Yesterday, my family and I decided to visit Connaught Place for a day of exploration and spiritual connection. Our first stop was the TTD Tirupati Balaji Temple, to celebrate Vaikuntha Ekadasi, a significant day for Lord Vishnu's devotees. It has a great religious and spiritual significance in Hindu religion and it is believed that on this day, the gates of Vaikuntha open for devotees.
The entire temple was adorned with beautiful clothing drapes and garlands and colourful flowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere. We followed a designated path inside the drapes, leading us towards the Darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. As we walked through the temple, the air was filled with the joyful chants of "Govinda" from the devotees. My father, like many others, joined in with full enthusiasm, expressing their love and devotion for Lord Vishnu.
However, we witnessed a man attempting to film a video during the Darshan, only to be harshly scolded by the Pandit. It was a reminder that the temple had strict rules against photography, videography, and the usage of phones during this sacred time. Inside the temple, people sat in meditation, seeking solace and tranquility away from their mundane lives. We were fortunate to have arrived in the mid-afternoon, avoiding the long 1-2 hour wait in line.
Nevertheless, there is a unique charm in witnessing the massive crowd that gathers in the early morning until 1 p.m. every year, but we couldn’t visit earlier as I had my practical exam in the morning. In Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, lakhs of people come together to seek Darshan and celebrate this festival every year. After taking Darshan, people sat on chairs outside, enjoying the prasadam and cherishing the view.
It was heartwarming to see families spending quality time together, lighting diyas and basking in the divine atmosphere. Our next stop was the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church. As we entered through the main gate, we were immediately captivated by the stunning display of red-themed lighting and a magnificent Christmas tree at the center. Tourists flocked to this place to witness the beauty of the Christmas festival.
Inside the church, we offered our prayers and we couldn't resist capturing the mesmerizing view outside the hall. We also took the opportunity to light candles, adding to the ethereal ambiance. The Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church has always been my favorite spot in Connaught Place, and yesterday it perfectly blended spirituality and the festive spirit of Christmas.
Overall, our visit to Connaught Place was a delightful experience filled with spiritual connection and festive joy. From the TTD Tirupati Balaji Temple to the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church, we were immersed in the beauty and devotion that these places offered. It was a day of exploration, reflection, and quality time spent with my loved ones.
Device used for photography: IPhone XS Max.
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