The Tirumala Hills, home to the revered Tirupati temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, is witnessing growing unrest among devotees due to the increasing presence of hawkers and unauthorized occupants. Each month, lakhs of pilgrims visit this sacred site seeking divine blessings, but many now feel that the sanctity of the pilgrimage is being compromised.
Devotees complain that hawkers have begun encroaching on temple surroundings, aggressively marketing religious artifacts, snacks, and other goods. The bustling stalls, they argue, disrupt the spiritual ambiance and distract from the solemn experience of darshan.
The issue has been compounded by unauthorized occupants who have set up makeshift shelters in the area. Concerns over hygiene, safety, and crowd management are mounting, with many pilgrims claiming that the disorder undermines the sacredness of Tirumala Hills.
Temple management and local authorities are facing criticism for failing to act decisively. Devotees have demanded stricter enforcement to regulate hawking and remove unauthorized encroachments, urging officials to prioritize the spiritual needs of pilgrims over commercial activity.
Responding to concerns, temple officials acknowledged the problem and assured that measures are being planned to restore order. However, without a clear timeline, devotees remain anxious about the future of this revered site.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between commerce and spirituality at Tirumala. As the sacred Hills continue to attract millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad, the call to preserve their sanctity is growing louder. Many believe that safeguarding Tirumala is not only the duty of authorities but a collective responsibility of all who revere the holy shrine.
