TTD Introduces Early VIP Break Darshan Trial Run – All you need to know

TTD Introduces Early VIP Break Darshan Trial Run – All you need to know

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced a trial run to restore the early morning VIP Break Darshan, shifting from the existing schedule that begins at 8:00 am or 10:00 am on peak days. The proposed change would see VIP Break Darshan begin as early as 4:30 am or 5:00 am.

This decision, taken by TTD officials and temple administrators, is aimed at reverting to the original practice that allowed early access to the sanctum for VIPs. The current timing was introduced during the previous YSRCP-led government, when the then Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy revised the darshan hours to start later in the morning based on VIP demand and referral letters.

Initially, the number of VIP Break Darshan tickets was limited to under 1,000, even on busy days. However, over time, that number grew significantly. Under previous government directives, TTD was required to accept at least one referral letter per MLA or MP every day. Later, this was increased to two letters, and Telangana legislators were also included in the policy. As a result, the daily VIP ticket count rose to between 4,000 and 5,000.

During the recent election code, TTD paused the discretionary quota. But with a new government in place, referral privileges for Telangana legislators have been reinstated.

What’s Changing?

As per the updated guidelines:

• Telangana MLAs/MPs can submit one letter for six people for VIP Break Darshan on Mondays and for Sheeghra Darshan on Tuesdays.
• Andhra Pradesh MLAs/MPs can submit referral letters from Wednesday to Saturday.
• Currently, the temple accommodates over 5,000 VIP Break Darshan tickets daily, which includes protocol, Srivani, and referral-based entries. Recent developments have pushed this number to over 7,000.

The 5:00 am to 10:00 am time slot is currently reserved for common devotees, especially on weekends, allowing 7,500 to 23,000 pilgrims to have darshan without any tickets or tokens. Introducing VIP darshan in this early window could limit access for general pilgrims, potentially forcing them to wait in long queues from midnight until late morning.

Despite these concerns, the TTD Trust Board has instructed temple authorities to proceed with the trial run. The aim is to evaluate whether returning to early VIP Break Darshan hours is feasible without disrupting the darshan experience for the general public.