A new rule for non-Hindus visiting Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Tirumala would come into effect from today. According to this rule, people belonging to other religions should be giving a written declaration stating that they believe in Lord Venkateshwara Swamy. Such devotees from other religions would only be permitted into the queue line (Vaikuntam queue complex) only after they sign the faith declaration.

The declaration forms would be made available at JEO office and at other temple departments at Tirumala. Earlier, this rule was there only for VIP s wherein VIP s from other religions signed the declaration before they sought blessings of the deity. Personalities such as Sonia Gandhi and Abdul Kalam too gave declaration. Jaganmohan Reddy, who happens to be a Christian, skipped the declaration earlier, which triggered debates in the states and eventually TTD had set up a committee to probe into it.

(AW Phani)