On the eve of Vaikutna Ekadasi (an ausipicious day for Hindus), people in the state are thronging to temples to seek blessings of Lord Vishnu. In Tirumala, on this particular day, Vaikunta Dwaram (a special gate to Vaikuntam), will be opened for devotees. Entering sactum sanctorum through this gate is considered to bring lot of fortunes besides salvation. Therefore, scores of devotees flocked the temple.

In fact, VIP s too sought blessings of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala this morning. All the queue compartments, on the other hand, are filled with devotees. For free darshan, it's taking 20 hours, for special darshanam it's taking six hours and for divya darshanam (for pedestrians), its taking eight hours to enter sanctum sanctorum.

(AW Phani)