Why Were Temples in Telugu States Reopened After the Lunar Eclipse?
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Synopsis
In a significant event, major temples in Telugu states reopened after purification rituals following a lunar eclipse. Devotees eagerly awaited darshan as temples resumed their services, highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of these rituals during celestial events.
Key Takeaways
- Temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana resumed operations following lunar eclipse rituals.
- Purification rituals were crucial for reopening.
- Devotees had to wait for darshan without tokens.
- Significant temples included Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple and Mallikarjuna Temple.
- Community engagement through Annaprasadam services was evident.
Tirupati, Sep 8 (NationPress) All prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana resumed operations early Monday following necessary purification rituals due to the lunar eclipse.
The doors of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple located atop Tirumala were opened at 2:40 a.m. after priests conducted shuddhi and Punyahavachanam ceremonies.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which oversees the management of this well-known hill shrine, indicated that the doors had been closed traditionally at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Devotees were permitted to have darshan starting from 6 a.m.
The lunar eclipse took place from 9:50 p.m. until 1:31 a.m. on Monday.
Those without tokens will need to wait for 12 hours to receive darshan. TTD reported that devotees are currently waiting in 18 compartments.
The Annaprasadam division of TTD prepared and distributed 50,000 packets of ‘Pulihora’ among devotees on Sunday, as the main Annaprasadam Complex, Vakulamata, PAC 2, and Vaikuntham Canteens were closed due to the eclipse. The Annaprasadam services restarted at 8 a.m. on Monday.
In addition, other significant temples across both Telugu states, which were also closed for the lunar eclipse, reopened in the early hours of Monday.
The Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Kodandarama Temple at Vontimitta, Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Yadadri, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Simhachalam, and Kanaka Durga Temple at Vijayawada also welcomed devotees back after purification rituals.
The priests at the Srisailam temple reopened the doors at 5 a.m. following the rituals, allowing devotees to visit from 7:30 a.m.
It is a customary practice for temples to close their doors during both solar and lunar eclipses. Authorities suspend darshan and all services during these events.
Additionally, the Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple, known as the Sun Temple in Arasavalli in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, along with the Saraswati Temple at Basar and Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple at Vemulawada in Telangana, also reopened on Monday morning.
Point of View
I recognize the deep spiritual connections that the lunar eclipse holds for many devotees in our nation. The reopening of temples after purification rituals reflects a commitment to tradition and community, reinforcing the values that bind us together.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do temples close during lunar eclipses?
Temples typically close during lunar eclipses as part of a tradition that emphasizes purification and spiritual reflection.
What rituals are performed during the reopening of temples?
Priests conduct purification rituals such as shuddhi and Punyahavachanam to cleanse the temple before reopening.
When did the lunar eclipse occur?
The lunar eclipse took place from 9:50 p.m. to 1:31 a.m. on Monday.
