In Tirumala, declaration by non-Hindus mandatory

'The practice had been in vogue for several decades’

A view of Lord Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has made it mandatory for those belonging to various faiths other than Hinduism to sign a declaration form before entering the hill temple, stating that they have faith in the presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara.

TTD Joint Executive Officer (JEO) K.S. Srinivsasa Raju told journalists at Tirupati on Thursday that as per G.O. MS No. 311 of AP Revenue Endowments- 1, Rule no. 16, non-Hindus must necessarily give their declaration at the Vaikuntam queue complex before darshan and the practice had been in vogue for several decades now.

Mr. Raju said that for the convenience of devotees, the declaration forms would be available at all the sub-enquiry offices, besides the Peishkar and JEO’s office.