Tirupati, March 1 – Chief Justice of India Surya Kant offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Temple on Sunday.
The Chief Justice, who had arrived in Tirumala on Saturday evening, performed his morning rituals.
Upon arrival at the temple, he was greeted by TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra, Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkaiah Chowdhury, and District Superintendent of Police L. Subbaraidu.
On this occasion, the priests traditionally welcomed the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras.
After the rituals, the priests presented the Chief Justice with a 'Shesha Vastra'. Vedic scholars also gave him a 'Veda Shirvachana' in the Ranganayakula Mandapam.
TTD officials offered 'Theertha Prasadam' and a portrait of the deity. The CJI later visited the Sri Varahaswami Temple.
Meanwhile, TTD has announced that due to the lunar eclipse on March 3, 'Slotted Sarva Darshan' tokens (SSD) will not be issued in Tirupati on March 1 and 2 for darshan on March 2 and 3, respectively.
SSD tokens for darshan on March 4 will be issued on March 3.
'VIP Break Darshan' is also cancelled on March 3, and therefore, no recommendation letters will be accepted on March 2, TTD announced in a release.
They requested devotees to note the changes and cooperate with temple authorities.
TTD has already announced that, due to the lunar eclipse, the Tirumala temple will remain closed for approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes on March 3.
The temple will be closed from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The lunar eclipse will commence at 3:20 p.m. and conclude at 6:47 p.m. on March 3. According to tradition, the temple doors will be closed six hours prior to the commencement of the eclipse.
The temple doors will reopen at 7:30 p.m., followed by purification rituals and Punyahavachanam. Darshan for devotees will resume from 8:30 p.m. onwards.
TTD announced that 'Arjitha Sevas' and 'VIP Break Darshans' will remain cancelled.