Why Were All Major Temples in Andhra and Telangana Closed for the Lunar Eclipse?
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Synopsis
On Sunday, significant temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, were closed due to the lunar eclipse. This traditional practice ensures the sanctity of the temples during such celestial events. Find out the details surrounding the closure and what devotees can expect moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- Temples closed for lunar eclipse to maintain sanctity.
- Reopening scheduled for Monday after purification rituals.
- 50,000 Pulihora packets prepared for devotees during the closure.
- Significant temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were affected.
- Common practice to cancel darshan and rituals during eclipses.
Tirupati, Sep 7 (NationPress) The gates of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple located atop Tirumala and all significant temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were sealed on Sunday due to the occurrence of a lunar eclipse.
The priests secured the temple entrances following the completion of rituals. They are set to reopen early Monday after performing purification rites.
The lunar eclipse is scheduled to start at 9:50 p.m. and conclude at 1:31 a.m. on Monday.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), responsible for managing the renowned hill shrine, confirmed that the temple doors were ceremoniously closed at 3:30 p.m.
In a statement to the media outside the principal temple, TTD Trust Board Chairman BR Naidu mentioned that in light of the lunar eclipse, the temple doors were closed in a traditional manner and will be reopened on Monday after the Suddhi and other religious rituals at 3 a.m.
Devotee darshan will resume at 6 a.m. on September 8.
Additional Executive Officer Venkaiah Chowdary assured that all devotees present were given darshan according to the established schedule without any disruptions.
The Annaprasadam division of TTD has prepared 50,000 packets of ‘Pulihora’ for distribution to devotees on Sunday, as the main Annaprasadam Complex, Vakulamata, PAC 2, and Vaikuntham Canteens remain closed in Tirumala due to the eclipse. The distribution of Annaprasadam will begin from 8 a.m.
Services such as Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, and Sahasra Deepapalankara Seva were suspended on Sunday due to the lunar eclipse.
Other important temples across both Telugu states also remained closed because of the lunar eclipse.
Temples like 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 were also closed.
It is a common practice for temples to shut during solar and lunar eclipses. Authorities typically cancel darshan and all rituals and reopen the temples later after purification.
The Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple, often referred to as the sun temple in Arasavalli within Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, was also closed due to the lunar eclipse.
Similarly, the Saraswati temple at Basar and the Sri Raja Rajeswari temple at Vemulawada were also closed.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of lunar eclipses in many cultures, particularly in India, where temples close to maintain sanctity. This event impacts devotees profoundly, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions that shape our spiritual practices. Understanding the reasons behind such closures allows us to appreciate the cultural heritage and the devotion of millions.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were temples closed during the lunar eclipse?
Temples are traditionally closed during lunar eclipses to maintain their sanctity and to perform purification rituals.
When will the temples reopen?
The temples are expected to reopen on Monday after purification rituals are completed, with darshan resuming at 6 a.m.
What preparations were made for devotees during the closure?
The TTD prepared 50,000 packets of 'Pulihora' to distribute to devotees, ensuring they were catered to even during the closures.
Which temples were affected by the lunar eclipse closure?
Major temples in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, were closed during the lunar eclipse.
What rituals were canceled due to the lunar eclipse?
Arjita Sevas such as Unjal Seva and Arjitha Brahmotsavam were canceled on the day of the lunar eclipse.
