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'Keep off Tirumala issues'

 

By Our Special Correspondent

 

 

HYDERABAD

APRIL 22.

 

The Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar has asked the Kanchi Acharya,

Sri Jayendra Saraswati, to desist from commenting on issues concerning Tirumala

temple as he "does not belong to Srivaishnavism and hence need not interfere

with the Vaishnava traditions.''

 

Reacting sharply to the reported remarks of the Kanchi Acharya that the Jeeyar

was trying to switch the famous Tirumala shrine from the "Vykhanasa'' to

"Paancharatra'' tradition, the Jeeyar called it "absurd" and said both the

systems were like two eyes to a Vaishnavite.

 

Tirumala had traditionally been following the "Vykhanasa'' system in its rituals

since long unlike Srirangam which had been following the other system.

 

The Jeeyar told that "the Kanchi seer has misinterpreted my statement. I had

earlier stated that traditions were being given the go-by at Tirumala slowly.

Tirumala is not an ordinary temple and the Lord of Seven Hills is a

`Swayamprakatitha swamy'. It has a hoary tradition. As followers of `Ramanuja

tatwa' the Jeeyars cannot allow the trampling of traditions. We have a right to

ensure the implementation of our own traditions as the custodians of the temple.

Please leave it to us. Hence, I am asking him (the Kanchi seer) to stay away

from my faith.''

 

He said "the Kanchi or Sringeri Peethams have no traditional or moral

jurisdiction over Tirumala as they belong to Saivism. It is not appropriate for

them to comment on my sect and its traditions.''

 

The Jeeyar was also critical of the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh Government,

particularly the Tourism Department, to "develop amenities like ropeways'' as

the sanctity of Tirumala shrine would be affected.

 

"There are already two well laid-out roads. Where is the need for a ropeway? You

(the authorities) are already unable to manage the devotees thronging the

temple. With your latest plans the whole area will become unmanageable. I

strongly oppose these plans,'' he said.

 

The Jeeyar welcomed the A.P. Government's proposal to construct more than 7,000

temples in the colonies of the weaker sections but urged the Government to train

the beneficiaries first in the rituals.

 

"Unless they are trained to take care of the temples, how will they manage

those? When I constructed a temple for dalits, I trained them in various rituals

and handed over the temple to them. Training is important because thousands of

temples are lying in ruins due to the apathy of the Government.''

 

He questioned the motive of the Government in allocating the temples

"constituency wise'' and said " it is not your money.

 

The huge amount you plan to draw is that of the TTD. How do you ensure that the

money given will be spent for the specific purpose? Who is responsible for

deviations from the agenda if any later?''