A view of the Devasthanam temple complex, photographed forty years ago when access to devotees and visitors was quick and easy. Mostly tribals and villagers of the area could be spotted on the premises. The tonsuring ceremony was a simple one-it would begin and end in a modest and blissful surrender.

The God at Tirupati was worshipped by the Nishada and Kalavar tribes in the Vedic era and ruled over by the Nagas in the ancient past. This temple is now being administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Trust Board. The only difference is that now, in place of royalty; it is the affluent classes who compete to patronize the Hindu shrine. Divinity has taken on a new meaning...