The Hindu : Changes as per Agama Shastras: TTD

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 22, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Changes as per Agama Shastras: TTD

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA, JAN. 21. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Agama advisory committee on Wednesday made it clear that the proposal of constructing one more `Prakaram' at the Lord Venkateswara shrine was being done strictly in accordance with the `Agama Shastras,' `Shila Shastra' and temple architecture without altering the existing structure.

The proposal was aimed at providing the required `security' to the temple complex in view of the increasing terrorist threat perception apart from easing congestion inside the temple.

The Agama pundits also clarified that the centuries-old Thousand Pillar mandapam in front of the temple complex, which had been dismantled recently could be rebuilt at any place in Tirumala and that the Agama Shastras had nothing to do either with its dismantling or rebuilding, as it did not form an integral part of the main temple complex.

The committee said that no reconstruction or alteration should be taken up inside the main temple complex beyond the `Bali peetam' as there was a strict mention about this in the Agamas. However, reconstruction and alteration to the exterior temple structure after the `Bali peetam' could be taken up, as there was a provision for such purposes in the Agamas. This too should be done only in accordance to the procedures laid down in the Shastras, they said.

Briefing reporters, the TTD Executive Officer, Ajeya Kallam, said the high-level Agama advisory meeting was convened to dispel `misapprehensions' and `fears' from the minds of people regarding the expansion work (implementation of the master plan) being undertaken by the TTD. "Care is being taken to see that there is not even a slight deviation from the procedures laid down in the Agama Shastras while implementing the master plan, Mr. Kallam said. The TTD in a press release made it clear that the meeting was convened only to clarify doubts among public and stated that the main intention behind implementation of the master plan was to equip itself to meet the growing needs of the visiting public and not to hurt anybody.

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Andhra Pradesh