TTD Writes To Civil Aviation Minister To Declare Tirumala 'No Fly Zone'. Here's Why

TTD chairman B R Naidu wrote in his letter that low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and other aerial activities over Tirumala disrupt the sacred atmosphere of the Sri Venkateswara Temple.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairman B R Naidu wrote to the Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu urging him to declare Tirumala as a no-fly zone to prevent aircraft from flying over the sacred pilgrimage site.

In the letter, the chairman stressed the importance of this decision, the principles of Agama Shastra (sacred texts), the sanctity of the temple and security concerns, and the sentiments of devotees.

He said that low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and other aerial activities over Tirumala disrupt the sacred atmosphere of the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Declaring Tirumala a No-Flying Zone is a vital measure to protect the sanctity, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance of the revered shrine.

"Low flying planes, helicopters and other aerial activities on the Tirumala hill are disturbing the sacred atmosphere around the Srivari (Lord Venkateswara) temple," said Naidu.

The TTD Chairman urged the Union Minister to take immediate action on this matter. To protect the sanctity and cultural and spiritual heritage of Tirumala, the TTD Chairman sought the Union Minister to respond in this matter for appropriate action.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is the custodian of the famous Lord Venkateswara Temple.

Significance of Lord Venkateswara Temple

Described as the dwelling place of Lord Vishu, the Lord Venkateswara Temple is a prominent site according to the Hindu scriptures and this most popular temple is situated in the Chittoor region of Andhra Pradesh.

A large number of devotees visit the temple daily to catch a glimpse of Lord Venkateshwara, and it receives substantial donations from worshippers. It is customary for devotees to make offerings to the temple Hundi (the donation container) after seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings and praying for the fulfilment of their wishes.

Around 300 AD, construction the temple began, with various emperors and rulers contributing to its development over time. In the mid-18th century, Maratha General Raghoji I Bhonsale formed a committee to oversee the temple’s operations. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was officially established with the passage of the TTD statute in 1933.