A tense situation unfolded at the Tirumala Kalyana Mandapam on May 22 after a Muslim man was seen offering Namaz near the temple premises, sparking outrage among devotees and prompting a swift response from authorities.
The man, reportedly wearing a skull cap, was captured in a viral video spreading a garment on the ground and offering Namaz at the kalyana mandapam where the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) conducts mass marriages. The act, which lasted for over 10 minutes according to eyewitnesses, left many devotees shocked and disturbed, especially in the wake of heightened sensitivities following the recent Pahalgam attack.
According to preliminary reports, the individual arrived in a car and initially spent time in the parking area before moving towards the Kalyana Mandapam to perform the prayer. The incident was quickly brought to the attention of TTD authorities and security officials.
The TTD Vigilance team has launched a detailed probe into the matter. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and the vehicle’s registration number is being used to trace the individual. Authorities are also attempting to identify the driver who accompanied a group of devotees to Tirumala.
Tirupati Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju visited the venue to assess the situation firsthand. In a statement, he emphasized that all efforts are being made to maintain the sanctity and security of the temple surroundings, while ensuring communal harmony.
In an official statement, Tirupati Police said, “This morning, a car bearing registration number TN 83T6705 arrived in Tirumala with pilgrims for the darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. While the pilgrims went for darshan, the driver who accompanied them parked the vehicle in the designated parking area near Kalyana Vedika and waited for their return.
As he belonged to the Muslim faith, during the afternoon prayer time, he offered his prayers in a vacant shed beside the Kalyana Vedika and then departed from the location in the same vehicle.”
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The incident has reignited discussions about the enforcement of religious protocols and security measures in and around the sacred Hindu shrine, which sees lakhs of pilgrims every month. TTD officials assured devotees that the sanctity of the temple remains paramount and reiterated their commitment to preserving the religious sentiments associated with Tirumala.
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