The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), custodian of the world-renowned Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh, has made a decisive move to remove non-faith Hindus or non-Sanatanis from its administration. This step, aimed at preserving the sanctity of the temple, is in line with global religious practices, where places of worship maintain exclusivity in their administration and ritualistic functions. Mosques, churches, and other religious institutions do not permit individuals from different faiths to oversee their core operations. TTD’s decision reinforces this fundamental principle, ensuring that those managing the temple remain committed to its spiritual ethos. During the previous YSRCP government, led by YS Jaganmohan Reddy—a Baptist—the religious sanctity of the Tirumala temple was allegedly compromised by appointing non-Hindus to key administrative and governing positions. The controversy peaked when a non-Hindu was appointed as TTD Chairman, alongside board members from different faiths. This unprecedented move triggered widespread opposition from the BJP and other political groups, who argued that individuals with no connection to Hindu traditions should not govern a temple as sacred as Tirumala. The backlash forced the Jaganmohan Reddy administration to remove some of these members, yet the government continued to nominate chairpersons perceived as having little to no rooted association with the temple’s religious customs.
The recent electoral victory of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has restored the temple’s religious integrity. Faithful Hindus have now been appointed to key leadership roles within TTD, ensuring strict adherence to Agama Sastras—ancient scriptures that dictate temple rituals and administrative qualifications. This decision aligns with longstanding Hindu traditions and is seen as a necessary step in preserving the sacredness of the temple. This is not the first time such efforts have met resistance. Under the previous government, a Chief Secretary had issued a circular allowing non-Hindu employees within TTD to voluntarily transfer to other departments. This move sought to ensure that those managing temple affairs had an inherent connection to its traditions. However, the decision led to a severe political backlash. Displeased with the directive, the then Chief Minister demoted the official to an insignificant post just before his retirement, forcing him to resign in protest. Perched atop the Seven Hills, Tirumala temple is one of the wealthiest religious institutions globally, making it a focal point for political and social maneuvering. Under the leadership of Chairman B.R. Naidu, TTD’s latest resolution reflects the sentiments of faith-oriented Hindus who see this as a vital step in upholding religious traditions and protecting the temple’s sanctity from external influences.