It's known that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board recently announced the closure of the temple of Lord Venkateshwara from August 11 to August 16. Since Vidic rituals named Astabandhana Balalaya Mahasamprokshanam will be held during the said period with the aim of comprehensively cleaning the temple, the closure ensures that there is no inconvenience caused by pilgrim rush.

However, the decision of the TTD to close the temple for four days has not gone down well with large sections of devotees. They are demanding that the decision be reconsidered. In the wake of the public demand, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asked the TTD to review the matter. The temple authorities are likely to allow devotees in limited numbers during specified hours after a meeting on July 24.

Since more than half a million pilgrims visited Tirumala in the second week of August last year, it will be huge if the temple is totally shut. But if the temple is indeed shut completely for 4 days, the famous prophecy of the learned saint Pōtulūri Vīrabrahmēndra that the holy temple will be closed for 4 days in future will have come true.