Better facilities for Tirupati pilgrims planned

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which administrates the famous Lord Venkateswara temple here, is planning to introduce a novel mechanism to cut down waiting time of pilgrims for the lord's darshan.The plan envisages performing of regular rituals - suprabatham, thomala and archana sevas - in `ekantham' (reposing time of lord), which would save three hours per day and enable the temple administration to clear the rush of devotees more quickly.
 
The system which prevails only during `brahmaotsavam' would be extended on all festive occasions and week-ends after diligent study. It may be noted here that on an average, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara attracts 60,000 pilgrims per day from across the country. After the TTD Executive Council meeting, the TTD Chairman Adikesavulu Naidu told media persons on Monday that ``dispensing of VIP-break darshan'' on Saturdays and Sundays worked well and more pilgrims could get darshan. He said the VIP-break darshan and laghu darshan tickets would be reduced depending on the rush of pilgrims.
 
However, TTD Executive Officer Krishna Rao opposed to the decision of Chairman.  Rao said that it would affect the contributions from devotees. But Chairman said these decisions were taken following the directions from Chief Minister to provide hassle-free darshan to common pilgrims. He said once the system is streamlined, it would also pave way for effective accommodation for pilgrims. He appealed to VVIP devotees to avoid visiting the hill shrine during the `brahmotsava' because of heavy pilgrim influx. The TTD also may not be in a position to render protocol.