A complete lunar eclipse on Tuesday led to the temporary closure of several prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The eclipse began at 3:21 PM and will continue until 7:52 PM. In line with traditional customs, temple authorities shut the doors to devotees during the eclipse period and will reopen them only after purification rituals.
Major Temples Observe Traditional Protocol
Among the temples closed during the eclipse are the famous Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple in Vemulawada, and Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, popularly known as Bhadrachalam Temple.
Temple management announced the closures in advance. As a result, devotees planned their visits accordingly. Officials advised pilgrims to check reopening timings before heading to the temples.
Purification Rituals After Eclipse
According to temple authorities, priests will perform “Samprokshanam,” a purification ritual, after the eclipse ends. Only after completing these sacred procedures will temples allow devotees to resume darshan. Therefore, regular rituals and sevas will restart later in the evening.
Meanwhile, religious scholars explained that many Hindu temples follow strict guidelines during eclipses. They believe that celestial events require the temporary suspension of worship activities inside sanctums. Hence, temples remain closed until the completion of cleansing rituals.
Devotees Asked to Cooperate
Authorities requested devotees to cooperate with temple staff and adhere to the revised schedules. Police personnel also deployed additional security around major temples to manage crowds once the doors reopen.
In conclusion, the complete lunar eclipse has once again highlighted the deep connection between astronomical events and temple traditions in the Telugu states. After the eclipse concludes at 7:52 PM, purification ceremonies will take place, and devotees can resume darshan later in the night.
