Transformations In Tirumala Temple: Ghee Laddus, Non-Hindu Employees Among Issues Discussed In New TTD Board's First Meeting

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, recently held its first meeting under the leadership of its newly appointed Chairman, BR Naidu.

Convened at Annamayya Bhavan, with 80 items on the agenda list, the meeting brought out a series of transformative decisions that aim to enhance the temple's management, improve the experience for pilgrims, and safeguard the religious sentiments of millions of devotees.

One of the most significant and potentially contentious decisions made during the meeting was regarding the employment of non-Hindus in TTD-administered roles.

The board resolved to reassign non-Hindu employees to other government departments or offer them the option of voluntary retirement something that will affects around 300 of the board’s 7,000 permanent employees, with TTD also employing about 14,000 contract workers.

This decision aligns with Chandrababu Naidu's campaign promise during his assembly election trail this year. TTD Chairman BR Naidu emphasised that consultations with these employees would take place before any final decisions are implemented.

In a significant decision, the TTD board resolved to terminate the lease of land previously granted to Visakha Sarada Peetham, citing multiple breaches of lease terms. Plans have been announced to reclaim the land and demolish unauthorized structures erected on it.

The board also approved a proposal for TVS Company to undertake repairs to address leaks in the ancient Potu (temple kitchen) at the Srivari temple and to modernize the Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex.

Furthermore, the TTD decided to request the state government to transfer the 20-acre land at Alipiri, currently allocated to the tourism department near the Devlok Project, to the TTD. Additionally, it was also decided that the Srinivasa Setu Flyover will be renamed as Garuda Varadhi.

To enhance accessibility for the local community, the board also decided to provide darshan for Tirupati residents on the first Tuesday of every month. Reducing the waiting time for pilgrims seeking the "Sarva Darshan" (free darshan) was another crucial focus of the meeting.

Currently, pilgrims often endure waiting times of up to 30 hours. To address this issue, the board plans to leverage advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and engage professional consultancies to streamline the process. The goal is to reduce the darshan time to two or three hours, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient experience for devotees.

The SRIVANI Trust, established during the previous YSR Congress Party administration to promote Hinduism and fund temple construction, will undergo significant changes. Its accounts will be merged into the main TTD account to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in financial management.

Meanwhile, the board also decided to eliminate the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Corporation’s Darshan quota, following allegations of ticket misuse. These steps aim to restore the integrity of ticket allocation and ensure that devotees receive equitable access to temple services.

The TTD also addressed pressing environmental concerns, announcing plans to clear accumulated debris in the Tirumala dumping yard within two months. Additionally, the board is preparing a comprehensive waste management plan to ensure the timely disposal of waste.

As part of its efforts to motivate and reward employees, the TTD board increased the Brahmotsava Bahumanam, an annual bonus given to staff during the temple's grand festival. Regular employees will now receive ₹15,400, while contract employees will be awarded ₹7,530.

The preparation of the temple’s iconic "Tirupati laddus" has been a subject of controversy, with allegations of adulteration involving animal fat in the ghee used. To address these concerns, the board announced plans to procure superior-quality ghee and invited fresh tenders for the same.

This decision underscores the board's commitment to maintaining the purity and sanctity of temple offerings, which hold immense significance for devotees worldwide. The board also approved measures to further improve the quality of food served at the Annadanam canteen, which offers free meals to devotees. A new item will also be added to the buffet menu.

The TTD reaffirmed its policy of keeping Tirumala free from political influence. The board warned against making political statements within temple premises and indicated that legal action could be taken against violators.

In another significant decision, the board opposed plans for a five-star hotel near the Tirumala Hills, arguing that such developments could hurt Hindu sentiments. Instead, it urged the government to allocate the land to the TTD for temple-related purposes.

Amid a series of transformative decisions, Chairman Naidu has sought to restore the image of the TTD administration following the Laddu controversy, which prompted the new Chief Minister to promise comprehensive reforms.

Naidu reaffirmed his commitment to serving the temple with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the dual focus on preserving its sanctity and implementing infrastructure and management improvements to enhance the pilgrim experience.