I started my blog in 2012 after a visit to Tirupati for the second time. That detailed post can be accessed here
I am sending a short update as I visited after a long time and re-started my blog. I will be visiting again soon and at that time I will give a very detailed update. Watch this space after 2 months.
Quick update now-
TTD started entry checks at the foot of the hill. All vehicles are stopped at the foot of the hill. Devotees have to walk past physical security checks where they are frisked thoroughly. Understand it is to stop devotees from bringing alcohol. cigarettes, ganja, gutka and the like. There is zero tolerance here. Even the vehicles are thoroughly checked after the passengers get down.
One concession here is that - senior citizens do not have to get down.
If you are carrying luggage, then the luggage is also scanned like in airports.
Having gone through these checks - I found Tirumala to be a far more peaceful and pleasant place being devoid off alcohol and all sorts of substances (I drink myself - still the no drinks policy was good on the hill top).
Tirumala is visibly cleaner and better organised which is a job well done by TTD.
Inside the temple, as we entered the sanctum sanctorum there was so much of pushing & pulling by the over enthusiastic temple volunteers who were pushing people who were going back also. It's like they have to push & pull everyone no matter whether they are moving on their own or not - when i asked some woman why she was pushing me when i was going back on my own - she said 'Anna (elder brother) Move on Anna'. I just moved on but that is some sort of crazy briefing they got from the administrations :-)
So all devotees - senior citizens especially - maintain your eye contact with the deity to maximise your satisfaction level - no matter how the volunteers push and pull you. Dont engage with them - while going in, look straight forward and when on the way out of sanctorum - turn around, maintain your eye contact and walk backward. You wont fall walking backwards as there will be enough volunteers pulling you back :-). I am specifically saying this as I saw a few people walking out from the sanctorum with their backs to the Lord!
That's all for now folks! Wait for my complete detailed description of the place and facilities as of 2026 in a couple of months. Happy reading
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