TTD Executive Officer Anil kumar Singhal on Friday made it clear that it would be possible to provide darshan to only between 1.20 lakh and 1.90 lakh devotees during the six-day Maha Samprokshanam ritual, which is performed once in 12 years, beginning August 11.
Addressing the media, Mr. Singhal said emphasis would be on performing the ritual in accordance with the sastras. Accordingly, the management has cancelled all formats of darshan during the period. He appealed to the devotees to reschedule their pilgrimage to the temple town keeping the restrictions in mind.
In reply to a question, he said the intention behind the introduction of VIP break darshan at the temple of goddess Padmavati ammavaru in Tiruchanur is to ensure hassle-free darshan to the common pilgrims.
Employees’ strike
On the decision of the employees to go on a strike, the EO said the report of the committee constituted to look into their demands would be tabled during the meeting of the board of trustees scheduled for August 28. Later in an informal chat, he said the management had taken serious view of certain undue advantages being enjoyed by the VIPs even during personal visits. No charges either for accommodation or darshan are collected from the VIPs during official visits but to demand the same privilege even during personal visits had become a cause for concern, and the issue would be raised during the meeting, he added.
The board is also likely to discuss the issue of imposing restrictions on politicians making controversial statements while in Tirumala.
Earlier, the management released the online quota of 67,567 tickets relating to various arjitha sevas for the month of November.
