The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has come out with a novel plan to check malpractices in the distribution of laddus, which are the most sought-after by devotees visiting the temple of Lord Venkateswara.
Despite many radical measures taken by the TTD, corruption in laddu distribution is unending, tarnishing the image of the temple. The organisation has been, of late, using technology to ensure corruption-free service to devotees.
The ‘Laddu Prasada Seva’ is one of the initiatives taken by TTD Joint Executive Officer K.S. Srinivasa Raju.
On an average, over 1.5 lakh laddus are being sold by the TTD every day.
The ‘laddu seva’ will work on the lines of ‘parakamani seva’ which is in force. Any devotee can enrol his name online for performing the seva. The registered devotees will be entrusted with the task of selling laddu tickets. They will be referred to as ‘Laddu Prasada Sevakulu.’
The sevaks should be Hindus whose upper age limit should not exceed 65. There is no gender bar.
The sevaks can opt for either a four-day or a five-day slot. As a token of appreciation of their participation, the sevaks will be provided with an opportunity to render services inside the temple on the final day of their slot. Primarily, the management has decided to accommodate devotees from all four Southern States — Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The scheme will become operational from December 10.
In another decision, the TTD has advanced the timing of the issuance of ‘Anga pradakshinam’ tokens at Tirumala. At present, the tokens are issued to devotees at 6 p.m., every day. From Thursday, they will be issued at 2 p.m.
