Chennai/IBNS: 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 decision has been taken in keeping with the board's "commitment" to preserving the spiritual sanctity of its temples and religious activities.

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

Following board chairman BR Naidu's directions, orders have been issued for disciplinary action against the 18 employees who are allegedly participating in "non-Hindu religious activities while also taking part in Hindu religious fairs, festivals and functions conducted by the TTD, which impacts the sanctity, sentiments and beliefs of crores of Hindu devotees," a statement from the board read.

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 their duties.

The actions of these 18 employees' have been found to "demean" the prestige of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the board said.

The memo said two officials of the TTD have been tasked with verifying the present posting of the 18 employees and ensuring that they are not posted in Tirumala or any temple or any religious programme-related work or post.