PROTEST: A `Save Tirupati' rally was taken out in Mysore on Tuesday under the banner of the Confederation of Pro-Hindu Organisations. — PHOTO :M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: A "Save Tirupati" rally was held on Tuesday under the aegis of Confederation of Pro-Hindu Organisations in protest alleged missionary activities in the temple town.

Nearly 300 members from various organisations held a meeting in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple. They expressed concern over reports of the "disturbing developments" in Tirupati.

They staged a rally and submitted a memorandum urging the President to intervene in the matter.

"Lakhs of devotees visit the Lord Balaji temple in Tirupati daily. It is the second richest pilgrim centre in the world and this has been possible owing to the contributions from devotees. The funds have been used for social welfare activities such as establishment of Padmavathi Mahila and Sri Venkateshwara universities," the members said.

Sentiments hurt

The memorandum said: "Recent developments have hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. Padmavatih Mahila University Vice-Chancellor's alleged removal of photographs of Lord Balaji and Goddess Padmavathi from her chambers, classrooms and office rooms; appointment of more than 40 Christians to various posts in the temple and their moving about on the premises in violation of the dress code; and the news about Christian employees in the temple criticising the practice of idol worship among Hindus and inviting them for prayer meetings organised by Christians have sent shock waves across the Hindu community."

The President's attention had been drawn to reports on construction of seven churches in Tirupati, which had very few Christians, the confederation leaders said. They blamed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S.R. Reddy for such developments.

Concern

Expressing fear that the "sacred temple town of Tirupati would be converted to another Vatican", the confederation urged the President to help maintain the sanctity of the town, held sacred by the Hindus.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail