TTD Closes Ghat Road At Alipiri, Temple Doors

Given the rampant spread of the dreaded coronavirus COVID-19 all over the world, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has taken preventive measures to keep the disease at bay.

The TTD board members met and discussed the exigency after a devotee from the north developed fever and was immediately sent to the SVIMS hospital, and took some key decisions to avoid the disease from spreading in Tirumala.

It was decided that darshan for pilgrims would continue till Friday afternoon, and halted temporarily after that.

To enforce that, the administration has closed the ghat road at Alipiri to stop the entry of devotees into the hill shrine. The exit ghat road has been left open only for the pilgrims to leave.

The authorities have also asked the devotees to leave the temple premises after the darshan.

Thus, for the first time in the history of the Tirumala temple, the doors of the Lord have been closed for the devotees.

Earlier in the day, the officials closed the gates of the Swamy Vari Pushkarini in Tirumala. TTD Additional EO A V Dharma Reddy said that the Pushkarini would remain closed from 12 pm on Thursday for the devotees' safety. He also said that mass bathing of devotees in the Pushkarini would enhance the chances of COVID-19 spreading. 18 alternative shower baths have been arranged instead for the devotees, with the same Pushkarini water. As a preventive measure, the administration has taken up cleaning and sanitizing of the Pushkarini ghat every two hours.

The Srivari walkway has also been closed.

The temple's Deputy Executive Officer Harindranath, its Health Officer and other TTD officials inspected the temple area thoroughly.