Foolproof crowd management at Tirumala

TheTirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has proposed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage crowds at Tirumala, aiming to reduce darshan waiting times from 8–24 hours to just 2–3 hours for common devotees.

The key features of this initiative include: an AI-based virtual queue line model, time-slot allocation for darshan, predictive analytics to manage peak crowd flow, and AI-powered chatbots for pilgrim services.

Two other specific suggestions include:

Conveyor-style walking belt: A mechanized walking belt could streamline the movement of devotees and significantly reduce darshan time. It would maintain a constant flow, minimize pauses, and prevent crowding inside the garbhagudi, thereby lowering pressure and enhancing safety.

Separate entry and exit points: The current arrangement—where entry and exit occur through a single door—requires rethinking. Introducing separate entry and exit points, especially when combined with a walking belt, would facilitate smoother movement through the temple, particularly within the inner sanctum. It would ensure uninterrupted darshan of the deity without volunteers nudging devotees forward. Unidirectional flow minimizes bottlenecks and cross-traffic, which is crucial when managing lakhs of pilgrims, and reduces the risk of collisions between incoming and outgoing devotees.

Coupling these measures with AI can further enhance efficiency by regulating belt speed based on crowd density and real-time feedback.

However, temple authorities often rely on Agama Sastra as a foundational framework for everything from architectural design to ritual worship. Its core components include temple architecture, rituals and worship, philosophy and theology, and deity installation

Agama Sastra emphasizes sanctity, symbolism, and metaphysical alignment. Therefore, any changes must be evaluated against its core principles. The sanctum and inner precincts are considered sacred zones, and movement within them is prescribed by Agama Sastra. Walking belts may be rejected due to structural limitations and ritual constraints.

The temple’s layout is based on Vastu and Mandala principles, with entry and exit points aligned to cosmic directions and ritual flow. While traditional temples often have a single entry-exit, separate entry and exit points can be considered—provided they do not disrupt sanctum orientation or the sanctity of movement and ritual flow.

As per Agama restrictions, the use of AI may alter darshan flow and sanctum access. Any technology must not intrude into ritual space or timing, which are strictly regulated.

Every element in temple architecture and ritual practice is designed to facilitate divine presence and spiritual elevation. Traditional practitioners of Agama Sastra may resist introduction of modern tools like walking belts, AI, or altered entry/exit flows, as these could violate sacred principles.

However, such mechanisation should not be perceived as diminishing the temple's sanctity. While traditional sastras may need to be reinterpreted, it is important to strike a balance between spiritual experience and operational management. The mindset of devotees and authorities—particularly those with strong religious sentiments—must evolve to accommodate present-day realities and requirements.

Dr O Prasada Rao,Hyderabad

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