Tirupathi: A new rule in the pilgrim shrine of Tirupathi where the famous Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam Temple is located, is feared to affect the inflow of pilgrims and tourists to this shrine.

The rule  is expected to be effective from August 13 this year, wherein visitors belonging to faiths other than Hinduism will have to sign on a declaration form before entering the precincts. In the declaration, they have to swear that they have  faith in the presiding deity, Lord Shri Venkateshwara.

The form will be in three copies. If the signatory will get a copy the other two will be retained by the temple. The forms would be made available at all sub-enquiry offices, and also the  Vaikuntham queue complex and the junior executive officer’s premises.

Several devotees feel this was unnecessary and prove irksome to people of other faiths.