Tirumala Sees Decline in Devotee Footfall Amid Summer Season

Tirumala experiences a notable decline in devotee footfall during the summer season of 2025, impacting temple revenues and services.

Tirumala Sees Decline in Devotee Footfall Amid Summer Season

The Tirumala temple is witnessing a significant decline in devotee footfall during the summer season of 2025. Despite the onset of summer vacations, the expected surge in pilgrims has not materialized, leading to shorter waiting times and impacting the temple’s revenue streams.

Reasons Behind the Decline

Several factors contribute to the reduced number of devotees visiting Tirumala:

• Security Concerns: Enhanced security measures and restrictions have led to apprehensions among potential pilgrims.
• Leopard Sightings: Recent leopard sightings and related incidents have deterred devotees, especially those preferring the pedestrian routes.
• Ticketing Changes: Modifications in the issuance of darshan tickets, including the cancellation of certain categories, have affected pilgrimage plans.

Impact on Temple Operations

The decline in footfall has had a cascading effect on various aspects of temple operations:

• Reduced Hundi Collections: The temple’s donation box, or ‘hundi’, has seen a noticeable drop in collections, affecting the temple’s financial resources.
• Shorter Waiting Times: Devotees currently experience shorter waiting periods for darshan, with some reporting waiting times as low as four hours.

TTD’s Response and Measures

In light of the decreased footfall, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has implemented several measures:

• Enhanced Safety Protocols: TTD is collaborating with forest officials to monitor wildlife movements and ensure devotee safety.
• Adjustments in Darshan Procedures: Efforts are underway to streamline darshan processes and accommodate devotees more efficiently.

Devotee Experiences

Many devotees have expressed mixed feelings about the current situation:

• Positive Aspects: Shorter queues and less crowded facilities have made the pilgrimage experience more comfortable for some.
• Concerns: Others remain wary due to safety concerns and changes in traditional pilgrimage practices.