Unrest over Telangana hits inflow of pilgrims to Tirupati
The current unrest in Andhra Pradesh over the Telangana issue has badly impacted the flow of pilgrims to the famous Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, a top temple official said here today.
"The impact is substantial both in terms of the flow of pilgrims and offerings. But it has picked up in the last two days," I Y R Krishna Rao, Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), said here.
He said he cannot give the figures about the fall in the number of pilgrims immediately.
The Tirupati temple is visited by 50,000 to 1,00,000 devotees every day.
Endowments Minister Gade Venkata Reddy said the 'bandh' calls have affected the number of devotees visiting various temples in the state.
"The buses run by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) become the first target in times of agitation. So naturally, it will have impact on the pilgrims travelling.
"Of course, this is 'Dhanurmasa', during which the flow pilgrims is generally low," he said.
The Minister said the government has planned to raise a security force for the protection of temple properties, set up an institution to apprise the gold donations to the temple and also a tribunal to settle the number of dispute cases over temple lands.
The 'Kalyana Mantapams' run by TTD in a number of cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh would be handed over to local temples, Reddy said.
The government would strengthen 'Veda Pathashalas' run by it and also take steps for popularising Sanskrit, he said.
A tribunal for the welfare of 'archakas' (priests) would be set up, the Minister said.
Meanwhile, the State government and TTD would jointly organise the 'Bhaja Govindam' programme on December 28 on the auspicious occasion of 'Vaikunta Ekadasi'.
Bhajans, recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama and other religious texts would be held, Reddy added.
