HYDERABAD: All men are born equal and everyman is a VVIP for the Lord. And so, it shall be from now on at Tirumala. Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy gave the nod on Wednesday for the long-awaited decision of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board to accord priority to the general public as far as darshan of Lord Balaji was concerned.
The TTD Board had, at a recent meeting, also decided to reduce darshan timings for VVIPs to allow more number of ordinary devotees to have dharma dharshan.
The Chief Minister while giving his approval advised the TTD to take up projects aimed at providing better facilities to the pilgrims. He cautioned the TTD Board not to hurt religious sentiments, while implementing reforms. At the same time, it should also ensure that the devotees were not inconvenienced, he said and wanted senior officials to visit queues frequently and monitor the facilities.
Later speaking to mediapersons, TTD chairman DK Adikesavulu Naidu said the board was given a free hand to make necessary changes to facilitate speedy darshan of the Lord.
Endowments Minister G Venkata Reddy said the government would launch a website on October 2 where details of gold ornaments, dresses and other properties of every temple will be posted. He also said though there might be changes in timings, all sevas will continue as per the traditions.
Awaiting HC orders
TTD Board Chairman DK Adikesavulu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that they had not yet received the recent High Court order directing the TTD to make an inventory of the properties of all temples under its purview.
“No court orders were handed over to us till date. Any action will be initiated only after receiving the court orders,’’ he said.