Date:18/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/18/stories/2004081809410400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Lift veil on `mandapam' issue: Jeeyar

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, AUG. 17. Tridandi Sreemannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami on Tuesday dared the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to make public the reason for the "abrupt and secret move" to dismantle the 14th Century 1000-pillar mandapam under the "guise" of constructing the `mahaprakaram' at a whooping cost of Rs. 72 crores.

Though there were 110 issues listed on the TTD agenda for improving facilities under the master plan, there was no mention of dismantling the structure and construction of the `mahaprakaram' even till September 2003, he alleged at a news conference at his ashram in Sitanagaram.

The Swamiji, who himself has been facing criticism from certain quarters for "pressuring" the Government to take up reconstruction of the dismantled structure, warned that people would teach a fitting lesson if the Government went back on its assurance to rebuild it.

Defends role

While stoutly defending his role in the whole episode, he released copies of several official letters addressed to him by the TTD in the past two years seeking his guidance for the proper conduct of temple affairs. "But now, a vilification campaign that I am trying to have supremacy in the affairs of the TTD has been launched against me," he said.

`No scriptural sanction'

Quoting extensively from the `shastras', he said that the TTD's decision to dismantle the structures neither served logic nor had scriptural sanction. He contradicted the TTD Board's claim that the `mahaprakaram' was being constructed to provide comforts for pilgrims.

The dismantled 1000-pillar hall at Tirumula dated back to 1464 A.D. as per the inscriptions found at the place. The inscriptions had also clearly stated that the place was to be used for important rituals, he said.