Tirumala to Become Global Spiritual Hub

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Wednesday that Tirumala will be developed as a global model of spirituality.

He said the focus would be on enhancing the experience of pilgrims while integrating environmental conservation, spirituality, service and modern technology.

Stating that Tirumala has 89.5 per cent green cover, he stressed the need to protect it.

The Chief Minister inaugurated several development initiatives in Tirumala on Wednesday, including the Pilgrims’ Experience Centre at Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I, the modernised SV Museum and 32 electric buses provided by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech.

The Pilgrims’ Experience Centre offers devotees an opportunity to virtually experience the daily rituals and pujas performed for Lord Venkateswara and view various locations in Tirumala using 3D technology.

The Chief Minister personally experienced the virtual darshan facility through six DVR-based virtual reality systems.

He also reopened the renovated SV Museum. The TTD has redesigned the museum to present the glory of Lord Venkateswara, the history of Tirumala, mythological narratives and the divine wedding of Lord Venkateswara in a manner that is easy for devotees to understand.

The museum was developed by the TCS Trust at a cost of Rs 104 crore. Replicas of ornaments offered to Lord Venkateswara by various rulers, including Sri Krishnadevaraya, historical artefacts from different periods, and 3D models of crowns and ornaments used to adorn the deity have been displayed.

The Chief Minister viewed an AI-generated video presentation on the divine wedding on a panoramic screen. He also took keen interest in the musical instruments used by musicians of earlier times in the service and praise of the Lord.

Later, the Chief Minister flagged off 32 electric buses provided by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech for pilgrims travelling in Tirumala. Along with Reliance E-Mobility CEO Nitin Seth, Bharat Biotech Managing Director Suchitra Ella, Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and TTD members, the Chief Minister travelled by an electric bus from Narayana Giri Circle to the SV Museum.

The Chief Minister said the TTD had decided to provide insurance coverage to every pilgrim visiting Tirumala. An Aadhaar-based online insurance facility would be implemented in association with LIC, he said. Under the scheme, if a pilgrim unfortunately dies in Tirumala, financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh would be provided, he added.

The Chief Minister said the government is planning to construct 5,000 Sri Venkateswara temples across the State through the Srivani Trust. He said requests had also been received for construction of Sri Venkateswara temples in countries such as Mauritius and New Zealand, and the government was examining the proposal.

He said an action plan was being prepared to utilise the services of Srivari Sevaks in the education and healthcare sectors as well.