This year's Vykuntham darshan to set records

The auspicious days of Vykuntha Ekadasi-Dwadasi this year are going to set many records in terms of the number of pilgrims visiting the Tirumala shrine as well as votive offerings in the `hundi.' The important reason for more number of people getting darshan is because of the restrictions placed on VIP recommendations. VIPs were being allowed only in case of their physical presence. In the 12 hours from 3 am to 3 pm on Monday, as many as 51,000 pilgrims were blessed with darshan of the Lord. The Vykuntham doors will be kept open till 12 midnight tomorrow. Some 200,000 people are expected to have darshan meanwhile. The estimate is based on the fact that after 50,000 people have had darshan, the temporary sheds full of waiting people in the Narayanagiri garden had emptied out. Those who entered the Tirumala complex this evening are expected to have darshan by tomorrow afternoon. All arrangements have been made for the benefit of pilgrims waiting in the queue such as drinking water.