Date:15/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/15/stories/2002121503561000.htm

National

TTD to reconsider curbs on 'anga pradakshinam'

By Our Special Correspondent

TIRUPATI Dec. 14. The Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which has imposed restrictions on `anga pradakshinam' by devotees at the Tirumala temple is willing to reconsider them, following widespread dissatisfaction among pilgrims.

The TTD Executive Officer, Ajeya Kallam, who took over last week, told mediapersons that the media reports and views expressed by the pilgrims against the curbs would be discussed at the next board meeting and necessary steps would be taken. The TTD imposed a twin-ban on the `seva' at 3 a.m. in the temple.

The number of persons being allowed to perform it was restricted to a maximum of 750 on first-cum first-served basis and the devotees were asked to get their thumb impressions recorded at the `bio-metrics' counter near the Vaikuntam queue complex from 8 p.m. the previous night. The TTD said the move was necessary because of the heavy rush and affected other pre-dawn rituals.