Latest news with #SheeghraDarshan
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
TTD plans to build lounges across Tirumala
VIJAYAWADA: To address the growing influx of devotees at Tirumala, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board resolved to form an expert committee to assess the feasibility of constructing Vaikuntham Queue Complex-3 to streamline crowd management. Plans are also underway to establish well-equipped rest centres (lounges) across Tirumala for enhanced devotee comfort. This innovative lounge initiative will cater to a diverse range of pilgrims, including VVIPs and VIPs, as well as those with free tokens and Rs 300 Sheeghra Darshan tickets, with a special focus on meeting the immediate needs of Srivani Donor Darshan ticket holders. The TTD has also noted a growing demand for such facilities among VVIPs, prompting the board to develop detailed plans, and identify suitable locations. Additionally, a master plan and detailed project report (DPR) will be developed to further enhance the Shila Thoranam and Chakratheertham areas in Tirumala. TTD allocates Rs 4.35 cr for Annaprasadam at Vontimitta temple The Board has allocated Rs 4.35 crore to ensure a continuous supply of Annaprasadam (free meals) for devotees at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta, a significant step to enhance devotee welfare. Disclosing it during a media briefing alongside Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao after a key meeting at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Tuesday, TTD chairman BR Naidu explained that infrastructure upgrades, including improved lighting, security, and a spiritually enriching ambiance, will be implemented along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian pathways.
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TTD to begin trial run for early VIP Break Darshan
TIRUMALA: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced a trial run to reinstate the Early Morning VIP Break Darshan, shifting from the current VIP Break Darshan schedule that begins at 8 am or 10 am on peak days like Fridays, and concludes by 1:30 pm. The decision, made by TTD officials and temple authorities, aims to revert to the earlier 4:30 am or 5:00 am start time. Earlier during the previous YSRCP government, the then Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy introduced changes allowing VIP Break Darshan to start at 8 am or 10 am based on VIP demand and referral letters. Initially, the VIP Break Darshan ticket numbers were capped below 1,000, even on peak days, but later surged to 2,300. Government orders during that period mandated the temple board to accept at least one referral letter per MLA/MP daily. Later, it was increased to two, extending the same policy to Telangana MLAs and MPs. This change led to a significant rise in VIP tickets, reaching 4,000 to 5,000 per day. Following the election code, TTD temporarily halted the discretionary quota but resumed it post-government change, recently reinstating Telangana representatives' referral privileges. New change may be a bane to commoners Currently, Telangana MLAs and MPs can submit one letter for six people for VIP Break Darshan on Mondays and Sheeghra Darshan on Tuesdays, while Andhra Pradesh MLAs and MPs can submit letters from Wednesday to Saturday. The daily VIP Break Darshan, including protocol, Srivani, and referral categories, accommodates over 5,000 tickets, with recent additions pushing the count above 7,000. The proposed shift to early morning darshan has sparked concerns among temple officials. The 5:00 am to 10:00 am slot is currently utilised to allow 7,500 to 23,000 common devotees, particularly on weekends, to have darshan without tickets or tokens. An early VIP Break Darshan could force common pilgrims to wait in queue lines from midnight until 11:00 am. Despite these concerns, the TTD Trust Board has directed authorities to proceed with the trial run to assess the feasibility of the new timings.
