Latest news with #AgamaShastra
Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Flight spotted over Tirupati's Tirumala Temple sparks outrage, TTD urges centre declare it as 'No-fly zone'
A low-altitude flight of an aircraft over the Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala has sparked outrage among the devotees in Andhra Pradesh, as they voiced their concerns over the violation of the temple's sanctity, reported News18. According to the report, which quoted Agama Shastra, any kind of aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other aerial vehicles are strictly prohibited from flying over the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. Meanwhile, videos of an aircraft flying over the Tirumala temple went viral on social media. It sparked a debate over the Centre's inaction in declaring the area a no-fly zone. A temple official stated that these overflights violate religious traditions and pose serious security concerns for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Vigilance and Security Wing. Earlier in March this year, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman BR Naidu wrote to Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and requested him to declare Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh as a no-fly zone. It is to be known that Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also serves as an MP from Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam constituency. BR Naidu in his letter wrote that the Tirumala shrine should be accorded no-fly zone status in accordance with Agama Shastra. 'The Tirumala temple holds immense spiritual value for millions of devotees who visit the shrine every year. According to traditional Agama regulations, the sanctity of the temple is paramount, and any disturbance in its vicinity, including aerial movements, is believed to adversely affect the spiritual environment," News18 quoted the TTD Chairman as writing in his letter to the Union Minister. BR Naidu also requested the Union Minister to take swift action to safeguard the sanctity of the Tirumala shrine.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Rumours of temple closure spike pilgrim surge at Telangana's Vemulawada
RAJANNA-SIRCILLA: As the government's previously announced plan to expand the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada approaches, rumours have triggered a massive surge in pilgrim numbers. A few days ago, Government Whip Aadi Srinivas announced that the expansion work would begin on June 15. However, with no official confirmation regarding the closure of the temple, there has been a spike in footfall, with local reports indicating that daily pilgrim numbers have jumped from the usual 20,000 to over 50,000 in recent days, especially on Fridays and weekends. Responding to the situation, both temple officials and Aadi Srinivas have clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the commencement of expansion works. Speaking to TNIE, temple executive officer K Vinod Reddy dismissed the rumours, stating, 'The news that the temple will be closed from June 15 is far from the truth. Detailed plans regarding darshan arrangements and the Bheemeshwara Temple facilities will be announced soon.' He further explained that the expansion of the main temple premises will only commence once proper facilities for devotees are in place at the Bheemeshwara Temple. The expansion will follow the principles of Agama Shastra, ensuring spiritual and architectural sanctity. 'The temple will not be closed entirely during the expansion. Daily rituals and pujas will continue. However, the procedure for allowing devotees will be finalised soon,' said Srinivas, urging devotees not to fall for unverified rumours. Among the crowd was Raju Naik, a devotee from Warangal district, who visited the temple with his family. 'We decided to come now, fearing we might not get another chance once the renovation starts,' he said.
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Tirumala Tirupati Temple To Use Anti-Drone Technology For Security
Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has decided to use anti-drone technology in view of the threat perception to Sri Venkateswara temple, the world's richest Hindu temple. The TTD announced on Tuesday that it had decided to use anti-drone technology, keeping in mind the security aspect of the Tirumala temple. The decision was taken at the TTD Trust Board meeting presided over by Board Chairman B. R. Naidu. Flying of drones is banned around the hill shrine, but some instances of security breaches have been reported in recent months. Last month, a YouTuber from Rajasthan was arrested when he operated the drone, allegedly recording the temple and its surroundings. In a similar incident last year, a couple from Haryana were found using a drone camera along the Tirumala ghat road. In March, the TTD urged the Centre to declare a no-fly zone over the hill shrine. The TTD Chairman wrote a letter to Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting that Tirumala be declared a no-flying zone, keeping in mind the principles of Agama Shastra, sanctity of the temple, safety, and sentiments of the devotees. The TTD says that aerial activities on the hill disturb the sacred atmosphere around the temple. Tuesday's Board meeting gave nod for steps towards the transfer of non-religious people working in the TTD through alternative ways or by giving them the Voluntary Retirement Scheme. The temple body also decided to take legal action against the crew of the movie "DD Next Level: for remixing the Govinda Namavali, thus hurting the sentiments of the devotees. The Board decided to increase the green cover in the Tirumala hills. The board gave its nod to increase the green cover in the Tirumala hills from the existing 68.14 per cent to 80 per cent through the Forest Department as directed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The TTD decided to release Rs 4 crore to the Forest Department in phased manner, including Rs 1.74 crore for the year 2025-26, Rs 1.13 crore in 2026-27, and Rs 1.13 crore in 2027-28. The Board gave its approval to provide an additional Rs 71 crore per year in addition to the current Rs 60 crore financial aid provided to the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, which is providing better medical services to many poor and needy people in Rayalaseema. It was also decided to recruit doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff for the posts which are currently vacant in SVIMS and to complete the buildings which are under construction. The Board decided to introduce Srivari Vaidya Seva soon on the lines of Srivari Seva voluntary service, inviting experts in the medical field to offer services to the patients.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Take up Rajanna Temple works after holding talks with key reps: Minister
Hyderabad: With controversy surrounding the closure of Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Vemulawada, the Endowments Minister Konda Surekha stepped in and asked the temple authorities to take up works only after discussing with all stakeholders, including locals. Minister Konda Surekha on Wednesday inquired about the complete details from the Endowment Commissioner and the Vemulawada Temple EO. The temple staff informed the Minister that there were misconceptions regarding the area of the Rajanna Temple. Steps were taken to increase the area of the temple to provide full facilities to the devotees. It was clarified that work related to the area of the main temple and darshan facilities for devotees in Bhimeshwara Temple was being undertaken. However, the minister directed the officials to move forward after discussing with all sections of the society including locals without giving any room for suspicion or difficulties anywhere. The Rajanna Temple Protection Committee had announced a bandh in Vemulawada on Wednesday to protest the State government's decision to close the Rajanna Temple starting June 15 for development works. The committee urged all shopkeepers to voluntarily close their businesses in support of the protest. The Committee under BJP district president Prathapa Ramakrishna, featuring representatives from various parties, including Congress, BRS, and BJP. This decision arises in response to the government's announcement of a two-year closure of the temple as part of the proposed development work. Prathapa Ramakrishna criticised the proposal to remove the idols of the Parivar deities in the name of modernisation. He also highlighted the inconsistency of the authorities, noting that while devotees have been calling for the removal of a Dargah near Rajanna Temple, no action has been taken on that front. He urged everyone to support the bandh to protest the government's decision and called on all traders to voluntarily close their shops. Earlier, the temple authorities and priests said that thousands of devotees visit Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy temple, known as Dakshina Kashi. They said that with the space constraint they were unable to provide full facilities to the devotees, and that steps were being taken by the government to increase the area of the temple to that extent. The temple executive officer Vinod Reddy said that the news that the temple will be closed from June 15 is far from the truth, and that details regarding the area of the main temple and the facilities for darshan for devotees in Bhimeshwara temple will be revealed very soon, and the process of expanding the main temple will begin only after the facilities for devotees in Bhimeshwara temple are fully provided. As per the permission of the Sringeri Peethadhipathi and the suggestions and recommendations of the Endowment and Charitable Endowments Department, the area of the main temple is going to be increased in accordance with Agama Shastra. The entire cost of the work undertaken as part of the temple development will be done with the Rs 76 crore sanctioned by the government, and the construction of the Annadana Satra will be done with the Rs 36 crore sanctioned by the government, and the officials clarified on this occasion that none of the money donated by devotees to the temple will be used for this.
New Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TTD VIP Break darshan from May 15
NELLORE: Minister for Endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Tuesday announced that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will resume accepting recommendation letters for Lord Venkateswara's special darshan, reinstating the earlier protocol to ease access for elected representatives. From May 15, TTD will allow Break Darshan for MPs, MLAs, and MLCs from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana based on their official recommendation letters. Speaking to the media at his camp office in Nellore city, Minister Ramanarayana Reddy said the State government, under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's leadership, remains committed to temple development and spiritual promotion. The Minister stated that the government is planning to develop Srisailam temple a major Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha into a key spiritual and tourism destination. He said the CM had recently conducted a review meeting with Endowments Department officials to strengthen temple governance. 'Temples will follow all pujas and rituals as per Agama Shastra, strictly under the supervision of temple priests not government employees. Temples have been categorised into four types based on annual revenue, with 169 temples classified as 'Six-A' category. Of these, 22 temples with higher income will be further strengthened,' said Ramanarayana Reddy.
