The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the world-renowned Tirumala temple, has suspended one of its senior officials, Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) A. Rajasekhar Babu, over allegations of participating in Christian religious activities. According to TTD officials, Babu regularly attended church prayers in his hometown of Puttur, located in Tirupati district, which they say is a breach of the organization’s code of conduct.
The suspension was initiated after the TTD Vigilance Department submitted a detailed report, along with video footage, showing Babu attending Sunday church services. The video, which has since gone viral on social media, triggered an internal review. Officials claim Babu’s actions included not only attending prayers but also participating in the propagation of Christianity, which goes against the conduct expected from employees of a Hindu religious trust.
In an official statement, the TTD’s Chief Public Relations Officer said, “It has come to the notice of TTD that Sri Rajasekhar Babu attends local church prayers every Sunday in his hometown Puttur in Tirupati district. This is a clear violation of the TTD service rules.”
As a religious institution dedicated to maintaining Hindu traditions, Tirupati requires its employees particularly those in senior positions to uphold the values and principles of Sanatana Dharma. The trust has a strict policy prohibiting its staff from participating in religious practices of other faiths, as they are considered representatives of one of Hinduism’s most sacred temples.
This is not an isolated case. In recent months, Tirupati has transferred at least 18 employees including teachers, medical staff, and technical officers—for engaging in or promoting practices not aligned with Hinduism. These disciplinary actions are part of a broader policy shift aimed at reinforcing religious discipline within the organization.
While some critics have raised concerns over religious freedom and individual rights, TTD officials argue that working for a religious trust requires a commitment to the spiritual values it represents. An internal inquiry into Babu’s conduct is currently underway to assess whether further action is warranted.
Tirumala’s Significance for Hindus
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, located in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is often referred to as the “Vaikuntha of Kaliyuga”—a divine realm on Earth in this age.
Hindus believe that visiting the temple and offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara brings spiritual merit, peace, and even liberation (moksha). Pilgrims from across India and the world travel to Tirumala to seek the deity’s blessings, making it one of the most visited religious sites globally, with over 30 million visitors annually.
The temple is known for its elaborate rituals, spiritual ambiance, and the famous laddu prasadam, which is considered sacred. Major festivals like Brahmotsavam draw lakhs of devotees and are celebrated with grandeur, showcasing the temple’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Given Tirumala’s immense religious importance, those working under the TTD are expected to align with the temple’s spiritual values. The TTD emphasizes that its employees must uphold the Hindu faith in both personal and professional conduct, considering the temple’s symbolic and devotional significance to millions.
