Date:29/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/29/stories/2008022954540200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Veda Vidwat meet concludes

Staff Reporter

Sadassu aimed at preservation of Vedas and Hindu tradition

Steps being initiated by the State government to develop ancient temples, says Minister
Government also focussing on improving the living standards of archakas, temple priests

TIRUMALA: The six-day national level ‘Veda Vidwat Sadassu’ being organised at Vedagiri in Tirumala concluded on a grand note on Thursday.

Endowments Minister J. Ratnakar Rao who participated as the chief guest said that preservation of the sacred Vedas, Sanatana dharma and the Hindu tradition was the main intention behind organising such seminars.

Mr. Rao, who dwelt at length regarding various measures being initiated by the government for the development of ancient temples in the State, said that besides ensuring dhoopa, deepa and naivedhyam at over 2,000 temples in the State the government also focussed on improving the living standards of archakas and temple priests. Besides this the government was also is providing Rs.500 as financial aid to the aged pundits.

‘Treasure trove’

TTD Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy who presided over the function said that the sacred Vedas were the treasure house of knowledge, wisdom and virtues. He further said that the S.V.Vedic University and the Vedic institute at Keesaragutta should play a pivotal role in spreading the essence of the Vedas amongst the people of the country.

Prominent among others who also spoke included pontiff of the Tirumala temple Sri Perikovil Rangaramanuja Pedda Jeeyar and the pontiff of the Visakha Sarada Peetam Sri Swaroopanandendra Saraswati.

Later, the Minister distributed meritorious certificates to students and scholars.

Blessings sought

The TTD management on Thursday placed the golden mangalsutrams, silver mettulu and the sacred kankanams at the holy feet of the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara seeking his blessings for the grand conduct of the third phase of the prestigious mass marriages ‘Kalyanamastu’ programme scheduled on March 9.

At a brief ceremony organised at the Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple situated in front of the main temple complex, Mr. Ratnakar Rao and Mr. Karunakar Reddy carried the articles, to be distributed among the couples entering wedlock on March 9 in a grand procession in the accompaniment of the temple drums, before placing them at the feet of the Lord.

Swamy Swaroopanandendra Saraswati, TTD Executive Officer K. V. Ramanachary, Joint Executive Officer G. Balaramaiah and other officials were present.