Hyderabad, June 27 -- A virtual, simulated version of the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in the video game Roblox has provoked outrageous reactions from devotees, worshippers, and political leaders across the spectrum.

Designed by the Tamil Nadu-based Roblox company, the virtual simulation on the application is supposed to represent the journey from Tirupati to Tirumala. The virtual realm is complete with a version of Vaikuntam Queue Complex and the interior of the temple, all leading up to a representation of the darshan of the deity.

Devotees have since accused the developers of exploiting and hurting religious sentiments, as allegations emerged of the commercialisation of the digital devotional experience turning significant ...