Ap Govt’s Global Plans For TTD

Plans are afoot to make the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) a global brand. The TTD Board would spread spirituality and greatness of Lord Venkateswara by constructing replicas of the Tirumala temple, across the world. 

During a review meeting held recently, the TTD has prepared a roadmap for increasing the number of Venkateswara temples and assets of the Lord across the world.

The TTD Board has decided to go global as it had been receiving numerous appeals to construct shrines in various nations. Reports mention that TTD received four proposals from UK, three from Germany. Sweden, Australia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka are among the other nations requesting the TTD to build the temples. 

Following the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, a special committee was constituted to chalk out the strategy for constructing and maintaining the temples in foreign countries. Before initiating the process, the TTD requires to obtain the permissions from the endowments department and RBI, get FERA and FEMA clearances.

Meanwhile, three models have been suggested for the maintenance of the TTD temples. The first model puts the onus of the temple on the TTD completely. From purchasing the land, building the temple, appointment of archakas, to performing the daily rituals, the TTD will monitor the entire process. The committee opined that this model is the safest method legally. 

The second model suggests that the TTD should extend spiritual and technical advice to the local Hindu organisations that had are already maintaing temples in different countries.

The third model recommends that the TTD and local spiritual organisations should work together and pool funds for the construction and maintenance of the temple. Of the three, the first model is likely to get the approval of the Board.

The TTD is contemplating to give priority to Indian culture in temple architecture and also organise the temples sticking to the Agama Shastra strictly, like in Tirumala.