Archive · 16 Aug 2026
TTD to act against devotee filmed smoking on Alipiri footpath
A video appeared online showing a person smoking cigarettes while walking up a very holy path to Tirumala, a famous temple town in India.
Many pilgrims walk this path, called Alipiri, as part of their religious journey.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are not allowed anywhere near the temple grounds.
The group that takes care of the temple, called the TTD, saw the video and was upset.
They said smoking there hurts the feelings of other visitors.
The TTD announced that it will report the person to the police.
It also warned that serious action will be taken against anyone who breaks the rules.
Security guards may face punishment if they were careless during inspections.
The rules also ban other intoxicating substances at places like Srivari Mettu.
This shows how carefully the holy site is protected.
A video showing a devotee smoking cigarettes while walking along the Alipiri footpath to Tirumala surfaced online.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) announced it would lodge a police complaint against the individual.
Smoking, alcohol consumption and use of intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited at Tirumala, Alipiri, Srivari Mettu and other TTD premises.
The TTD termed the act deplorable and said it hurt the sentiments of fellow devotees.
The TTD warned of strict legal action against violators and disciplinary action against negligent security personnel.
- Who
- An unidentified devotee filmed smoking on the Alipiri footpath, and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which announced action against him.
- What
- The TTD decided to take strict action and lodge a police complaint after a video showed the devotee smoking while walking the Alipiri footpath to Tirumala.
- When
- On a Sunday, when the TTD issued its statement after the video surfaced online.
- Where
- Alipiri footpath to Tirumala, in the Nellore area of Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Smoking, alcohol and intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited at TTD premises, and the act was deemed deplorable as it hurt fellow devotees' sentiments.
- Organization
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
- Location
- Alipiri footpath to Tirumala
- Violation
- Smoking cigarettes while walking on the sacred footpath
- Prohibited Items
- Alcohol, smoking, intoxicating substances
- Action Taken
- Police complaint and strict legal action against the devotee
- Also Covered
- Tirumala, Alipiri, Srivari Mettu and other TTD premises
- Security
- Disciplinary action against negligent security personnel