Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India, but it can also be very crowded and chaotic. Find out how you can get VIP darshan, which gives you a fast and easy access to the temple, and what you need to do to book it.
Previous Method of entering Tirumala Tirupati Temple
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board, that manages the world famous and the most visited temple, the Tirupati Balaji Temple and many other temples too, had begun a new trust called SRIVANI Trust (Sri Venkateswara Aalayala Nirmana Trust) for the construction of various temples in several cities, towns and villages for the promotion of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). Since it was a new trust, it required some force from the devotees' side too for achieving its mission. Hence, it started accepting the donations for the same. To grant these devotees some privilege for having helped TTD in its noble mission, it has devised this new scheme for VIP Break Darshan. Also, in order to eliminate the humongous number of middlemen between the VIP Darshan and the pilgrim, this action has been taken.
What is the new Scheme of Break Darshan in Tirumala?
According to the new scheme, a person who donates a sum of INR 10,oo0 or more in favour of SRIVANI Trust, will be entitled for availing a VIP Break Darshan Ticket. He will given a recommendation stating the same, on submitting of which, he can pay INR 500 and avail the darshan the next day. TTD has limited the number of people per family availing tickets under this scheme to 9. Essentially, one has to pay INR 10,500 per person and not more than 9 persons from the same family will be allowed for the darshan.
Where is Tirupati?
How can one avail the VIP Break Darshan Ticket in Tirupati?
Break Darshan is another name for VIP Darshan, which is a special entry for the devotees who want to have a quick and easy darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Break Darshan is conducted during the break time of the regular darshan, which is usually between 6 am to 7 am, 9 am to 10 am, and 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
If you wish to donate the aforementioned sum towards the noble cause by TTD and avail the Break Darshan Ticket, then you can do so by visiting the JEO Camp Office in Gokulam, Tirumala, wherein is a separate counter for this and can avail the darshan. For donations greater than a lakh rupees, there are several other previously devised schemed privileges that the family of the devotee can obtain.
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How to Apply for VIP Break Darshan Ticket Online
VIP Break Darshan is a special entry for the devotees who want to skip the long queues and have a quick darshan of Lord Venkateswara. VIP Darshan is also known as Break Darshan, as it is conducted during the break time of the regular darshan. VIP Darshan tickets are limited and can be booked online through the official TTD website. To apply for VIP Darshan online, you need to follow these steps:
--- Register on the TTD website with your email and mobile number.
--- Fill the online application form with your personal details, such as name, age, gender, address, etc.
--- Upload the required documents, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc., as proof of identity and address.
--- Pay the fees and confirm the booking. The fees for VIP Darshan vary depending on the day and time of your visit, ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 10,000 per person.
--- Download and print the confirmation receipt and the pass. You need to carry these along with your original documents on the day of your visit.
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Tirupati Balaji Temple History
Tirupati Balaji Temple, also known as Sri Venkateswara Temple, is one of the most ancient and sacred Hindu temples in India. It is located on the seventh hill of Tirumala, near the city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from the troubles of Kali Yuga. The temple has a rich and glorious history, dating back to the Vedic times. According to legend, the temple was built by Lord Brahma himself, and was later visited and renovated by many kings, saints, and devotees. The temple is also famous for its wealth and donations, as it receives millions of pilgrims every year who offer their hair, gold, and cash to the deity. The temple is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), an autonomous body that oversees the administration and maintenance of the temple and its surroundings.
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How to Avoid Scams and Frauds
--- VIP Darshan is a highly sought-after service, and hence, it is also prone to scams and frauds. Many touts and agents claim to offer VIP Darshan tickets at cheaper rates or without any documents, but they are usually fake or illegal. To avoid scams and frauds, you need to be careful and vigilant, and follow these tips:
--- Do not trust any unofficial or unauthorized sources, such as brokers, middlemen, websites, apps, etc., that offer VIP Darshan tickets. Always book your tickets through the official TTD website or the authorized counters at the temple premises.
--- Do not pay any extra money or bribe to anyone who promises to get you VIP Darshan tickets or faster entry. VIP Darshan tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and anyone who violates the rules will be penalized or prosecuted.
--- Do not fall for any false or misleading information, such as VIP Darshan tickets being available on the spot, or VIP Darshan being free for certain categories of people, etc. Always verify the facts and details from the official TTD website or the helpline numbers.
--- Do not share your personal or financial details, such as bank account, credit card, OTP, etc., with anyone who claims to help you with VIP Darshan booking. Always use a secure and trusted mode of payment, such as net banking, debit card, credit card, etc.