Tirupati, March 03: Differences between TTD administration and Srivari temple chief priest AV Ramana Deekshitulu came to the fore once again, with the later accusing the former of taking unilateral decisions regarding Agama rules to be followed in the temple and not taking the opinion of the hereditary archakas.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, the chief priest said Agama Advisory Council had members with no knowledge of Agama Shastra.
“We are not being given due respect. In the past also, we demanded restoration of hereditary archaka system in Srivari temple. Former chief minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy had taken a positive step in that direction and made amendments to HR and CE ACT 30/87, but unfortunately, it was not implemented with several others creating hurdles,’’ he said.
When the priests met the then chief minister K Rosaiah, he had directed the then TTD Board chairman DK Audikesavulu Naidu to see to it and subsequently, it was tabled in the board meeting and salaries of chief priest and others were hiked. “Till then, I used to get only Rs 200 per day. We as hereditary priests should be responsible for everything related to the temple and our opinion should matter,’’ he explained.
Targeting TTD Agama advisor Sundaravadana Bhattacharyulu, he said the TTD was blindly following his advice and some of his decisions were against the temple traditions.
“As an Agama advisor, I should be informed of the changes being made regarding the rituals in the temple, but I am being sidelined,’’ Ramana Deekshitulu said.
The TTD, however, said Sundaravadana Bhattacharyulu had been its Agama advisor since 2000 and conducted several programmes successfully.
They also maintained that the maha mandapam being constructed in front of the main temple in place of Veyakalla mandapam is being done as per the court orders.
–Agencies