In a first such initiative, the Tirumala temple board will use satellite technology, in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to estimate devotee footfall during the nine-day ‘Brahmotsavams’ festival at the popular hill shrine in Andhra Pradesh, commencing later this month.
This was among a series of decisions taken at a meeting of the trust board of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), an autonomous body managing the affairs of India’s richest temple.
The temple authorities would also set up a real-time monitoring system, with technical assistance from L&T, to assess and monitor the crowd movement, the TTD chairman BR Naidu and Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal said at a media briefing.
Nestled among the picturesque string of seven hills, Tirumala temple, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, attracts an average of 70,000 to 80,000 pilgrims from across the country and abroad every day. The number goes up significantly during festivals and special occasions.
The annual ‘brahmotsavams’, scheduled from September 24 to October 2, is expected to draw a huge rush of devotees. The board has decided to ensure hassle-free and seamless arrangements for the lakhs of devotees expected in the renowned hill shrine, the officials said.
CM to present silk robes
The Brahmotsavams will begin with Ankurarpanam on the evening of September 23 and the ceremonial Dwajarohanam on September 24 between 5.43 pm and 6.15 pm, at the auspicious Meena Lagnam.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will present pattu vastrams (silk robes) to Lord Venkateswara on behalf of the state government on the opening day.
Later that night, he will take part in the Pedda Sesha Vahanam procession.
On September 25, the Chief Minister will inaugurate PAC-5 Srinivasa Nilayam, a pilgrim amenities complex designed to accommodate nearly 10,000 pilgrims with modern waiting halls, dining facilities, restrooms, and ‘Anna Prasadam’ counters. He will also release TTD’s 2026 calendars and diaries.
Massive arrangements
Extensive floral decorations, deity arches, giant LED toranas, and large screens across Tirumala will provide a spiritual spectacle.
Special darshan privileges for the differently abled, elderly, NRIs, and parents with infants will be suspended during the Brahmotsavam days. Break darshan will be restricted to protocol dignitaries.
To meet demand, around eight lakh laddus will be prepared daily. On Garuda Seva day (28 September), over four lakh buttermilk packets will be distributed.
Traffic restrictions will also be in place. Two-wheeler movement to Tirumala will be banned from 9 pm on September 27 to 6 pm on September 29.
Additional CCTV cameras will cover congested areas, and children will be given geo-tagging wristbands to prevent them from getting lost.
An uninterrupted power supply has been assured. High-definition live streaming of all vahana sevas will be telecast worldwide.
The board meeting also approved several new projects, including:
-A Lord Venkateswara temple on seven acres at Kolikoppa village, Belagavi district, Karnataka, to be built with Sri Vani Trust funds.
-₹7.20 crore sanctioned for the construction of rajagopuram, mukhamandapam, jewellery for Sri Subrahmanya Swamy, and other amenities at Ananthavaram in Guntur district.
-₹5.73 crore allocated for upgrading the pushkarini, rajagopuram, and kalyana mandapam of Sri Pattabhirama Swamy temple at Valmikipuram in Annamayya district.
-₹1.50 crore sanctioned for the reconstruction of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple pond at Tarigonda in Chittoor district.
Temples in Dalit localities
In a major social reform step, TTD has approved the first phase of construction of 1,000 temples in Dalit localities across Andhra Pradesh, following Chief Minister’s directive.
The plan includes temples with sanctum, mandapam, idols consecrated as per Agama Shastra, and basic amenities. Priests from Dalit communities will be trained through TTD’s archaka programmes.
The initiative aims to ensure religious inclusion, equality in worship, and cultural integration for marginalised communities.
TTD chairman BR Naidu issued a stern warning against spreading misinformation about TTD.
"Any deliberate attempt to tarnish the institution’s reputation will invite criminal cases under applicable laws," he said.
Also read: Cow is a cow: SC rejects plea for desi milk at Tirupati Temple
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