NewKerala.com

Tirupati Temple Closes 10 Hours for Lunar Eclipse, Darshan Suspended

The Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple will remain closed for approximately ten hours on March 3 due to a total lunar eclipse. All temples under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will follow the same schedule, closing from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Following the eclipse, purification rituals will be conducted before darshan for devotees resumes. The India Meteorological Department states the total lunar eclipse will be visible across India, with the totality phase occurring between 4:34 PM and 5:33 PM IST.

Key Points: Tirupati Temple Closed for Lunar Eclipse: Timings & Details

  • 10-hour temple closure
  • Purification rituals post-eclipse
  • Annaprasadam suspended
  • Eclipse visible across India
  • Totality phase from 4:34 PM
2 min read

Tirupati temple to remain closed for ten hours during Lunar Eclipse

Tirumala temple to shut for 10 hours on March 3 for total lunar eclipse. Check TTD's schedule for darshan, rituals, and Annaprasadam suspension.

"The temple will be closed from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM - Temple Authorities"

Tirupati, March 3

The Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple will remain closed for approximately ten hours on Tuesday in observance of the total lunar eclipse.

According to temple authorities, the eclipse will commence at 3:21 PM and continue until 6:47 PM. As per established religious customs followed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the temple will be closed from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

All temples under the jurisdiction of TTD will also remain shut during this period. After the conclusion of the eclipse, purification rituals will be performed in accordance with Agama traditions, following which darshan for devotees will resume.

In view of the eclipse, the free Annaprasadam distribution centres operated by TTD have also been temporarily suspended. Devotees have been advised to take note of the revised schedule and plan their visits accordingly.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a total lunar eclipse will take place on Tuesday, March 3, across several time zones.

The phenomenon occurs when the entire Moon passes through the Earth's umbral shadow. A partial lunar eclipse, in contrast, takes place when only a part of the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow.

In a post on X, the IMD stated that the total lunar eclipse on March 3 will have a magnitude of 1.155. The eclipse will be visible across India, as well as in parts of Eastern Asia, Australia and the Americas.

In the Indian context, the visibility of the eclipse will vary by region. Most places in the country will observe the ending phase of the lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise. However, in parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the end of the totality phase will also be visible.

According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the celestial event will follow a specific schedule throughout the afternoon and evening. The eclipse is slated to begin at 15:20 (3:20 PM), with the totality phase starting at 16:34 (4:34 PM). The Moon will remain completely within the Earth's shadow until totality ends at 17:33 (5:33 PM), and the entire eclipse cycle will officially conclude at 18:48 (6:48 PM).

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I respect the traditions, a 10-hour closure seems very long. Many devotees travel from far away and this can disrupt their plans significantly. Could the rituals be completed faster?
A
Arjun K
The science behind the eclipse is fascinating, but our ancient customs of closing temples and performing purification have their own significance. It's about maintaining spiritual purity.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how astronomical events are integrated into religious practice here. The detailed schedule from IMD is helpful for anyone wanting to observe the eclipse itself.
V
Vikram M
Good that they announced it well in advance. My parents were planning to go, but now they've rescheduled. Transparency from temple authorities is appreciated.
M
Meera T
Even the Annaprasadam centres are closed. This shows how seriously the traditions are taken. Hope the devotees who are already there have made alternate arrangements.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50