ANANTAPUR: Changes in tokens for Divya Darshanam have resulted in large-scale sufferings to thousands of devotees at the Bhudevi Complex of Alipiri in Tirupati on Friday.
TTD changed the system of issuing divyadarshan tokens with effect from Friday. Till Thursday, divyadarshan tokens were issued for those going on walk at Galigopuram, but the TTD changed the system of issuing those tokens to Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri.
The devotees who reached Alipri in buses and cars had to go back to other counters to get free darshan tokens by hiring jeeps and auto rickshaws, as their buses were parked at the Alipiri parking centre, expecting that the tokens would be available as usual. Many devotees were not aware of the changes and thronged to Alipiri in the hope they could directly reach Tirumala without any traffic hurdles.
Devotees said the TTD should also issue free darshan tokens at Alipiri as this would help more devotees who arrive on buses and private vehicles from other places for darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swami.
The devotees who got Diyadarshan tokens from Bhudevi Complex would need to have face- recognition at the Galigopuram counter so as to get further clearance to reach Tirumala and have darshan.
TTD is issuing around 8000 tokens a day. If the quota is completed, tokens will also be issued in advance. However, tokens are issued as usual at the Srivari Mettu marg. Free darshan tickets are issued only at Srinivasam near RTC bus stand and Govindaraja Swamy Choultry near the Railway Station.
