In a big relief for devotees, Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam scraps VIP Darshan, requests VVIPs to visit only once a year

The Board managing Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, one of the most popular temples in the country, has decided to do away with VIP darshan. VIPs belonging to the L1 and L2 categories will lose their privilege at the temple. 

READ: Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Appoints Uncle YV Subba Reddy As Chairman Of Tirumala Temple Board

As per reports, the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) has decided to scrap Darshan for L1 category of VIPs, that constitute officials like judges, bureaucrats and high-cadre political group and L2 category, those consisting of TTD employees, their family members and lower-level of officials and government representatives. 

Not just that, the TTD has also requested the VVIPs to visit the temple for ‘Darshan’ only once a year.   

The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of devotees, who throng the temple throughout the year. 

The decision is in the wake of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister appointing his uncle and senior YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy as the Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) Board last month.   

READ: Chandrayaan 2: ISRO Chairman K Sivan Visits Tirupati Temple, Ahead Of India's Prestigious Lunar Mission Launch On Monday

Meanwhile, ahead of the launch of Chandrayaan 2 on Monday, ISRO Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan also visited the temple on Saturday. 

Speaking to media after the darshan, he shared details of Monday's launch.

"On Monday, early morning at 2:51 AM, we are going to have the most important and prestigious mission - Chandrayaan 2. The vehicle used for this mission is GSLV MKIII. After the successful launch, it will take two months to go and land on the moon's south pole," said Sivan.

Speaking about the significance of Chandrayaan 2, Sivan said that the mission aims at discovering new lunar science and hopes of demonstration of new technological development in 'soft landing'.

"Preparations have been going on without any hitch. We hope the launch happens on Monday at 2:51 AM, as planned. This mission demonstrates the new technological development happening in soft landing. We will also get a lot of new lunar science which makes it a very prestigious mission for India."

Chairmen of (ISRO) seeking divine blessings usually from Lord Venkateswara is a well-established tradition. As per reports, on last Sunday, Sivan also visited the Krishna Mutt in Udupi, Karnataka seeking blessings for the success of the mission.