TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has come out with a long list of dos and don'ts for its priests/Archakas rendering service in its various temples including the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara.

The guidelines were released on Thursday by the TTD's Executive Officer on the basis of a report submitted by TTD's Vaikhanasa Agama Advisor V.S. Vishnu Bhattacharyulu.

As per the prescriptions, the priests must invariably sport a tuft (sikha) which should measure the size of a `cow's hoof' (Goshpadam) as prescribed in the `sastras'. Even those above 60 with a thinned or thinning hairline must sport at least a small tuft or a small sheaf of hair as total tonsure is against `Vaidika Dharma'.

Another major guideline is that it is not enough if the priests come for duty with a single `namam' (on the forehead) but must compulsorily have `Dwadasa Urdhwa Pundrams' -- i.e. 12 namams on the parts/spots prescribed in the `vaishnava siddhantha'. Further, while on duty in the temple, they must invariably wear dothis in the `panchakachcham' form and should have their aprons tied around their waists. As prescribed in the vaidika dharma, they are also prohibited from having face-shave and sporting moustache and also chewing `pan parag' or tobacco products when on temple duty. While in service in the sanctum/temple, the priests are also directed not to wear wrist watches, leather-belts and use cell-phones. Those without tufts are completely prohibited from entering `yaga salas'.

The TTD's EO has asked the temple authorities to ensure a strict compliance of the guidelines by the priests and said action would be initiated against those violating the same.

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