Theertha Prasadam and a portrait of the deity. Afterward, the Chief Justice proceeded to visit the Sri Varahaswami Temple.

In related news, TTD has announced that due to the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 3, Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens (SSD) will not be available in Tirupati on March 1 and 2 for darshan on the respective dates.

Tokens for darshan on March 4 will be issued on March 3.

Moreover, the VIP Break Darshan is also cancelled on March 3, and no recommendation letters will be accepted on March 2, as stated in a TTD release.

Devotees have been requested to be mindful of these changes and to cooperate with temple authorities.

TTD has also declared that in light of the lunar eclipse, the Tirumala temple will be closed for around 10 hours and 30 minutes on March 3.

The temple will be shut from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The lunar eclipse is set to begin at 3:20 p.m. and will conclude at 6:47 p.m. on March 3. As per tradition, the temple doors will close six hours before the eclipse starts.

Post-eclipse, the temple doors will reopen at 7:30 p.m., followed by purification rituals and Punyahavachanam. Darshan for devotees will resume at 8:30 p.m.

Additionally, TTD announced that Arjitha Sevas and VIP Break Darshans will also be cancelled.

Point of View

This visit by Chief Justice Surya Kant highlights not only the personal faith of a prominent figure but also emphasizes the cultural significance of the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The temple's proactive measures in anticipation of the lunar eclipse reflect its commitment to the spiritual needs of devotees.

NationPress

11 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Tirumala temple closing during the lunar eclipse?

The Tirumala temple is closing during the lunar eclipse as per tradition, which dictates that the temple should be shut six hours before the eclipse begins to maintain spiritual sanctity.

What is the significance of the darshan for the Chief Justice?

The darshan serves as a spiritual engagement for the Chief Justice, reflecting his personal beliefs and the cultural tradition of seeking blessings from the deity.

What are the changes in darshan tokens due to the eclipse?

Due to the lunar eclipse, Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens will not be issued on March 1 and 2 for the respective darshan dates.

When will darshan resume after the eclipse?

Darshan for devotees will resume at 8:30 p.m. on March 3, following purification rituals.

Who welcomed the Chief Justice at the temple?

The Chief Justice was welcomed by TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and other key officials, alongside traditional priestly honors.