Learn the eligibility, timings, booking procedure and important guidelines for the Special Darshan for Physically Disabled Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) including required documents and on-site process.
Contents
Brief Summary
- Eligibility criteria for differently-abled/physically challenged pilgrims.
- Two daily darshan slots for physically disabled devotees (10 AM & 3 PM).
- No advance online booking required; tokens issued on-site around 2 hours before slot.
- One attendant allowed; bring disability certificate + photo ID.
- Wheelchair may be provided outside temple; special entrance via Supadham/Nambi temple.
- Arrive early, plan for queue time, and check current conditions at TTD official site.
Visiting the revered Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala under the management of TTD can be a smooth experience for pilgrims with physical disabilities—provided you know the eligibility, times, documentation and on-site procedures. This guide lays out everything you need to plan the special darshan for physically disabled pilgrims—clearly and practically.
Eligibility & Who Qualifies
TTD offers a special darshan quota for devotees who are differently-abled or physically challenged, as well as for senior citizens and medical cases.
Key eligibility points:
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A valid disability/handicap certificate issued by a state or central government is required.
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Photo identification proof (Aadhaar, etc) is also required.
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Only one attendant (helper) is allowed to accompany the differently-abled devotee.
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This facility is essentially free of cost in many cases (no separate ticket fee) for the disabled quota.
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The benefit may not apply to minor injuries or temporary disability; the severity & certificate matter.
Timings & Slot Details
For physically disabled / differently-abled pilgrims, the standard schedule is as follows:
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Morning slot: 10:00 AM
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Afternoon slot: 3:00 PM
On Wednesdays & Fridays the afternoon slot only may be in effect.
You should aim to report about 2 hours ahead of your chosen slot at the designated entry point.
Where & How to Report
- Entry for the physically disabled darshan is via the special entrance (commonly referred to as the Supadham/Supatham entrance, near the Nambi temple/West Mada & North Mada street junction) in Tirumala.
- On-site tokens/counters: You typically don’t book online for this specific quota; tokens are issued on-site, first-come first-served.
- Reporting time: for 10 AM slot report around 8:00 AM; for 3 PM slot around 1:00 PM.
Documents & What to Carry
Ensure you carry:
- Government issued disability/handicap certificate (state or central)
- Photo ID of the devotee (Aadhaar, passport, etc)
- If you have one attendant/helper, bring their ID too (as required by TTD)
- If using wheelchair or assisted mobility, bring necessary medical certificate or note.
Attendant, Wheelchair & Mobility Support
- One attendant/helper is allowed along with the physically disabled devotee.
- Wheelchair may be available from the temple entry for movement up to a point; however wheelchairs may not be allowed inside all parts of the darshan queue (depending on area).
- TTD staff (Srivari Sevakulu) assist physically disabled pilgrims during darshan.
Booking & Fee
- Unlike regular darshan where you book online, for the physically disabled quota there is usually no online booking fee and no special ticket cost (free) if you qualify.
- The process remains on-site, tokens are issued early (often 2+ hours ahead of slot) at the counter. Arriving early is crucial as tokens get exhausted quickly.
Important Tips & Pro Tips
- Arrive early: For the 10 AM slot, report around 8:00 AM; for 3 PM slot, around 1:00 PM.
- Ensure all documents are in order: certificate, ID, proof of accompanying person.
- If using assisted mobility or need extra help, indicate this clearly to the staff at entry.
- Consider staying overnight in Tirumala to avoid rushed reporting in the morning.
- Keep small essentials with you (water bottle, snack) as waiting/queue may take time.
- If the queue for the morning slot is long or tokens finish, consider opting for the afternoon slot.
- Check the official TTD website for latest updates on availability & any changes.
FAQs
Q. Can more than one attendant accompany me?
A. Generally only one attendant/helper is allowed with the physically disabled devotee.
Q. Do I need to book online in advance for this quota?
A. No — the physically disabled quota typically uses on-site token issuance rather than standard online booking.
Q. Are wheelchairs allowed all the way inside the darshan queue?
A. Wheelchairs are offered up to certain point; inside the darshan queue you may have to move with assistance.
Q. What if I miss the morning slot?
A. You can report for the afternoon slot (3 PM) if the morning token issuance is over.
Key Takeaways
- The focus keyword: physically disabled darshan (TTD)
- Two main darshan slots: 10 AM & 3 PM
- Free quota for physically disabled devotees; one attendant allowed
- On-site token issuance; no prior online booking required for this quota
- Arrive early with proper documents (disability certificate + ID)
- Special entrance available; wheelchair/assistance facilities exist but need planning
Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
References & Helpful Links
- “Special Darshan for Physically Disabled and Aged” – TTD official page: ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in
- “Physically Challenged Darshan in Tirumala – Tickets, Timings …” – Gotirupati article: gotirupati.com/physically‐challenged‐darshan‐in‐tirumala
- “Privilege Darshan for Differently Abled Pilgrims” – TripTirupati article: triptirupati.com/privilege‐darshan‐for‐differently‐abled‐pilgrims
Related Articles
- “Senior Citizen Darshan Quota at Tirumala” – SribalajiTravel: sribalajitravel.com/special‐darshan‐quota‐for‐senior‐citizens
- “Special Entry Darshan (Seeghra Darshanam) at Tirumala” – TTD official: tirumala.org/SpecialEntryDarshan.aspx