TTD .... a long way to go !

Its a known fact to every Balaji devotee that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD)  - http://www.tirumala.org/  - which manages the hill temple is doing a wonderful job. Given that lakhs of devotees from different corners of the geography are thronging the temple, it is an uphill task for any management to satisfy everyone's needs. Not to forget about scores of VVIPs and other dignitaries, TTD has a task on hand not on a day, but everyday.

The sanitary conditions on the hill is a standing example as to how concerned they are about pilgrim welfare, while  even big temples in cities like Chennai do not provide a urinal facilities, forcing the aggrieved to relieve themselves anywhere.

Th online reservations for darshan and accommodation (https://ttdsevaonline.com) have reached such an appreciable level of support over a period of time that planning a visit to the hill temple is no more a daunting task.

The Devasthanam has a focussed television channel (http://www.svbcttd.com/English.html )which keeps updating its daily programme, event availability, status of crowd waiting for darshan etc., and that comes handy for people to plan their visit.

The free distribution of food and milk are boons to devotees waiting for endless hours and to be fair to TTD, the quality of these freebies are on par with any other hotel worth its name in that area.

Over the years I have been watching the steady progress of TTD's services and I have never failed to wonder at their relentless pursuits on facility improvements. Despite my ardent appreciations, my recent attempt at making an Anga Pradakshinam at the hills made me realise the 'still wanting sides' of the temple management.

Over a year I was trying to get some authoritative details from the  website of TTD, but to no avail, though there are some other websites providing such details. I was running around everywhere, right from TTD centre in VN Road, T.Nagar, Chennai to calling Central Reception Office, Tirupati, Tirumala , but none could give confirmed information. Then after gathering some news from a friend's recent attempt at Anga Pradakshinam, we set out after just booking the accommodation.

Starting by around 6:30 AM in a car, after maneuvering through the tough Porur and Poonamallee traffic, we reached Tirumala by  11:30 and after checking into the room, headed straight to join the line waiting for the tokens to be issued for next day's Anga Pradakshinam. Though tickets are issued only by 2 PM, its better to be early, we were told. The ticket issue started sharp at 2 PM and the digital display at the counter maintained the countdown from the maximum of 750 thereby making those waiting in the line comfortable about their position. At the counter, one is insisted on Aadhaar card, which is made mandatory and its better not to laminate your card, as it threw up some issues while scanning. Then a token is issued with your photo captured there along with your fingerprint and  thereafter you are free until next morning. You can also get here a laddu token by paying Rs 10/- as against Rs 30/- or so outside. When enquired, about the dress code the counter staff confirmed that one can go with pyjamas or a full pant, but only with bare chest for males. For women, saree or Salwar with dupatta.

It is customary, though few say it is mandated but never confirmed by anyone in authority, that one takes a bath in the Pushkarani (tank near the temple) and go with wet clothes for the Anga Pradakshinam. Not willing to take a chance in the wee hours of the morning, we trekked the previous night to the starting point of Anga Pradakshinam , where the staff said pants are not allowed and males should come only with Dhoti (Veshti) and that it is not necessary to take a bath in the temple tank and one could even come after a bath at the room. So much of confusions and my attempts at looking for some display or board about the whole process proved futile.

We got up to an alarm at 11:30 PM and headed straight to the Pushkarani and after few enquiries, located the gate which would be opened for bathing. The gate was opened sharp at midnight and after a holy dip in the tank we were asked to go to a place where a board announced 'Anga Pradakshinam line'. It was raining hard and with the dip in the tank adding to the chillness , the TTD played its part in making the shivering devotees stand in the open under steady rain for sometime, though the devotion and fervour of the occasion made the devotees ignore these natural and manmade miseries.

Shivering devotees waiting in the line were made to shiver more with a security official announcing  that only those with their clothes wet after a bath will be allowed and if required we again need to have a bath and wet the cloth. The temple gates were thrown open by 3 AM and the ladies were first allowed and then male members. Despite all the hardships, insufficient information and ambiguous directions, the moment we started rolling on the floor chanting 'Govinda' all the hardships evaporated and within ten minutes the Anga Pradakshinam was done! The participants, some staggering, some having nausea and  throwing up, were again made to go out and join the line for a darshan offered free for this particular group of devotees. TTD could have avoided this and directed these to go straight for a darshan which could have been completed in the next 15 minutes rather than stretching it for another hour.

The idea behind writing this post is not to criticise the TTD but to give some suggestions for enhancement in their arrangements for this particular prarthana. TTD could certainly play a better role in helping the devotees prarthana for a roll !

More importantly, I do not wish people in future to again get lost in the sea of information and misguided directions and would like to list down some directives based on my experiences,  that could be useful. Of course, keeping in mind that TTD frequently changes such arrangements one would be well advised to check for the latest updates too:

1. Book a room in Tirumala in advance-booking starts by about 90 days before (Check TTD website) 
2. There are two slots to book a room Viz., of 0:00 to 12:00 hours, and 12:00 to midnight. Better book in the first one  so that you could check in even by 10 AM
3. Token counter near Central Reception office opens at 2 PM sharp.. But be at the line for tokens , - atleast by around 12:30, to avoid disappointment.
4. Production of Aadhaar Card as ID proof is a MUST and preferably have the same without lamination.
5. Totally 750 tokens are issued every day for the Anga Pradakshinam next day (except on Thursdays, as Anga Pradakshinam is not allowed on Friday).
6. Have some old newspapers handy as you may have to squat on the floor, while waiting in the line.
7. Thereafter your job starts late in the night. Though I could see gents in full pants and jeans, its safer to go with a dhoti and a towel around the waist. For ladies, Saree or Salwar , where Dupatta is a must.
8. Be at Pushkarani , near the left side of the temple entrance, by 11:45 and the tank is opened by midnight sharp. But, please check the previous day as on some days like Brahmotsavam, bathing at the tank is not permitted.
9. The Anga Pradakshinam token is not to be made wet , as it has some bar code . Keep it in a small plastic cover and if you wish, you can also have some small currencies in this for Hundies.
10. After the bath, be at temple tank or  in your room, better to head to the queue  in wet clothes. This helps in the absence of clear directions.
11. After bath join the place marked 'ANGA PRADAKSHINAM LINE'
12. Do not have any minor chain or dollars in your poonol as they could hinder , while you roll
13. Better to have a light and non-spicy dinner without oil the previous night as many were seen throwing themselves up after the Anga Pradakshinam and some could not even complete it.
14. Even if you feel uncomfortable, not to worry. A couple of hours of sleep after the Anga Pradakshinam will provide great relief and so head straight to your room after doing it.

These are some tips , based on my experience and I hope they are helpful.