Chandrayaan 2 : ISRO’s Vikram Lander to Create History by Landing on Moon

Getting a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara Swamy at Tirumala, considered one of the most sacred acts for Hindu pilgrims worldwide, often requires devotees to endure long hours in serpentine queues. For millions, the journey to the divine can take over 24 hours, culminating in just a fleeting moment of darshan. However, this age-old process may soon transform, thanks to the ambitious plans of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board Chairman, BR Naidu.

A Vision for Hassle-Free Darshan

In a groundbreaking move, BR Naidu is exploring innovative methods to streamline the darshan process, aiming to reduce the waiting time to just an hour. Although the proposal may seem improbable at first glance, the Chairman is confident in its feasibility and has been tirelessly working towards bringing this vision to life since assuming office.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence

Central to this transformation is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology. BR Naidu recently announced plans to implement facial recognition technology in conjunction with Aadhaar card numbers to issue darshan tokens. This system will ensure transparency and efficiency while reducing overcrowding. To support this initiative, nearly 45 counters will be established across the hilltop, facilitating the smooth issuance of tokens.

Devotees will be assigned specific time slots for their darshan, enabling them to enter the Vaikuntam queue complex at the allotted time and proceed directly into the queue. The AI-driven system will initially be tested on an experimental basis for a week to evaluate its effectiveness. If successful, the proposal will be presented for approval in the next TTD board meeting.

Strengthening Governance and Devotee Experience

BR Naidu has also outlined several measures to enhance the overall experience for devotees visiting Tirumala. These include:

Relocating Non-Hindu Employees: Non-Hindu employees currently working in Tirumala will be reassigned to other locations or deputed to state government roles, ensuring adherence to the spiritual ethos of the sacred site.

Introducing Name Badges for Employees: All TTD employees will soon wear name badges, making it easier for devotees to identify and report any instances of misconduct or abuse.

Eradicating Unlawful Practices: The Chairman emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against black ticket sales and other illegal activities, reinforcing the sanctity of the temple premises.

A Step Towards Devotee-Centric Reforms

The implementation of AI and other governance measures marks a significant shift towards a more organized and devotee-centric approach at Tirumala. BR Naidu’s forward-thinking vision promises to make the darshan experience more accessible, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling for millions of pilgrims.

As these transformative changes take shape, the TTD board’s commitment to upholding the sanctity and traditions of Tirumala while embracing modern advancements sets a promising precedent for the future of pilgrimage management.