Why Aircrafts are prevented from flying directly over the Tirumala temple?
Recently debates took the front seat last year over flight restrictions imposed over the revered site of tirumala temple. According to ancient texts like Agama Shastra and various Puranas, tirumala is the divine abode of Sri Venkateshwara. news related to flight restrictions in its premises are yet again making waves on social media. The Ministry of Aviation had responded last year by stressing the need to maintain safety measures. They recognise Tirumala’s religious importance, but insist that flight restrictions are crucial to safeguard both the religious sites and air traffic. Agama Shastra, an ancient text guiding temple construction and rituals, plays a significant role in shaping the spiritual landscape of Tirumala. It covers essential aspects such as rituals, ceremonies, and architectural guidelines, aimed at ensuring the sanctity of the place.According to Agama Shastra, all activities within the temple premises, including adorning the deity with flowers and performing rituals like Abhishekam, Naivedyam, and Archana, are required to follow Agama Shastra regulations. Among these regulations is a prohibition on aeroplanes flying over tirumala Hill. In the Agama Shastra, authored by Shri Vaikhasana Maharishi, the Seshachala mountain holds deep reverence as the place where Sri maha Vishnu is said to have appeared in a different avatar. Scholars versed in Agama stress that flying over the sacred Ananda Nilayam, consecrated by Swami, goes against Agama principles.At the behest of Agama scholars, the Governing Council of tirumala tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had urged the Ministry of Aviation to designate tirumala as a no-fly zone during the previous government’s administration. ashok Gajapathi Raju, who served as the Union Civil Aviation Minister, explained earlier in an interview that it’s not possible to declare tirumala as a no-fly zone. He clarified that according to Central Aviation Rules, tirumala cannot be marked as a no-fly zone; instead, steps will be taken to prevent aircraft from flying directly over the tirumala Swamy temple to honour the feelings of devotees. This means tirumala won’t be labelled as a no-fly zone. ttd Chairman bhumana karunakar reddy also spoke on the issue last year, stating that tirumala isn’t in the no-flying zone category. This decision adheres to the regulations set by the Central Aviation Department.