Actress Clarifies on “15-Minute Tirumala Darshan” Controversy

Tirumala Srivari darshan is often described by common devotees as an overwhelming experience, where one barely gets a glimpse of the deity before being moved along by the crowd. However, it is widely known that celebrities are provided with VIP break darshan, which is comparatively quicker and more peaceful. Even then, the actual moment of seeing the deity usually lasts only a few seconds.

Recently, actress Shivani Nagaram sparked controversy with comments she made in a podcast about her visit to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. She mentioned that when she went for darshan, no one pushed or touched her for about 15 minutes. She also said that while chants of “Govinda” were being heard on one side, some people were singing the pallavi of the song “Katyayani Bonchesava” from her film Little Hearts on the other side.

Her comments quickly went viral, triggering criticism on social media. Many questioned why ordinary devotees are not even allowed a few peaceful seconds for darshan, while celebrities allegedly get 15 minutes inside the temple. Netizens also raised concerns about special treatment by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Amid the backlash, Shivani Nagaram released a clarification video. She explained that her comments were misunderstood and taken out of context. According to her, she had landed at Renigunta Airport and, along with her mother, purchased a ₹10,500 Srivani special entry ticket. She clarified that the 15 minutes she referred to included the entire process from entering the temple premises until completing the darshan — not that she stood in front of the deity for 15 minutes without being moved.

She emphasized that, like every other devotee, she had only a few seconds for the actual darshan. Shivani added that in the interview, she was speaking about her spiritual journey and the emotional experience of visiting Lord Venkateswara after 13 years. She stated that anyone who purchases a Srivani ticket would receive a similar darshan experience and even shared her ticket details in the clarification video.

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