Secular logic in Tirumala temple questioned: VHP raises concerns over TTD’s darshan policies
Tirumala Temple
Hyderabad: The management practices of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have come under sharp scrutiny, with questions raised about whether secular logic is being imposed on sacred Hindu traditions.
On Tuesday, Dr Ravinutala Shashidhar, National Spokesperson of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), posed seven pointed questions to the TTD Board, reflecting the concerns of ordinary devotees ahead of the Vaikuntha Ekadashi festivities.
At the heart of the debate is whether common devotees, who lack online registration, should be permitted to visit Tirumala hill for three days during Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Shashidhar argues that restricting access through digital systems undermines the traditional spirit of pilgrimage, where devotees climb the seven hills to seek the Lord’s blessings without bureaucratic hurdles.
The spokesperson questioned the board’s authority to conduct lotteries for darshan, likening the process to applying for a government job. “Should a Hindu apply online for the darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy as if applying to jobs of secular governments?” he asked, warning that such measures risk alienating the faithful.
Concerns were also raised about the transparency of the online dip selection process. Shashidhar demanded clarity on which Agama Shastras sanction the extension of Mukkoti Ekadashi darshans to 10 days, suggesting that the board may be deviating from scriptural traditions.
Another critical issue highlighted was the absence of Jeeyars and chief priests in key decision-making. According to Shashidhar, sidelining religious authorities in favour of administrative logic dilutes the sanctity of temple governance.
He cautioned that if the current trajectory continues, devotees may one day face interviews for darshan, a scenario he described as deeply troubling. “Are these measures truly for the convenience of devotees, or are they distancing the common man from the Lord Venkateswara?” he asked.
The VHP spokesperson demanded that the TTD should ask those coming under protocol darshans, VVIP and VIP privileges, and celebrities not to come, and their access be barred. Only allow ordinary pilgrims to peacefully experience the divine. The TTD board should respond to the anxieties of devotees, or persist with policies of the secular encroachments on sacred practice, he asked.
