Addressing the Challenges of Demonetization at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala

Indian pilgrims travel thousands of miles to offer their devotion at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, an iconic site managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). When the government's demonetization move came into effect, the state of frenzy could not completely deter the faithful. However, the TTD has implemented several measures to manage the associated difficulties.

Overview of TTD's Response to Demonetization

Despite the sudden cash crunch, TTD has been proactive in ensuring that devotees' needs are met. Steps have been taken to provide more free food and drinking water counters, with counters every 100 meters across the temple grounds. Additionally, money-exchange counters have been set up in collaboration with seven banks within the temple premises, allowing pilgrims to exchange their invalid currency notes. These exchange services exclude accepting demonetized notes for services such as Seva Accomodation and Prasadam.

For those contributing to the temple through donations, a moveable donation box has been introduced to facilitate the payment of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes. A second donation box has been placed for this specific purpose. Pilgrims are also encouraged to use Point of Sale (POS) terminals for various services, including darshan, which can be paid for using credit or debit cards.

Enhancing Financial Accessibility at TTD

The TTD has further sought to facilitate easier access to services by setting up POS machines in publication stalls and information centers in prominent cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and New Delhi. This step aims to ease the sale of publications, calendars, and diaries, as well as to provide better information to pilgrims traveling from distant places.

To assist pilgrims in paying their hotel bills, particularly during times of cash shortages, TTD has requested hoteliers in Tirupati to install POS machines immediately. This initiative is expected to address the temporary cash crunch faced by many pilgrims.

Management of Demonetized Currency

The temple authorities have observed a significant increase in donations post-demonetization, almost tripling to around 4-6 Cr from the usual 2-3 Cr. This increase has been prompted by an enhanced sense of faith and a desire to contribute to the temple during times of crisis.

In response to the influx of demonetized notes, the TTD has sought guidance from the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Historically, the finance ministry has provided special guidelines for the exchange and management of demonetized notes. This ensures that the temple continues to function smoothly despite the change in currency.

Conclusion and Ongoing Falterings

The situation at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala, is poised for recovery, with measures in place to manage the challenges posed by demonetization. The temple stands as a beacon of faith, resilience, and continued service to its devotees, showing that even in the face of significant change, the spirit of devotion remains unshaken.

Jai Sri Venkateshwara!

References:

"At the Tirupati temple offerings in demonetised notes are pouring in" "Tirumala temple hundi still open for Rs. 1000 Rs. 500 notes" Donations in Tirumala temple hundi not hit by demonetisation - The Economic Times Tirupati temple hundi still accepts demonetized notes - IndianCEO