A bizarre incident took place at the historic Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple, a prominent 12th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the heart of Tirupati city in Andhra Pradesh. Known for its majestic seven-story Rajagopuram which dominates the city's skyline, the temple is one of the oldest and most significant landmarks managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). It was atop the Nadimi Gopuram (the middle tower) of this sacred complex that a 45-year-old intoxicated man created a three-hour security standoff late Friday night (3rd Jan).
The individual, identified as 45-year-old Kuttadi Tirupati (also reported as Kuthadi Thirupathi), a construction laborer originally from Nizamabad, Telangana, allegedly sneaked into the temple premises around midnight. Despite the high security maintained by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the man managed to blend in with devotees before scaling the Nadimi Gopuram using makeshift tent poles and intricate carvings on the structure.
Panic gripped the temple as the man reached the sacred kalashams (finials) at the very top. Witnesses reported that he appeared visibly inebriated and began shouting from the height, threatening to jump or damage the sacred structures.
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The TTD vigilance team and local police were immediately alerted. They were soon joined by Fire and Emergency Services personnel. A tense three-hour drama ensued as officials attempted to persuade the man to descend.
The situation took a surreal turn when the man issued his primary demand: a "quarter bottle" (90ml) of liquor. He reportedly told the rescuers, “If you don’t give it, I won’t leave.” To prevent him from falling or causing damage to the heritage structure, officials eventually used iron ladders and clever persuasion – reportedly promising to fulfill his demand – to safely bring him down.
Once back on the ground, Kuttadi Tirupati was immediately detained by the Tirupati East Police. He was arrested for public intoxication and trespassing, and a case has been registered against him.
The incident has sparked a heated debate regarding security lapses at major religious sites.
The "drunken drama" at Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in securing high-profile heritage sites. While the man’s demands were dismissed as the antics of an inebriated individual, the ease with which he reached the summit of a sacred tower has left authorities and devotees alike calling for a comprehensive security overhaul.
