Tirumala Temple: Two women face police complaint for birthday cake cutting

Two women are facing police action in Tirumala for cutting a birthday cake inside temple premises, an act forbidden by the temple authority.
By Newsroom | Religion, Andhra Pradesh |

## Disruption of Sacred Space or Minor Infraction?

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated legal proceedings, filing a police complaint against two individuals, identified as Tanuja Puttaswamy and Divvela Madhuri, for allegedly celebrating a birthday within the temple premises. The incident, which involved cutting a cake, is reported to have occurred in a guest house room near the Sri Padmavathi Inquiry Office. The TTD has further ordered an internal inquiry into potential security oversights at the Alipiri checkpoint, the main entry point to the sacred hill town.

TTD officials have stated that while devotees are welcome to visit and offer prayers on their birthdays and other significant personal occasions, activities such as cake cutting and birthday celebrations are strictly forbidden on the temple grounds. The controversy gained traction after visuals of the purported celebration were shared on social media platforms.

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TTD Lodges Police Complaint Over Cutting of Cake in Tirumala - 1

## Security Lapses Under Scrutiny

The TTD's Vigilance and Security department has lodged the complaint with the police, seeking action against the two women. This has brought renewed attention to the efficacy of security screening mechanisms at the Alipiri checkpoint. The administration's move to conduct an internal inquiry suggests a concern about potential breaches in protocols.

The individuals in question, Tanuja Puttaswamy, described as a social media influencer and actress, and Divvela Madhuri, also identified as a social media influencer and linked to YSR Congress Party MLC Duvvada Srinivas as his live-in partner, were reportedly present at Tirumala for darshan. The cake, reportedly brought from Tirupati, was allegedly used for the birthday revelry in their accommodation.

## Social Media Amplification and Official Condemnation

The subsequent posting of videos depicting the celebration on social media appears to have amplified the issue, prompting a strong response from the TTD PRO department. A statement issued by the TTD characterized the act as "highly inappropriate and in violation of established norms." Police are currently investigating the matter. This is reportedly not the first instance of Madhuri facing controversy at the Tirumala temple.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Tirumala temple authority file a police complaint?
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) filed a police complaint against two women, Tanuja Puttaswamy and Divvela Madhuri, for cutting a birthday cake in a guest house room near the temple. This is against the temple's rules.
Q: What are the rules about celebrating birthdays at Tirumala temple?
Devotees can visit the temple on their birthdays, but activities like cutting cakes or holding birthday celebrations are not allowed on temple grounds. The TTD has strict rules against such acts to maintain the sanctity of the place.
Q: What is the TTD doing about security after the cake cutting incident?
The TTD has ordered an internal inquiry into possible security oversights at the Alipiri checkpoint, the main entry to the temple town. This is to check if security protocols were followed correctly.
Q: Who are the women involved in the Tirumala cake cutting incident?
The women are identified as Tanuja Puttaswamy, a social media influencer and actress, and Divvela Madhuri, also a social media influencer and partner of YSR Congress Party MLC Duvvada Srinivas. They were reportedly present for darshan.
Q: How did the cake cutting incident at Tirumala temple become public?
Visuals of the cake cutting celebration were shared on social media platforms. The TTD PRO department called the act 'highly inappropriate and in violation of established norms' after the videos went viral.