The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has made a significant announcement regarding the upcoming Ratha Saptami festival, which will be celebrated at the sacred Tirumala temple on January 25. In preparation for this important Hindu observance, the temple administration has declared a temporary suspension of Sarva Darshan tokens for three consecutive days.
Temporary Token Suspension Details
Token distribution will be completely halted from January 24 through January 26 at all three token distribution centers located in Tirupati. This measure has been implemented specifically to accommodate the large influx of devotees expected for the Ratha Saptami celebrations and to ensure smooth temple operations during this spiritually significant period.
The TTD administration has confirmed that regular token issuance will resume on January 27 for darshan scheduled on January 28. However, in a related development, tokens for darshan on January 23 will be issued as planned on Thursday, allowing devotees to maintain their pilgrimage schedules leading up to the festival period.
Official Communication and Public Notices
In an official tweet, TTD clearly stated: "SSD counters will be closed during 24th to 26th Jan, 2026 due to Ratha Saptami." This digital communication has been supplemented with physical notices displayed prominently at all token distribution centers. Special notice boards have been installed to ensure that visiting devotees receive timely information about the temporary suspension and can adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Understanding Ratha Saptami Festival
Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti or Achala Saptami, represents one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God. This sacred observance falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half of the Hindu month of Magha, typically occurring in January or February each year.
The festival holds profound astronomical and spiritual significance as it marks the symbolic turning point when the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayana). This celestial movement is believed to bring longer days, increased warmth, and renewed vitality to the Earth, making it a time of celebration and spiritual renewal for devotees across India.
Online Booking Opportunities for Devotees
While managing the temporary token suspension, TTD has simultaneously opened online booking facilities for April darshan at Tirumala Tirupati. This digital initiative provides devotees with convenient access to various sevas and darshan slots through online registration.
The temple administration has outlined a detailed schedule for ticket releases:
- Arjitha Seva tickets will be released at 10:00 AM
- Virtual Seva tickets will follow at 3:00 PM
Additionally, on January 22 at 10:00 AM, tickets for several special sevas will become available through the TTD online portal, including:
- Kalyanam
- Unjal Seva
- Arjitha Brahmotsavam
- Sahasradeepalankara Seva
- Sri Vari Salakatla Vasanthotsavam
Completing the digital offerings, the quota for virtual sevas along with their corresponding darshan slots will be released online by TTD on January 22 at 3:00 PM. This comprehensive online system enables devotees to plan their temple visits well in advance, ensuring a more organized and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
The temporary suspension of Sarva Darshan tokens demonstrates TTD's commitment to maintaining order and sanctity during major festivals while simultaneously expanding digital access for devotees through their enhanced online booking system.
