Who Gets the First Darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala? Not a VIP, but the 'Sannidhi Golla'

Tirumala, June 28

First Darshan at Tirumala Reserved for 'Sannidhi Golla' in Centuries-Old Tradition

 Millions of devotees visit the Tirumala temple to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. However, the first person to have darshan of the deity every morning is neither a VIP nor a senior official or even the chief priest. That rare honour is reserved for a member of the Yadava community known as the Sannidhi Golla, in keeping with a centuries-old temple tradition.

Every day at around 2:30 a.m., the temple's Bangaru Vakili (Golden Entrance) is unlocked using three separate keys held by the chief priest, the Peshkar and the Jeeyangar. Despite opening the sanctum entrance together, they do not enter immediately. With their permission, the Sannidhi Golla is the first to step into the sanctum and light the lamp before Lord Venkateswara. Only after this ritual do the priests enter to begin the Suprabhata Seva and awaken the deity.

According to long-standing temple tradition and religious belief, when Lord Venkateswara manifested on the Tirumala hills during the Kali Yuga, a devoted Yadava was the first to recognise and serve Him. Pleased by his unwavering devotion, the Lord is believed to have granted his descendants the privilege of having the first darshan every day. That tradition continues to this day through the Sannidhi Golla.

The custom is regarded as a powerful reminder that devotion, rather than status or position, holds the highest place in the Lord's presence. For devotees, the honour bestowed upon the Sannidhi Golla reflects the spiritual heritage and unique traditions of the Tirumala temple.

Note: This report is based on long-standing temple customs and traditional religious beliefs associated with the Tirumala temple.