TIRUPATI `

The richest shrine in the country also appears to be the safest for the pilgrims. The Tirumala temple, abode of Lord Venkateshwara has no official records of a major disaster in over three decades. The main reason the temple, with an average of over 65,000 visitors on a normal day and about one lakh during rush period of May to June, has not seen any major stampede is the massive, well-equipped queue complex. Vaikuntam I and II, as they are named, have 62 compartments where 300-500 pilgrims are accommodated during their wait to darshan.

“There is no reason for anxiety or any worry. Pilgrims waiting in the sarva-darshan are even provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner — everything for free,” says GVG Ashok Kumar, chief vigilance and security officer.

The golden temple is located at an elevation of 980 m above the sea level on the Seshachalam hill, officials say, safely from any natural calamity. Even the reservoir that supplies water to the temple town is about 10 km away.

In addition to the 1500 state and private guards, armed special police and a unit of Octopus is protecting the temple. The temple is also equipped with state-of-the art security systems. “There is a contingency plan drawn for every possible incident which details where personnel should be positioned and what exactly they should do in those situations,” said Kumar.

National Disaster Relief Force personnel were deployed during last year’s Brahmotsavams — the most spectacular event in Tirumala when pilgrim numbers swell.