Vaikunta Ekadasi, observed annually at the Balaji Temple in Alwal, is a vibrant festival steeped in spiritual significance and communal joy. Celebrated on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in Margashirsha (December-January), it marks the symbolic opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram, believed to lead to spiritual liberation and divine blessings. Thousands of devotees throng the temple to participate in the festivities and offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji).
The temple itself is a testament to patronage, devotion, and history. In the early 20th century, Kishen Pershad, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad under Nizam Mir Mahbub Ali Khan and later Mir Osman Ali Khan, played a significant role in the development of the Balaji Temple. He provided financial assistance and land grants, contributing to the temple’s expansion and its enduring significance in the region. His legacy reflects the syncretic culture of Hyderabad, where rulers and noblemen supported diverse religious institutions.
The temple’s original grandeur included large brass Dasavatars panels – representing the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu – that adorned the main sanctum. These bas-relief panels were later removed during renovation, but their historical presence is fondly remembered by devotees. Surrounding mandaps served as gathering spaces for rituals and processions. The temple also had a sacred gundam (tank) where pilgrims once bathed before offering prayers during special occasions, though it has since been closed.
Rituals and traditions of Vaikunta Ekadasi
The day begins with the Suprabhata Seva, awakening the deity, followed by Abhishekam and Archana. The Vaikunta Dwaram, a temporary gateway symbolising the entrance to Vishnu’s celestial abode, is opened for devotees, who pass through it in a symbolic act of seeking moksha (liberation). Passing through this gate is believed to cleanse sins and offer spiritual merit. The deity is richly decorated, and the temple blooms with floral garlands and vibrant lights. Continuous recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama and devotional songs enhance the solemnity.
A bustling Jatra of trade and merriment
Vaikunta Ekadasi is also marked by a grand Jatra, a festive fairground that transforms the surroundings into a lively marketplace. Stalls offer a variety of goods, from handcrafted toys and sculptures to kitchen utensils, clothes, and food stalls serving traditional sweets and savories. Children and adults alike enjoy fun rides, merry-go-rounds, and giant wheels. In the past, cinema tents showing films added to the entertainment. The Jatra captures the spirit of a bygone era while embracing the excitement of modern times.
In addition to its commercial vibrancy, the Jatra served the community’s welfare. The health department conducted medical camps, offering free consultations, tests, and medicines, reflecting the festival’s inclusive nature, where faith and service intertwine with the motto ‘Manava Seve Madhava Seva’ (service to mankind is service to God).
The temple’s Rath Yatra
A significant highlight of the celebration is the Rath Yatra, where a chariot bearing the deity is drawn by devotees on the occasion of Ratha Saptami. The giant wooden rath used in earlier years was pulled by hundreds of devotees, a scene reminiscent of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. This moment was a striking expression of collective devotion, with the crowd pulling together in unity and reverence. Over time, however, the wooden chariot was replaced by a steel chariot for safety and durability. The new chariot, while modern in construction, preserves the splendour of the age-old procession.
A legacy of unity and devotion
Vaikunta Ekadasi at the Balaji Temple in Alwal is a living tradition of faith, festivity, and cultural harmony. The temple’s association with Kishen Pershad’s patronage and its evolution over decades showcase the syncretic heritage of Telangana. Though the Dasavatars and gundam are now memories of its storied past, the temple remains a beacon of devotion, drawing pilgrims and visitors who find solace, joy, and a sense of togetherness.
This grand occasion continues to be a celebration of spiritual renewal, community connection, and cultural legacy, ensuring its cherished place in the hearts of generations to come.
