Tirumala To Remain Shut From August 11-17

Tirupati: Tirumala, one of the richest temples in India will remain closed for six days beginning August 11. This is the first time in the history of the holy shrine that devotees will not be allowed to enter the temple premises during these days.

According to a decision taken by the TTD officials, devotees coming from all routes of Tirupati including the 10-km stairway will not be allowed to enter the hill shrine. This is due to the conduct of a special ritual called 'Astabandhana Balalaya Mahasamprokshanam' in Tirumala which is performed once in 12 years.

And before starting the 'Puja', the temple requires certain minor changes inside the temple which will be carried out by the temple priests. The repairs can be made with the use of a paste made from herbs which is said to be stronger than concrete amidst Vedic mantras.

The TTD officials also confirmed that the temple will reopen on August 17.