Tirupati temple takes strict action against 18 Non-Hindu employees to uphold religious sanctity

Tirupati Temple, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, has recently taken action against 18 non-Hindu employees for violating their employment oath. These employees, who were working under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), had pledged to adhere to Hindu customs at the time of their appointment. However, they were found engaging in personal religious practices that were deemed contradictory to the temple’s regulations.

TTD has officially barred these employees from participating in any religious activities within the temple premises. Additionally, they have been reassigned to non-temple-related roles to ensure that the temple's religious integrity remains intact. According to TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, this decision has been made to uphold the spiritual sanctity of Tirupati Temple and maintain its strong Hindu traditions.

Transfer and retirement options considered

The temple board has further decided to transfer these employees to government departments or encourage them to opt for voluntary retirement. The move aims to prevent any disruption in the temple’s religious practices and ceremonies. TTD emphasized that non-Hindu employees engaging in religious activities contrary to Hindu traditions could affect the faith and sentiments of devotees.

To reinforce its policies, TTD has mandated that all temple employees take an oath in front of Lord Venkateswara’s idol or image, affirming their commitment to Hindu traditions. This measure is intended to prevent religious conflicts and ensure that the temple's principles are upheld.

Maintaining TTD’s prestige

The temple board has stated that the actions of these 18 employees were considered detrimental to the reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. To prevent further incidents, two officers have been assigned to monitor and ensure that the employees in question do not participate in any temple-related religious functions.

Strong message to preserve religious integrity

Tirupati Temple’s strict action serves as a significant message to temple staff and society at large. It reinforces the expectation that employees working in religious institutions must respect and uphold the traditions of the faith associated with the institution. The decision highlights the importance of maintaining religious sanctity and ensuring that employees remain aligned with the temple's core values.