Date:09/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/09/stories/2007060903390600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Tirumala accorded special status

Special Correspondent

Temple town and seven hills declared holy place

HYDERABAD: The temple town of Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, and the seven hills surrounding it have been accorded special status by the State Government as a place of religious importance by declaring them a holy place.

Through an order, the Government said the "Tirumala Divya Kshetram", the name of the holy place, shall comprise the seven hills of Seshadri, Garudadri, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhadri, Vrishadri and Anjanadri, right from the foothills, the holy theerthams to the main shrine. Roads and footpaths leading up to the temple, including the first and second ghat roads between Tirupati and Tirumala, and the motorable road from Tirumala to Papavinasanam were declared part of the kshetram.

Ordinance promulgated

An ordinance was promulgated earlier by the Government on May 22 prohibiting the propagation of any religion other than what was traditionally practiced in places of worship. As a follow-up, the Government notified the places of worship covered by the ordinance — the kshetram area, 10 theerthams within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) limits and 20 temples elsewhere in the State.

The order designated the TTD Executive Officer as in-charge of the civic administration of the hills area.

He will have the authority normally exercised by a sarpanch or the executive authority under the Panchayat Raj Act. No elections or political activity shall be permitted.