The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken decisive action against 18 employees for violating its rule requiring all staff members to strictly adhere to Hindu traditions and practices. This move comes as part of a broader effort to preserve the sanctity and religious integrity of the revered Tirumala temple, one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. The TTD board, under the leadership of Chairman BR Naidu, has consistently maintained that only individuals who follow the Hindu faith should be employed within the organization, ensuring that the spiritual essence of the temple is safeguarded. However, after an internal investigation, it was discovered that these 18 employees were engaged in practices associated with non-Hindu traditions, which prompted the administration to take stringent disciplinary action.
In accordance with the TTD Board's resolution, these employees will be removed from their current positions within the TTD temples and affiliated departments. Additionally, they have been explicitly barred from participating in any Hindu religious events, duties, or rituals within the temple premises. This decision underscores the board’s unwavering commitment to upholding the religious sanctity of the institution and aligning with the faith-based traditions that govern its operations. To provide the affected employees with a pathway forward, they have been offered two alternatives: they can either opt for a transfer to government departments, where their services may still be utilized in a secular capacity, or they can choose to voluntarily retire by applying for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). Those who refuse to comply with either option may face further administrative and legal consequences, as the TTD is determined to implement its policy without exception.
Chairman BR Naidu has reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that Tirumala remains a symbol of unwavering Hindu faith and sanctity. He emphasized that the temple's religious customs must be maintained without any dilution, and that the enforcement of these regulations is crucial to preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the sacred site. The 1989 Endowment Act, which governs temple administrations in Andhra Pradesh, explicitly mandates that all employees working in religious institutions must adhere to the faith and traditions of the temple they serve. The TTD board has expressed deep concerns that any violations of this policy could compromise the sanctity of the temple and hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees who visit Tirumala each year.
The decision has received strong support from various quarters, including political and religious leaders. BJP leader and TTD Board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy has openly endorsed the move, stating that he is fully prepared to see as many non-Hindu employees leave the organization as necessary to uphold the temple’s religious principles. According to Reddy, the presence of individuals who do not follow Hindu traditions within the TTD administration poses a significant risk to the spiritual purity of the institution. He asserted that such measures were long overdue and that strict adherence to religious customs within temple administrations is essential for maintaining the trust of the devotees.
The controversy surrounding non-Hindu employees within the TTD has been a matter of debate for several years, with many Hindu organizations and religious groups raising concerns over the alleged infiltration of individuals who do not align with the temple's traditions. Several petitions have been filed in the past demanding stricter enforcement of the rule that mandates only practicing Hindus be employed by the TTD. The board's latest decision is seen as a strong message that it will no longer tolerate any deviations from its religious guidelines.
This move also reflects a larger trend in temple administration policies across India, where several states have taken steps to ensure that temple employees adhere to the religious faith associated with the institution they serve. Devotees and Hindu religious leaders have often argued that allowing non-Hindu employees to work in temples creates the potential for conflicts of interest and could lead to a dilution of sacred traditions. With the latest enforcement action, the TTD has made it clear that it will not compromise on its religious principles and that all employees must align with the faith and customs of Tirumala.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the affected employees will respond to the options given to them. While some may choose to transition to government departments, others might challenge the decision legally. However, the TTD’s firm stance suggests that it is unlikely to reverse or dilute its policy in the face of opposition. For millions of devotees who revere Tirumala as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites, the board’s decision will likely be seen as a necessary step in preserving the temple’s religious sanctity for generations to come.
