TTD to discontinue Mahalaghu darshan of Lord Balaji

Tirumala, June 21 (UNI) The Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is contemplating to discontinue the Mahalaghu darshan (long distance darshan), introduced by the earlier TTD Trust Board to meet the unprecendented influx of pilgrims during peak days.

Two-years ago during the Telugu Desam Party rule, TTD Trust Board chaired by D K Adhikesavulu had imposed 'laghu darshan' and pilgrims were allowed to have darshan about 45 ft distance from Lord Balaji.

After the Congress party came to power in the state in June, 2004, the Board chaired by Union Minister of State T Subbarama Reddy renamed laghu darshan as mahalaghu darshan under which pilgrims would be stopped nearly 70-ft away inside the sanctum sanctorum for darshan.

The introduction of mahalaghu darshan invited several criticism from different quarters, including free darshan holders, who complained that they were unable to even get a glimpse of the diety.

After the members of Specified Authority were sworn in at the Tirumala temple recently, TTD executive officer A P V N Sarma said the devasthanams would dispense with mahalaghu darshan during day time for the benefit of the pilgrims.

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