A NEW BOSS! A view of the Venkateswara temple at Devunikadapa (Kadapa), which was taken over by the TTD management on Sunday.

KADAPA: Centuries-old Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple at Devunikadapawas formally taken over by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams on Sunday.

TTD Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy and Joint Executive Officer Balaramaiah received papers pertaining to the temple assets and land property from Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy Temple chairman G. Krishna Reddy, at a function on the temple premises. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy mooted the takeover with a view of developing the ancient temple, Mr. Karunakar Reddy said.

`Agama Sastra'

Various rituals that are being performed as per `Agama Sastra' at Tirumala temple would henceforth be performed daily in the temple at Devunikadapa, the TTD Chairman said.

He promised steps to restore the pristine glory of Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple. He assured to lay roads and improve other facilities around the temple.

Tallapaka, the birthplace of saint-lyricist Annamacharya, would also be developed, he stated.

The take-over of Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple by TTD had been a dream that came true for the people of Kadapa, Kadapa Mayor P. Ravindranath Reddy observed.

The take-over would not only ensure development of the temple but would hasten development of the city, he said.

`Divine occasion'

Former chairman of the temple A. Krishna Kumar described the takeover as a divine occasion. He wanted Devunikadapa to develop as a tourist place. He wanted streets around the temple to be developed and an arch to be constructed on Kadapa bypass road.

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