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Mukkoti Ekadasi at Bhadrachalam: Teppotsavam and Uttara Dwara Darshan
On the evening before Mukkoti (Vaikunta) Ekadasi, Bhadrachalam carries Rama, Sita and Lakshmana on a swan-shaped float on the Godavari. Next morning the north gate opens for Uttara Dwara darshan, which devotees believe is especially auspicious.
What happens
- On the evening before Ekadasi, the deities ride a lit, swan-shaped Hamsa Vahanam on the Godavari while crowds watch from the banks, with fireworks.
- Early next morning the Vaikunta Dwaram, the north gate, opens for darshan. In December 2025 special poojas began at 5 am and the gate opened at 6 am.
- Rama appears on the Garuda Vahanam in the form of Vishnu, then goes in procession round the temple streets with Sita and Lakshmana.
Sources: telanganatoday.com, telanganatoday.com, telanganatoday.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Where families go
- Timings and guide
Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandra Temple
Bhadrachalam
The Devasthanam holds the float festival on the Godavari and opens the temple's north gate here on Mukkoti Ekadasi.
When to go
Families go for Mukkoti (Vaikunta) Ekadasi in Dhanurmasam, in December or January, arriving the day before to see the float festival.
| Date | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2026Sun | Mukkoti Ekadasi, Uttara Dwara darshan | Ekadasi falls on Sunday 20 December; the float festival is usually held on the evening before. |
Sources: telanganatoday.com, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Before you go
- SafetyDuring the float festival, barricades keep devotees out of the Godavari. Watch from the banks and stay behind them.
- BookingSeveral yearly (Saswatha) sevas cannot be booked for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. Book any seva or room only on the Devasthanam's website.
- Good to knowSee the Bhadrachalam temple page for daily hours, dress and how to reach. Festival days can follow another schedule, so check the Devasthanam notice.
Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.
Sources: telanganatoday.com, bhadradritemple.telangana.gov.in, bhadradritemple.telangana.gov.in · checked 30 Oct 2026
Questions Families Ask
When is Mukkoti Ekadasi 2026 at Bhadrachalam?
Mukkoti (Vaikunta) Ekadasi falls on Sunday 20 December 2026, per the panchangam. The float festival is usually on the evening before. The Devasthanam had not announced its schedule yet.
What time does Uttara Dwara darshan start at Bhadrachalam?
In December 2025 special poojas began at 5 am and the north gate opened at 6 am. Times can change each year, so check the Devasthanam's notice.
What is the Bhadrachalam Teppotsavam?
The float festival held the evening before Mukkoti Ekadasi. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana ride a lit, swan-shaped Hamsa Vahanam on the Godavari, with fireworks, while devotees watch from the banks.
Plan your trip for Mukkoti Ekadasi at Bhadrachalam
Opens with this temple already added. See each day with darshan hours, drive times and rough costs.
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