Tirumala on Birthday

Time: April 15-16, 2023

Place: Tirumala

Company: Parents, wife and daughter

Highlights: Ever since I heard that there is something called VIP darshan where pilgrims are allowed beyond the dwarapalakas inside the Tirumala sanctum sanctorum, I was wondering how to obtain this darshan without knowing any VIPs nor being a VIP myself. Not that I desired this for myself, since back in last 1980s and early 1990s, this kind of darshan used to happen as a norm by itself where we could see Lord Venkateshwara up-close. Only from late 1990s or early 2000s, they stopped the pilgrims from entering beyond the dwarapalakas. And from that distance, the Lord seems too tiny and one has to squint to get good darshan. But I wanted to do this for wifey and kiddo for them to experience Lord Balaji up-close. And also for my father who was hard on eyesight nowadays - and he had been asking for this since 4 years (their trip in 2020 Feb had to be cancelled due to Covid). As luck would have it (or grace?), I came to know that VIP darshan was now available for everyone as long as one donates Rs 10K per pilgrim as a Donation Seva for the betterment and expansion of TTD temples across the globe. Lo and behold, booked the tickets for all five of us immediately and chose April 16th to double-celebrate wifey & my birthdays as well. 

Day 1: We chose to drive our own car, so gave it for servicing but the technician said that it would be better to change the tyres. Not wanting to spend so much nor wanting to take the risk, we thought we might as well hire a cab, plus a spacious Innova so that one can go easily. The driver was a nice guy, and we left at about 10 am. Mom had packed some idlis and we had it on our way itself. We reached Tirumala at about 5 pm, and we got our room pretty close to the Pushkarni. I had booked the room online too, so had to just collect the keys. The room was nice and clean but just one bed, so the three of us slept on the floor during night. But before that, the three of us ventured out to visit the Varaha Swamy temple. And after that, we went to Uttaradhi Mutt where they offered us some snacks. Then we headed back to the room. But on the way, we thought we will spend some time in front of the temple which we usually never do. Also, a discourse was going on at that time in Telugu which culminated with Srinivasa Govinda song in which we participated. As it happened, we came on Live TV that night (54th minute)! After visiting the Anjaneya temple which is in front of the main entrance of main Venkateshwara temple, we went back to the room.

Day 2: Early morning wake up, at about 5:30 am. Went to Pushkarni for bath. It opened up at 6 am, so had to wait for some time. Nice and warm water. Post bath, went back to the room and readied ourselves for the darshan. The jeep took us close to the entrance point at 9 am and from thereon we had to walk. Dad was somehow able to manage. It was a smooth enough queue with no jostling and pushing like the other darshan queues. We waited for 15-20 minutes in one of those waiting halls but that's about it. Even inside the sanctum sanctorum, there was no pushing which was surprising. All volunteers were just asking us to please keep moving. The darshan so close after so many years to me was exhilarating. Darshan done, we exited taking the prasadam and Laddus. By now, it was too hot, and even to walk barefoot on the streets was difficult. Thankfully dad has socks on and he didn't feel too much pinch. 

We were done and hence soon checked out, and started our journey back. Left at about 2 pm after having little snacks and it was a smooth journey back home. Stopped for couple of times for some beverages and by the time we reached home, it was close to 10 pm thanks to the traffic.

Epilogue: Nowadays, Tirupati trips are becoming special and special. Last time was on Anniversary and this time it was Birthday! Plus April 16th was Ekadashi: Empty stomach, bath in Pushkarni, Darshan of Lord Venkateshwara to thank him for 43 wonderful years! 🙏