The Andhra Pradesh government has begun a serious review to introduce a special law for the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, aiming to protect the sanctity of the temple and remove political interference from its management. Inspired by the governance model of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the proposal seeks to grant greater autonomy to TTD so that temple traditions, rituals, and administration remain stable even when governments change. The move comes amid repeated public debates and controversies in recent years over TTD board appointments, temple management practices, and the quality and transparency of prasadam distribution, which have raised concerns among devotees.
Officials say the proposed law would redefine how the TTD board is formed and how decisions are taken, with a stronger focus on transparency, accountability, and devotion-based service rather than political influence. The government is considering a system where temple administration is insulated from political pressure, ensuring that only qualified and committed individuals with a clear understanding of temple traditions and public service are involved in governance. This is expected to improve trust among devotees and bring long-term stability to the management of one of the world’s most visited religious institutions.
The proposal also focuses on strict and transparent use of temple funds. Donations and offerings made by devotees are expected to be used only for temple development, pilgrim facilities, annadanam, preservation of traditions, and spiritual activities. The government plans to study best practices followed by major religious institutions across India, especially the Golden Temple management model, before finalizing the legal framework. A committee of legal experts and spiritual scholars is likely to be formed to examine constitutional, administrative, and practical aspects of implementing such a law in Andhra Pradesh.
If implemented, the special law could bring major reforms to Tirumala administration by strengthening governance standards, improving pilgrim services, and ensuring consistent quality in all temple-related activities, from prasadam preparation to crowd management. The government believes this step will help restore and strengthen devotees’ confidence, preserve the spiritual character of Tirumala, and set a new benchmark for transparent and accountable temple administration in India.