Tirupati Temple Board Dismisses 18 Employees Over Non-Compliance with Religious Norms

Andhra Pradesh : The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken significant action against 18 employees for not adhering to Hindu religious practices during the festivals and rituals conducted by the institution. The move comes under the direction of TTD Chairman, BR Naidu, who emphasized the need to uphold the spiritual sanctity of the organization’s operations. According to an official statement released by TTD, the action was initiated after the authorities discovered that some employees, while working for TTD, were engaging in non-Hindu religious practices, which violated the institution’s norms.

The statement from TTD clarified that 18 employees had been identified for their participation in non-Hindu religious activities while also being involved in TTD’s festivals and rituals. In light of this, the TTD administration has issued orders for disciplinary action, reinforcing their stance on religious adherence within the temple’s operations. The institution has made it clear that the employees’ actions were incompatible with the religious duties expected of those employed by the TTD, which oversees one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the country.

To preserve the religious integrity and spiritual environment of the TTD, the Board has proposed two main courses of action. Firstly, they have suggested transferring the identified employees to other government departments, where they would no longer be part of the temple’s religious activities. Secondly, the TTD has offered the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) as an option for those who wish to retire from their positions. This dual approach is part of TTD’s broader commitment to maintaining the purity of its rituals, religious practices, and overall operational framework.

The decision to take action against these employees has sparked discussions within both religious and administrative circles, as it underscores the temple’s dedication to ensuring that its staff aligns with the spiritual and religious standards of the institution. The TTD has reiterated that its primary focus is on preserving the sanctity of the temple and its activities, which include various significant festivals and religious rituals that draw millions of devotees.

The disciplinary actions taken by the TTD serve as a reminder of the stringent expectations placed on employees working in religious institutions, particularly those as prominent as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.