TTD plans to use digital technology to showcase the significance of its temples

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is planning to adopt modern digital technologies to help devotees better understand the importance and heritage of its local and affiliated temples. TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal has instructed officials to explore the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to present the historical, mythological and spiritual significance of these temples in an engaging manner.

Speaking at a high-level review meeting held at the TTD Administrative Building on Saturday, the Executive Officer (EO) said that advanced technology should be used to make temple-related information easily accessible to devotees. He suggested developing a dedicated mobile application that would allow visitors to learn about the architecture, sculptures and history of TTD’s affiliated temples. As part of this initiative, devotees could scan temple sculptures, idols or murals using their mobile phones to instantly view related mythological and historical details.

The EO also asked officials to study how VR technology can be used to offer devotees an immersive experience of the temples and their traditions. These initiatives, TTD said in an official release, are aimed at bringing temple heritage closer to devotees in a modern and meaningful way.

In addition, Anil Kumar Singhal proposed examining the feasibility of launching an additional channel under the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel. Similar to the live telecast of daily rituals from the Tirumala Srivari Temple, this new channel would focus on highlighting the unique features, special poojas and festivals of TTD’s local and affiliated temples.

To improve pilgrim services, the EO directed that special officers be appointed for these temples. These officers would regularly visit the temples, oversee development works and submit periodic reports. He also stressed that the annadanam (free meal) programme must be implemented in all TTD temples. Each temple should maintain a general account and a separate account for annadanam, both of which should be regularly monitored by designated officials. Existing accounts related to annaprasadam should continue without disruption.

The EO further instructed officials to coordinate with the TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) on matters related to queue management, CCTV surveillance, security, transportation and traffic regulation. He emphasized the need for advance planning for rituals, vahana sevas and major festivals, along with arrangements for medical services, Srivari Sevaks, cleanliness of temple tanks, budgeting, waste management and sanitation facilities.

The meeting was attended by TTD Joint Executive Officer V. Veerabrahmam, CVSO K.V. Murali Krishna, Financial Adviser & Chief Accounts Officer (FA & CAO) O. Balaji, Chief Engineer T.V. Satyanarayana and other senior officials.