Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most awaited and spiritually significant festivals celebrated at Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, and every year, millions of devotees travel from all corners of India and abroad to seek the divine blessings of Lord Venkateswara Swamy.

For the year 2026, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on January 1, 2026 (Thursday), making it an even more special beginning of the year. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will open the holy Vaikunta Dwaram for a period of 10 days, giving devotees a rare and divine opportunity to walk through the path believed to lead to Moksha (liberation).

🌟 1. What Is Vaikunta Ekadasi & Why Is It Significant?

Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed on the 11th day (Ekadasi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margazhi / Dhanurmasa. According to Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana, this day is believed to be the day when the gates of Vaikuntam (the abode of Lord Vishnu) are opened.

At Tirumala, this divine event is symbolized by the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram, also known as the Paramapada Vasal, which remains closed throughout the year.

Why Devotees Visit on Vaikunta Ekadasi

• To attain moksha
• To cleanse sins accumulated over lifetimes
• To receive divine blessings for prosperity
• To begin the new year with spiritual renewal
• To enter the sacred Vaikunta Dwaram, believed to be a doorway to liberation

TTD manages grand celebrations that include:

• Special rituals
• Vishnu Sahasranama chanting
• Processions
• Lakhs of devotees walking through the Vaikunta Dwaram

📅 2. Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 Dates & Schedule

The TTD will release an official notification, but based on previous years, the 10-day Vaikunta Dwaram tradition will continue.

🎫 3. Types of Tickets Available for Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026

TTD provides multiple modes of darshan during the Vaikunta Ekadasi 10-day period.

a) ₹300 Special Entry Darshan (SED) Tickets

• Online-only
• Released in limited slots
• Time-based entry
• Very high demand (sold out in minutes)
• Best option for a faster darshan

b) Free Darshan (Sarva Darshan)

• For pilgrims who come without tokens or online bookings
• Waiting time can range from 8–24+ hours
• Separate queue lines exist

c) SSD Tokens (Slotted Sarva Darshan)

• Issued in Tirupati, not online
• May not be issued during peak festival days
• Helps manage crowd surges

d) Footpath Darshan Tokens

Given to pilgrims who climb via:

• Alipiri Mettu
• Srivari Mettu

Tokens allow scheduled darshan based on walking routes.

e) VIP Break Darshan

Only for:

• Donors
• Protocol officials
• Recommendation letters (only accepted under TTD guidelines)

⏰ 4. When Will TTD Release Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 Tickets?

Based on previous patterns for festivals and annual Brahmotsavams:

Expected Release Window for 2026 Tickets:
👉 Between Nov 25 – Dec 10, 2025

TTD announces the release date publicly through:

• TTD Official Website
• TTD Twitter/X
• Press releases
• Hindu newspapers

Thus, devotees should keep checking updates from November 20 onwards.

🧭 5. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book TTD Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 Tickets Online

Below is a clear, beginner-friendly method to book your ₹300 Special Entry Darshan ticket.

Step 1: Visit TTD Official Website

👉 https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in

Sign in using:

• Mobile number + OTP, or
• Email ID + Password

Step 2: Select ‘Special Entry Darshan (₹300)’

After login:

• Click “Special Entry Darshan”
• Choose January 2026
• The Vaikunta Ekadasi slot dates (1st–10th Jan) will appear if released

Slots open and close quickly due to high demand.

Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Date & Time

Each day will have multiple time slots such as:

• 6:00 AM
• 8:00 AM
• 10:00 AM
• 12:00 PM
• 2:00 PM
• 4:00 PM

Choose a slot and proceed.

Step 4: Enter Devotee Details

For each pilgrim:

• Full Name
• ID Proof Number
• Age
• Gender
• Contact information

Double-check details, as editing is not allowed later.

Step 5: Make Payment

Accepted Payment Modes:

• UPI
• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Net Banking

Once payment is successful, the ticket is confirmed instantly.

Step 6: Download the Ticket

Take:

• Printout OR digital copy
• Original ID used during booking

Carry ID for verification at entry gates.

🛌 6. Tirumala Accommodation for Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026

Accommodation is the biggest challenge during Vaikunta Ekadasi because lakhs of devotees visit Tirumala.

Where Can You Book Rooms?

a) Tirumala Guesthouses

• Varahaswamy Guest House
• Sri Padmavathi Guest House
• GNC (Gowda Choultry)
• PAC 1, PAC 2, PAC 3

b) Tirupati Rooms (Highly Recommended)

• Vishnu Nivasam – near railway station
• Srinivasam Complex – near RTC bus stand
• Madhavam – new TTD guest house

These locations have:
✔ Clean rooms
✔ 24×7 hot water
✔ Cloakrooms
✔ Proximity to transport

🌐 7. How to Book Accommodation Online

1. Visit TTD Website
2. Choose Accommodation > Tirumala or Tirupati
3. Select date (Jan 2026)
4. Choose room type
5. Complete payment

Rooms sell out within minutes during Vaikunta Ekadasi week.

🚶 8. Footpath Darshan (Mettu Darshan) for Vaikunta Ekadasi

Pilgrims who climb via the footpaths are often issued free darshan tokens.

Two Footpath Routes:

1. Alipiri Mettu – 3550 steps (open 24 hours)
2. Srivari Mettu – 2350 steps (timings: 6 AM – 6 PM)

Walking through these routes provides:

• Free darshan tokens
• Spiritual satisfaction
• Avoid crowding at ticket counters

🛕 9. Vaikunta Ekadasi Darshan Timings (Expected)

TTD will release final timings closer to the event.

🔒 10. Security, Queue Lines & Crowd Management

Due to extremely high turnout during Vaikunta Ekadasi, TTD enforces strict crowd control and security measures.

Security Checks Include:

• Baggage scanners
• Metal detectors
• Body scanning
• ID verification
• Separate queues for families, elderly, women

Expected Waiting Times

• ₹300 Darshan: 3–6 hours
• Free Darshan: 10–24 hours
• Dwadasi Day: longer queues

👔 11. Dress Code for Vaikunta Ekadasi Darshan

TTD strictly enforces traditional attire.

For Men:

• Dhoti (Panche)
• Kurta
• Shirt + Dhoti allowed
• NO shorts, jeans, Bermuda

For Women:

• Saree
• Chudidhar with dupatta
• Half saree
• NO western outfits

🤝 12. VIP Break Darshan During Vaikunta Ekadasi

Who Is Eligible?

1. TTD Donors:
   • SVANidhi Donors
   • ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 Donor Scheme
   • Higher donor levels get higher privileges
2. Protocol VIPs
   • MPs, MLAs, IAS, IPS
   • Judges
   • Government officials
   • Other protocol-defined individuals
3. Recommendation Letters
   • Not guaranteed
   • Accepted only when TTD permits

VIP darshan is NOT open to the general public without eligibility.

🚗 13. Travel Guide: How to Reach Tirumala for Vaikunta Ekadasi

By Flight

Nearest airport: Tirupati International Airport (Renigunta – TIR)
Distance to Tirumala: 40 km

By Train

Closest railway station: Tirupati Railway Station
Daily trains available from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

By Road

Frequent APSRTC buses from:

• Chennai
• Bangalore
• Hyderabad
• Vijayawada
• Nellore
• Chittoor

Tirumala Ghat Road

• 24×7 security monitoring
• Private vehicles allowed
• Toll-free for devotees

🍛 14. Food & Facilities for Pilgrims

TTD provides free, clean food for all pilgrims.

Meals & Annaprasadam Locations

• Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Complex
• PAC-1, PAC-2, PAC-3
• Queue complex areas

Other Facilities

• Drinking water every 100 meters
• Medical care units
• Cloakrooms
• Toilets & sanitation teams
• Mobile charging zones

📌 15. Tips for Booking Vaikunta Ekadasi Tickets Successfully

✔ Use fast internet

With lakhs of users logging in at once, speed matters.

✔ Log in 15 minutes early

Refresh the page exactly at the release time.

✔ Keep multiple payment methods ready

Sometimes UPI fails due to traffic.

✔ Prefer weekdays for booking

Weekends see more competition.

✔ Try using different devices

One mobile + one laptop increases chances.

✔ Don’t refresh during payment

You may lose the booking window.

📞 16. TTD Helpline Numbers

• Call Center: 155257
• Tirumala Helpline: +91-877-2233333
• Email: helpdesk@tirumala.org

🙋 17. Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 tickets be released?

Expected between Nov 25 – Dec 10, 2025.

2. Can I book ₹300 Darshan tickets offline?

No. They are online-only.

3. Will the Vaikunta Dwaram be open for 10 days?

Yes, TTD has continued this tradition for several years.

4. How long is the waiting time on Ekadasi day?

Anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, depending on crowd.

5. Are children charged for darshan?

Children below 12 years do not need a ticket (ID proof required).

6. Can I cancel a Vaikunta Ekadasi ticket?

No cancellation or refund is allowed.

7. Is food available during waiting hours?

Yes, free TTD Annaprasadam is available round the clock.

🕉️ Conclusion

Vaikunta Ekadasi is not just another festival—it is a deeply spiritual, once-a-year opportunity to enter the sacred Vaikunta Dwaram and receive Lord Venkateswara’s grace. With huge crowds expected in 2026, planning early and booking tickets in advance is essential.