Srivari Darshan Will Continue at Tirumala - TTD Chairman

Tirumala, 16 Jul. 20: Srivari darshan for devotees will continue at Tirumala taking all Covid-19 precautions without fail, said TTD Trust Board Chairman Sri YV Subba Reddy.

Speaking to reporters at Annamaiah Bhavan on Thursday the TTD Chairman said there was no change in the present system of Srivari Darshan and daily Kaikaryams are being conducted as per the tenets of Vaikanasa Agama.

He said in view of COVID-19 the health security of both visiting pilgrims and TTD employees are being safeguarded by following all prescribed guidelines by Government. 

"As of now 140 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in TTD till date. Majority of affected cases are among Potu workers and APSP security personnel", he observed.

He said 70 Covid-19 affected staff members have recovered and a few of them are in-home quarantine while some others are back in duties. Of the remaining 70 persons under treatment, only one person is in ICU. TTD is providing quality medical support to the patient in ICU and doctors opine that he too is likely to recover soon. 

The Chairman said only 14 of the 40 Archakas of Srivari temple had reported positive and TTD has taken all steps to ensure that there was no break in Nitya Kainkaryams in the temple and Archakas will be given assured healthcare.

He said as sought by archakas separate rooms and quality food will be provided to them. Arrangements were made and senior Archakas are asked to stay back in their homes. If they wish, they can offer their duties in TTD local temples at Tirupati.

He asserted that none of the devotees who came for Srivari darshan has reported Covid-19 positive so far. There have been no instances of any employees affected by devotees. "Most of the Covid-19 infections of TTD employees were only through their family members and living surroundings.

Responding to a question he said anyone who is working in TTD or in the organizations associated to TTD could send their suggestions to TTD board on improving conditions.