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TTD Board Under BR Naidu Enforces Key Reforms, Bans Politics, Renames Guesthouses, and More

  • 19 Nov 2024 04:01 AM
  • BR Naidu TTD, TTD new rules 2024, Tirumala

The appointment of BR Naidu as the chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has ushered in a series of transformative reforms aimed at addressing challenges left behind by the previous YCP government’s board. As the new board takes full effect, the changes introduced by BR Naidu and his team are expected to streamline operations and ensure that the Tirumala shrine continues to uphold its sanctity and efficiency.

One of the most significant reforms is the complete ban on discussing politics at Tirumala. This decision has been made to maintain the spiritual purity of the temple and to ensure that the focus remains solely on devotion and religious practices. No discussions related to active politics will be allowed at the shrine going forward, ensuring that the sacred space remains free from any political distractions.

Another major change is the implementation of a rule that prevents individuals and companies from naming guesthouses in Tirumala after themselves. The new directive mandates that all guesthouses in the area must have names that resonate with the spirit of Lord Balaji, reinforcing the temple's religious significance and preventing commercialization in a place of worship. This move is seen as a step toward preserving the sanctity and holiness of the surroundings.

For pilgrims visiting the temple, a major change is the introduction of a new mechanism for Sarva Darshanam. The reform promises to prioritize these pilgrims, ensuring that they can complete their darshan in 2-3 hours—an impressive reduction from the previously long waiting times. This move is expected to improve the overall experience for devotees, ensuring that their time is spent in prayer rather than waiting in line.

The controversial allocation of land to the Vizag Sharadha Peetham has also been reversed. The TTD board has canceled the earlier allocation and the property will now be reoccupied by the TTD, restoring control over the area to the temple authorities.

The most debated of the reforms is the new policy requiring all employees of the TTD to be Hindus. This rule, effective immediately, mandates that only individuals of the Hindu faith will be employed by the temple administration, a decision that is likely to stir debate but also aligns with the temple's religious ethos.

Overall, these reforms are seen as necessary steps toward streamlining the administration of the TTD and ensuring that the operations of the Tirumala shrine remain focused on religious values, efficiency, and a positive experience for pilgrims.

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