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Tech-enhanced spiritual experience along Tirumala queues
In Short
- TTD sets up Rs 4-cr Devotional Experience Centre at Vaikuntham Queue Complex-1
- The facility uses Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality (VR) and other modern technologies
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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu having ‘Durlabha Darshan’, 3D, 360-degree VR presentation at the Centre.
The waiting time for devotees in the Tirumala queue complexes is set to be punctuated by tech-enhanced spiritual experiences with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams introducing a Devotional Experience Centre equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
The Rs 4-crore centre, being piloted at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex-1, was inaugurated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday. The centre aims to help devotees use their waiting time for meditation, spiritual learning, and relaxation before proceeding for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
The Devotional Experience Centre is a result of CM Naidu’s suggestion during last year’s Brahmotsavams. It has a 340-inch screen, measuring about 8.4 metres in length and 2.025 metres in width. The main hall can accommodate 120 devotees, while two separate meditation and training rooms can accommodate 20 people each. Another highlight at the centre is ‘Durlabha Darshan’, a 13-minute 3D, 360-degree VR presentation that offers visitors a virtual glimpse of Lord Venkateswara and rare sevas, including Suprabhatam, Thomala Seva, Sahasra Namarchana, and Abhishekam.
The centre has been designed with greenery, brass-carved conch and discus motifs, and circular flooring. Kalamkari artwork and elaborate lighting have been used to present the significance of the Dasavatara. AI and VR technology will be used to present the history of Tirumala from the 12th century to the present day. Important events in the history of the temple and the glory of Lord Venkateswara will be presented through visual stories.
The centre will also conduct guided meditation and Govinda Namasmarana for devotees waiting in the queues. The activities are aimed at reducing stress and helping devotees maintain a calm state of mind during the waiting period.
The concept behind the centre is expressed through the message, “Waiting is a meditation, meditation is a practice, and practice is devotion.” The centre will also explain the spiritual significance of waiting for the Lord’s darshan, referring to the belief mentioned in the Suprabhatam that even celestial beings wait at the Pushkarini for the first darshan of the Lord.
The facility will not be limited to devotees. It will also be used for AI-based training programmes for TTD employees. Compartment 17 of Vaikuntam Queue Complex-1 has been selected for the pilot project. Based on the experience from the pilot, TTD plans to extend the facility to all 66 compartments in Vaikuntam Queue Complex-1 and 2 and Narayanagiri Gardens. Large screens will be installed at these locations to broadcast guided meditation, Vedic chanting, mythological stories, and other spiritual content prepared through the main centre.
