Heavy crowds of devotees persisted at the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh over the weekend. The influx, amplified by summer vacations, resulted in serpentine queues extending to the Batagangamma temple. (Image: DC)
Ananthapur: Heavy crowds of devotees persisted at the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh over the weekend. The influx, amplified by summer vacations, resulted in serpentine queues extending to the Batagangamma temple.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) implemented elaborate arrangements to manage the large crowds. Devotees waiting in the free darshan lines, some for up to 20 hours, were provided with essential services.
TTD set up 27 water distribution points to keep pilgrims hydrated. Four Annaprasadam distribution points catered to the pilgrims' needs. 25 vigilance guards and three sevaks (volunteers) were deployed at each distribution point in each shift to ensure security and offer assistance.
Sources reported that in the past 10 days, approximately 2.6 lakh pilgrims ascended the Tirumala hills via the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths alone to visit the Venkateswara Swamy temple.
As of Saturday evening (5 pm), nearly 46,486 devotees had darshan.
For the convenience of devotees, TTD operated free shuttle buses to ferry pilgrims entering the queue lines at the Octopus circle to the Silatoranam circle. Vigilance authorities closely monitored this service to ensure its smooth operation. TTD ensured a steady supply of Annaprasadam and water throughout Tirumala, including the Mata Vaishnavite Art College (MTVAC) area, outside queue lines, and food courts. Senior TTD officials continuously supervised the arrangements to guarantee a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience for all devotees.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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