Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu repeatedly advised that VIPs and dignitaries should limit their visits to the Tirumala Temple to once a year.
His appeal was simple and ethical. Frequent VIP visits increase congestion, disturb queue systems, and cause inconvenience to common devotees who wait patiently for darshan.
Such self restraint, if followed, would serve the larger public good and uphold the spiritual equality of all devotees.
Unfortunately, this advice has largely been ignored. Many wealthy and influential individuals such as film producers, actors, music directors, industrialists, and power holders continue to use MP and MLA quota darshans repeatedly.
Their frequent temple appearances, often highlighted on social media, trigger frustration among ordinary devotees.
This repeated preferential access creates resentment and slowly damages the reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Devotees naturally question why permissions are granted again and again to the same affluent individuals.
There are documented cases where a Tollywood music director visits Tirumala twice in a single month and proudly posts about it online. He is not alone.
Many celebrities do the same. If Venkaiah Naidu’s suggestion of limiting MP and MLA quota darshans to once a year per person is implemented, fairness would improve and the true devotion of such celebrities would be visible.
TTD already offers legitimate alternatives for the rich. Donors contributing Rs 1 crore or more receive protocol level darshan access for their families along with top category accommodation, for three days every year, for lifetime of the donor.
It's completeley priority access with complimentary Suprabhat Seva as well. This also comes with Veda Ashirvachanam, special gifts (gold items, Prasad), and significant tax deductions under Section 80G, ensuring a more comfortable and prioritized pilgrimage experience.
There is also the Srivani darshan ticket at Rs 10,000 per head which ensures a smooth and respectful darshan experience. Despite these options, many affluent individuals still insist on free quota darshans.
MP and MLA quotas should be reserved for underprivileged and sincere devotees, not for repeated use by the wealthy. If reforms are not implemented soon, growing discontent among devotees may lead to serious consequences for TTD.
Kiran Sharma
