No more VIP treatment at Lord Balaji Temple

Indians getting VIP treatment at the Balaji Temple in Tirupati would now be disappointed to know that temple authorities are soon going to rule out VIP darshan here at the shrine.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam administration has now decided that VIP darshan at the shrine would be ruled out, and also any such requests would not be entertained. The decision has come after the announcement for the election schedule for India’s general assembly Lok Sabha elections 2019.

The new rule is going to be something that will be enabled in full force, without any possible relaxation. To the extent that even if guests show recommendations of elected representatives or formerly elected representatives, they still will not be entertained. The temple authorities have issued a statement appealing to all concerned, and have requested not to make political statements in the vicinity of the temple.

The Tirupati Temple is known to be frequented by celebrities and leaders of all political parties, and this rule can cause disruption in their visits. An estimated 50,000 devotees visit the Lord Balaji Temple on a daily basis, and they can purchase online tickets for darshan. However, bookings can be made one day in advance, and the maximum is 10 days.

However, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam administration has made special arrangements for physically challenged people and senior citizens. There is a separate gate for people falling in these two categories, and there are two-time slots allotted for them as well.

The temple is located in the hill town of Tirumala in Chittoor district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.