Chennai/IBNS, Feb. 5 -- The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, the governing body of the Tirupati temple, has taken action against 18 non-Hindu employees for not following Hindu practices despite taking an oath to uphold and follow the faith when they joined.

These employees have been barred from participating in religious activities at the temple and asked to get transferred to positions not connected to the temple.

The TTD Board has decided to either transfer such employees to government departments or facilitate their exit through the Voluntary Retirement Scheme.

The board said the temple employees have to take an oath in front of the photo or idol of Lord Venkateshwara, promising to follow the Hindu faith and traditions as a part of th...