Heavy rain batters Tirumala

Tirumala: Heavy rains battered Tirumala over the weekend with many places, including the main temple complex, being inundated. Stranded devotees had to seek shelter at shops, under building awnings and also at the Nadaneerajanam hall located in front of the temple.

TTD irrigation officials opened the dam gates as the Kumara Dhara, Pasupu Dhara, Papavinasanam, Aakasaganga, Gogarbam dam projects were all full. TTD on Sunday appealed to devotees not to bring children and elderly to Tirumala till the weather cleared.

On Sunday, the force of water flowing down the Alipiri footpath hindered the progress of pilgrims who were trekking up to the hill shrine. And though the Srivari Mettu footpath, which was damaged recently, has been restored, the devotees were wary of trekking to Tirumala up the route.

Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.