Hyderabad: This year, the celebration of Vaikütta Ekadashi – to be observed on Thursday – arranged to be a low key with temples forced to limit the entry of worshipers, in the midst of the Covid-19 case.
In fact, some vaishnavite temples that are popular in this city include the Swamy Venkateswara Temple in Himayathnagar (Liberty) and Jubilee Hills, Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Chikkadpally, Temple of Rangathaswamy in Jiyaguda, Balaji Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Alwal, among others to get rid of Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam on Thursday.
“We have decided to close the Birla Temple on Thursday and ask worshipers not to come to the temple.
Lord Venkateswara’s ritual will be carried out internally,” said Executive Officer of Birla Mandir, Shyam Kothari.
Similarly, the Temple of Venkates Perumal in Secunderabad will also be beyond the limit for people.
“The ritual will be carried out internally in Sanctum Sanctorum.
Fixed with the Instruction of the Department of Endowments We did not make arrangements for Darshan this time.
Last year, approaching 1.5 lakh, worshipers visit the temple today,” said his executive officer, K Satya Murthy.
While the Popular Balaji Temple in Chilkur has decided to open the door for worshipers, everything that appears for Darshan must be strictly following the Covid-19 norm, the authorities said.
“The worshipers will be allowed to stand in the queue and follow social distance.
Everyone must wear a mask,” said C Srangarajan, Archak Heredited Temple Balaji.
The usual buzz in the city – the day before Vaikuntha Ekadashi – also has been lost.
A week ago, the endowment department issued orders for all temples that urged them to limit mass meetings.