He bypassed an age-old tradition at the Tirumala temple during the Dwajarohanam festivities
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD)
Tirumala: A.V. Ramana Deekshitulu, the high-profile chief priest of the Tirumala temple, sparked another controversy as he bypassed an age-old tradition at the Tirumala temple during the Dwajarohanam festivities on the first day of the Tirumala Brahmotsavam on Friday.
The chief priest, who has been embroiled in several controversies in the past, was responsible for yet another “sacrilege” at the Tirumala temple, alleged the Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar swami. Thiruvengada Ramanuja Pedda Jeeyar swami and his deputy Chinna Jeeyar swami alleged that the Dr Deekshitulu committed sacrilege during the distribution of the Kodi Prasadam Flag prasadam.
As per the practice at the Tirumala temple, established by Sri Ramanujacharya, Kodi Prasadam is to be given to the Jeeyar swamis, the Acharya Purusha and Ekangi immediately after the Dwajarohanam in the temple. This practice has been followed at the Tirumala temple since 10 AD.
Dr Deekshitulu violated this tradition by honouring the administrative head of the TTD, executive officer M.G. Gopal, before honouring the religious heads of the temple the Jeeyar swamis. In protest, both the Jeeyar swamis and their disciples walked out of the temple without taking the Kodi Prasadam.
Top TTD officials and Dr Deekshitulu tried to bury the issue, but the Jeeyar swamis, expressed their views after the first Vahana Seva, embarrassing the TTD.
Three years ago, during the annual Brahmotsavam, a major controversy broke out over the ‘U’ namam placed on the massive wooden chariot during the procession in place of the regular namam associated with Lord Venkateswara. Even at that time, the Jeeyangar swamis had accused Dr Deekshitulu.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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