The TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) board has announced a significant reduction in the darshan time for devotees to Sri Venkateswara Swamy. The board aims to slash the darshan wait time from 20-30 hours to just 2-3 hours by leveraging Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology. This decision, which follows expert recommendations, promises to ease the experience for millions of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine and to streamline temple operations while maintaining the sanctity of the spiritual journey.
In the first meeting held under the leadership of Sri B R Naidu, the TTD board deliberated on several key issues, taking decisions aimed at improving the temple’s administration, enhancing services for devotees, and ensuring the long-term preservation of the temple’s sacred environment. Some of the major decisions made during the meeting are as follows:
Merging of SRIVANI Trust into TTD Account: The board has approved the integration of the SRIVANI Trust with the TTD account, with discussions underway to potentially rename the trust while continuing its existing welfare schemes for devotees.
In its first meeting under Chairman Sri B R Naidu, the TTD Board made key decisions, including:
– Reducing Sri Venkateswara Swamy darshan time to 2-3 hrs using AI tech
– Merging SRIVANI Trust into TTD and exploring name change pic.twitter.com/v9AwtJZlKu— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) November 18, 2024
Tourism Quota Overhaul: After thorough scrutiny of complaints regarding irregularities in the issue of Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets, the board decided to abolish the Tourism Corporation’s darshan quota for various states, aiming to streamline the process and ensure fairness.
Environmental Clean-Up: The TTD board has set a timeline of 3-4 months to clear the debris piling up at the Dumping Yard in Tirumala, an important step towards improving the town’s infrastructure and cleanliness.
Renaming Srinivasa Setu Flyover: The board has resolved to rename the Srinivasa Setu Flyover as “Garuda Varadhi,” reflecting the divine connection between the temple and the town.
Request for Land Transfer: TTD will formally request the State Government to hand over a 20-acre plot of land at Alipiri, currently under Tourism Department control, for the development of the Devlok Project.
Employment and Religious Integrity: In a move aimed at preserving the religious sanctity of the temple, the board will write to the State Government requesting a review of the employment of non-Hindus in key positions at Tirumala. This decision follows growing concerns among devotees about maintaining the temple’s spiritual integrity.
Local Devotee Privileges: To further engage with the local community, the board has introduced a new initiative to provide free darshan for Tirupati residents on the first Tuesday of every month.
Political Neutrality: A strong stand has been taken against political statements within the temple, with the board asserting that legal action will be taken against those who use the sacred space for political purposes.
Financial Safeguarding: In a move to secure TTD’s financial assets, the board announced plans to shift TTD’s deposits from private banks to nationalized banks to ensure greater security.
Enhancing Laddu Quality: In a step to improve the divine offerings, the board will enhance the quality of ghee used in preparing Srivari Laddu, which is distributed to thousands of devotees. Additionally, a new recipe will be introduced daily at the Annaprasadam Complex.
Mutt Lease Cancellation: Following violations of TTD rules, the board decided to cancel the lease of the Visakha Sarada Peetham Mutt after reviewing the Expert Committee’s report.
Infrastructure Upgrades: The board has approved the repair of leakages in the Potu-temple kitchen and the modernization of the Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex, with the TVS company entrusted with these renovations.
Employee Welfare: Recognizing the contributions of employees during the recent Brahmotsavam celebrations, the board approved a 10% hike in Bahumanam (honorarium) for both regular and outsourced employees involved in the event.
These decisions are aimed at improving the experience for pilgrims, ensuring the spiritual and physical upkeep of the temple, and addressing pressing concerns related to its governance. While some controversies, such as the recent Tirupati Laddu issue and the appointment of the new chairman, continue to make headlines, the board’s actions indicate a strong resolve to move the temple into a new era of management, service, and spiritual integrity.
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