Roblox Game With Tirumala Temple Hurts Devotees

Devotees of Lord Venkateswara were outraged following reports of a mobile gaming application using the name and imagery of the Tirumala Srivari temple. Jana Sena Party leader Kiran Royal lodged a complaint with the TTD authorities. He met TTD chairman B R Naidu and personally showed him the app developed by Tamil Nadu-based Roblox Company. It is learnt that the app simulates virtual pilgrimage of the sacred temple. The app also included the visuals of Vaikuntam Queue Complex and temple interiors and even replicated the main deity in a graphic representation. It explains how the pilgrimage should be made and all the sightseeing places in Tirumala. The imagery also includes a virtual hundi into which the devotees can make their offerings. The app which has gone viral is making a request that each of the devotees offer $1141 and made profits to the tune of $10,000, Kiran said.

The JSP leader said that as the Jana Sena Party has vowed to protect and preserve Sanatana Dharma, all acts hurting the feelings of devotees or religious traditions of the Hindus would be dealt with seriously. The TTD chairman promised to take serious and immediate action against those who designed the app. None will be spared, the JSP leader said and demanded that the app should be deleted and those responsible should be arrested. The action should be so strict that people cannot dare to think of such concepts in the future, he demanded.

The app developers are exploiting the religious sentiments of the devotees and also ruins the sanctity of the temple, Kiran lamented. He also feared such apps would pose serious security risk to the temple as sensitive details could be made public.

In response to the complaint, the TTD chairman expressed displeasure over the issue and directed the TTD vigilance and security wing officials to initiate immediate investigation. He also warned of strict action if the sacred visuals of the Lord were misused for commercial purpose.

Reportedly, the app also included virtual pilgrimage to 10 other temples in the country.