Guru Darshan—Vaikunta Ekadashi at Ekam

Guru Darshan on Vaikunta Ekadashi is a Hindu spiritual gathering at Ekam, the Oneness campus at Varadaiahpalem in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. It is led by Mukti Guru Sri Krishnaji, who on this day offers blessings for each seeker's deepest intention. The day is open to devotees of every background and level of experience, and families and children are welcome. Participants are invited to arrive with a noble sankalpa, an intention held quietly in the heart.

What Happens

There are two darshan slots, and your reporting time is printed on your e-pass. Morning darshan asks you to report by 6:00 AM, and afternoon darshan by 12:30 PM. Early or later, the heart of the day is the same: Guru Darshan and the blessing of Sri Krishnaji.

The Sarva Aishwarya Siddhi Homa, a fire ceremony for prosperity, is free for all and runs twice. The morning Homa begins at 7:30 AM with reporting at 7:00 AM, and the afternoon Homa begins at 12:00 PM with reporting at 11:30 AM. Choose the one that matches your darshan slot. Friends and family are welcome to attend together.

Alongside darshan, you can take part in optional rituals:

- Rashi Vanam: the sacred forest at Ekam's entrance, where you can have darshan of your Janma Rashi Devata and offer prayers for Rashi Dosha nivarana.
- Rashi Dosha Parihara Pooja: held at Rashi Vanam in five batches (6:00 to 6:45 AM, 10:00 to 10:45 AM, 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM for international devotees, 2:00 to 2:45 PM and 4:00 to 4:45 PM).
- Arogya Abhishekam: sacred waters offered to the Divine Padukas, with prayers for health and long life.
- Homa Ahutis: offerings into the fire for Aishwarya, Arogya, Kutumbakshema, Vidya or Santana Prapti, made at the Homa stall.
- Special Sankalpa: your name and prayers offered in the Homa, with front-row seating and your own Homa samagri.
- Dhoopa Shuddhi: lighting incense as an offering for the clearing of negative energies.

The day closes with Ananda Tanmayam, an evening of joy, devotion and celebration from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. It is included for those staying overnight on campus.

Getting to Ekam

Ekam is at Bathalavallam, Varadaiahpalem Mandal. On any bus, ask for "Bathalavallam, Ekam / Oneness Temple" rather than only "Varadaiahpalem," since the town stop lies a few kilometres past Ekam.

From Chennai, the simplest route is a suburban train from Chennai Central Suburban (Moore Market) to Tada, about 8.7 km from Ekam, then a pre-arranged auto or cab. From Hyderabad, overnight trains reach Sullurupeta or Sri Kalahasti, both closer than Tirupati. Travellers from Bengaluru and Mysuru are best off arriving at Sri Kalahasti, Renigunta or Tirupati the day before and using a pre-booked cab. By air, Tirupati Airport is closer, while Chennai Airport has many more flights. If you will arrive between 10 PM and 6 AM, arrange your pickup before you set out rather than counting on an auto at the station. Train and bus timetables change, so recheck them before you travel.

Before You Go

Entry is by e-pass, and registration is free. One registration covers everyone on the form, and a single e-pass sent to the registrant's WhatsApp admits the whole family. Show it on your phone at the registration counter to receive your entry wristband. No printout is needed. If you lose it, it can be sent again as often as you need.

Registration is offered in English, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarati.

Included are registration, the Sarva Aishwarya Siddhi Homa, access to Rashi Vanam and Guru Darshan. Not included are meals, transport and the optional ritual offerings, though dining facilities are available on campus. Optional overnight lodging is also available at Ekam.