Date:12/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/12/stories/2008041258700600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Kasula haram’ gifted to Tirumala deity

Special Correspondent

Precious gift: The garland of gold coins being presented by a Hyderabad devotee Rajendra (centre).

TIRUPATI: A glittering gold ‘Kasula haram’ weighing 13 kg and worth Rs.1.7 crore is the latest addition to the Tirumala deity’s innumerable ornaments. The ‘kasula haram’ was offered to lord Venkateswara on late Thursday night by Hyderabad-based devotee Rajendra reportedly in fulfilment of a vow.

The dazzling long string of gold coins is likely to be adorned to the processional deity on the ‘Garuda Seva’ day during the annual Brahmothsavams and such other festive occasions.

On behalf of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Special officer (Tirumala) A.V. Dharma Reddy received the offering from the donor and later handed it over to the priests for necessary consecration.

Among others present at a simple ceremony arranged in this connection were the Tirumala Temple Deputy Executive Officer Siddaiah and AEOs-- Umapathi and Muralikrishna.