- TTD to Use AI for Faster Darshan: Devotees to Get Lord’s Blessings in 1–2 Hours
- “Strict Action Against Religious Propaganda in TTD” – Chairman B.R. Naidu
- New Plans for Tirumala: Faster Darshan, Cybersecurity Lab, and 1000 More Temples Nationwide
Hyderabad:
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is taking steps to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) so that devotees can have darshan of Lord Venkateswara within 1–2 hours, announced TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu. Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad, he outlined several key initiatives.
On the issue of non-Hindu staff, Naidu said they would either be shifted to other departments or offered voluntary retirement. “If anyone is found promoting other religions, strict legal action will be taken,” he warned.
He said, under the directions of CM Chandrababu Naidu, the annadanam (free meal) program at Ontimitta is continuing uninterrupted, with ₹4 crore allocated by TTD. He alleged that hotel allotments in Tirumala had become a mafia under the previous regime, but are now being done transparently through e-tenders. New canteens will also be opened soon.
For devotees’ convenience, changes are being made to darshan timings. Tickets booked in the morning will allow darshan in the evening, he said. To curb cyber frauds related to darshan tickets and prasadam, TTD is planning to set up a cybersecurity lab. In the past year, nearly 30,000 fake websites were taken down, he added.
Security measures at Alipiri are being upgraded with new scanners, and VIP darshan will now be restricted to between 8:00–8:30 AM to reduce inconvenience to common devotees.
Naidu also revealed plans to expand forest areas, introduce advanced medical equipment at Kalyanakatta, and build more temples across the country. “So far, 320 temples have been built. Our target is another 500–1000, with at least one Venkateswara temple in every state,” he said.
Taking aim at YSRCP leaders, Naidu remarked: “When they visit Tirumala, do Jagan and Bharati eat prasadam? If mistakes happen, let’s discuss, but false allegations are not acceptable. Records of ticket irregularities are with me. For example, Roja sold tickets at ₹5,000 each under the guise of tourism. Are they ready for an open debate?” he challenged.
