Sarvadarsanam, which means 'darshan for all', of Lord Sri Venkateswara begins from 07.30 hrs in the morning till the entrance queue is closed on certain days other than Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On lean days 18 hours are allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it goes on for 20 hours. The entrance for Sarvadarsanam is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. There is now a computerized system in place which allows the pilgrims to book tickets and they are given a specified time slot. In addition, there are free darshans, and special darshans, which cost a bit more. There is a special darshan for the physically disabled and the aged through a separate gate at the Maha Dwaram - the main temple entrance. These pilgrims can ask for an escort,homeowner
consolidation loans.
The entrance for darshan is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. The complex is a series of inter-connected halls that leads to the main temple. An efficient queue system ensures that pilgrims move in an orderly fashion through the Queue Complex, towards the main temple.
- Canteens with food packets at subsidized rates.
- The Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Corporation counter which sells milk.
- Medical aid.
- Toilets.
- Closed Circuit Television, through which devotional programmers and music are relayed.
- Cloakrooms are near the Vaikuntham Queue Complex entrance.
- At the entrance there is a place for footwear to be deposited. (Free of cost).
The Sudarsanam token system is meant to reduce the waiting time for Sarvadarsanam.
Some of its features:
- The tokens are available free of cost at the First Choultry (opposite the Tirupati Railway Station), Second Choultry (behind the Railway Station), Alipiri Bus Stand, Tirupati, Vaikuntam Queue Complex, Pilgrim Amenities Centre (Near CRO) and near the Rambagicha Guest House in Tirumala.
- The time of darshan is indicated on the tokens.
- They can have darshan within two hours of entering the Queue Complex.
- As this system saves on waiting time, it provides pilgrims enough time to visit nearby temples.
- To help TTD keep track of the number of pilgrims by avoiding overcrowding, which may lead to disorder, ONLY one token is issued per head.
Some precautions for you to take:
- Collect your Sudarsanam token only from TTD-run counters. Tokens issued by others are not valid.
- Keep the token tied to your wrist till you finish darshan.
- Do not exchange tokens.
- Do not trust touts.
Facilities:
Tiruamala-Tirupati Devastanam, whose primary function is to provide convenient facilities to pilgrims, has shored up the infrastructure in Tirumala and Tirupati by building free dormitories in addition to the cottages and guesthouses which are leased out on different rates as per the facilities offered. Central Reception Office of the TTD takes care of the booking of rented accommodations. Tirupati town boasts of wide range of hotels to suit all income groups.
Accommodation:
In Tirumala most people stay for free in the huge dormitories around the temple. There are rooms in guesthouses and cottages available on rent too at various rates offering various degrees of comfort and luxury. All bookings have to be made with the Central Reception Office of the TTD. Off-season you can reserve up to a month in advance by sending them a letter and a draft for Rs. 100.Tirupati has a whole range of hotels, air-conditioned or otherwise, pricey and inexpensive.
Free Bus:
A bus service is operated between Tirumala-Tirupati, in addition there are free buses which travel and in and around Tirumala.APSRTC runs bus services from the airport to Tirumala and back for the benefit of air passengers.
Airlines Coach:
APSRTC runs Bus Services for the convenience of air passengers from the airport to Tirumala and back.
Railway Booking Office:
A Railway Booking Office is also located at the Central Reception Office building of the TTD, apart from one in Tirupati town. Bus tickets for inter-city travel through state transport could also be bought here.
Automobile Clinic:
In case of vehicle breakdowns on the ghat roads passengers can contact the Toll Gates either at Tirupati or at Tirumala. A mechanic will be sent in a mobile van equipped with spares, to attend to the problem. Charges are on a case-to-case basis.
Food:
TTD has four marriage halls under its management which it leases out to interested parties. One is at Srinivasa Kalyana Mandapam and three others are at Padmavathi Kalyana Mandapam.
Marriage Hall:
Tirumala - Tirupati is providing large marriage halls with modern cooking facilities at Srinivasa Kalyana Mandapam and other three marriage halls at Padmavathi Kalyana Mandapam.
