Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

As many as 743 employees of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have tested positive for coronavirus and three have succumbed to the virus since the reopening of the Tirumala Venkateswara temple on June 11. 

Among 743 employees, 402 have already recovered, while 338 people are undergoing treatment at different COVID-19 care facilities. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple governed by TTD had reopened on June 11 for public after being closed for almost two and a half months due to COVID-19 induced lockdown. Those among infected also include some priests. 

Anil Kumar Singhal, Executive Officer (EO), TTD, told PTI: Some people are accusing us for keeping the temple open for income. But right now, the cost of managing the temple is higher than the income we get from devotees. I want to clarify that we did not open the temple for income. Cases are increasing across the state, it is not just because the temple has been kept open, like the perception prevailing in social media. 

Singhal added that the ancient temple was reopened on requests from devotees and entry was allowed by following strict COVID-19 measures.