The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has issued a stern warning against those spreading misinformation about the upcoming Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, threatening legal action. TTD chairman BR Naidu has condemned a malicious campaign aimed at misleading devotees regarding darshan arrangements.
Clarifying Darshan Arrangements
Addressing reporters at Tirumala on Tuesday, Naidu provided a detailed clarification to counter the false narrative. He stated that the TTD has made elaborate arrangements for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, which begins with Vaikunta Ekadasi on December 30.
Naidu firmly denied rumours that devotees without darshan tokens would be barred from entering Tirumala during the festival period. No restrictions will be imposed on devotees without tokens from heading to Tirumala at any point during the 10 days, he confirmed.
Detailed Darshan Schedule and Safety Measures
The TTD chairman outlined the specific darshan protocol for the festival. Only devotees with valid darshan tickets will be facilitated for darshan on the first three days of the event. However, from January 2 to January 8, all devotees can proceed directly to Tirumala, join the queues at designated entry points, and complete their darshan in a streamlined manner.
Naidu stressed that devotees' safety is the paramount concern for the TTD. He revealed that TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal and Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary have devised a mechanism where darshan tickets for the initial three days are being issued globally via online mode.
"The decision to shift the ticketing system online was taken after due consultations with the state government," Naidu explained. He highlighted that past surges in physical queues on auspicious days like Vaikunta Ekadasi have sometimes led to dangerous stampedes, a situation both the government and TTD are determined to avoid this year.
Appeal to Devotees and Legal Warning
The TTD chairman made a fervent appeal to the global devotee community. He urged them to rely solely on official TTD channels for information and updates regarding darshan schedules and arrangements. He cautioned them not to fall prey to the false propaganda being actively spread on various social media platforms.
In a strong concluding statement, Naidu warned that the temple trust is prepared to initiate legal proceedings against individuals and groups involved in this malicious misinformation campaign. The TTD is committed to ensuring a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees during the sacred Vaikunta Dwara Darshan festival.
