Structure to come up on thousand pillar mandapam site

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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/10/25/stories/2005102511440500.htm)

Andhra Pradesh

 

TTD Board moots new mandapam

Senior Reporter

 

 

Structure to house at least 15,000 pilgrims at a time

Suggestion to let out mandapam for marriages Women barbers to be allowed at

Kalyanakatta Accommodation to be increased in Tirumala

 

Tirumala:

 

The TTD board of trustees, which met here on Monday, resolved to

construct a mandapam in front of the main temple complex on the site where the

centuries old Thousand Pillar Mandapam earlier

existed.

 

Briefing media persons on the deliberations of the meeting the trust

board chairman, T. Subbirami Reddy, said in the aftermath of the

demolition of the massive structure the sprawling site now available has come in

handy for the management to deal with the ever-increasing pilgrim rush, which

was evident during the recently-concluded

annual Brahmotsavams.

 

 

Massive construction

Taking all the factors into consideration the board has decided to construct a

massive mandapam on the site, which can house at least

15,000 pilgrims at a time. Suggestions are also pouring to let out the

proposed mandapam for marriages.

 

Mr. Reddy said the management was also considering use of the pillars

of the former mandapam in the new building depending on feasibility. In a

revolutionary decision the board also resolved to use the services of women

barbers at its Kalyanakatta -- the place of

tonsuring.

 

The meeting discussed the objections raised by Agama pundits and

finally resolved to induct them on contract basis.

 

The board also reacted positively to the proposal of organising the

Kalyanotsavams of the Lord in backward localities in the State. The first one

will be held at Sullerpet, Nellore on 15 November.Apart from

adopting the latest recommendations of the pay revision commission it also

resolved to provide 50 per cent subsidy on all purchases exceeding Rs. one lakh

with regard to its religious publications.

 

Another major decision was to enhance the accommodation facilities for

visiting pilgrims at Tirumala. The board, which has taken a serious

view of the scarcity of accommodation during Brahmotsavams has resolved to

initiate steps to provide accommodation to at least

10,000 more pilgrims, the modalities of which will be completed in

three months.

 

On the lines of the Golden Garuda Vahanam, a golden gaja vahanam will

be made available to the temple of Goddess Padmavathi Ammavaru at a cost of Rs.

26 lakhs. Mr. Reddy also said the member trustee, Nageswara Rao has volunteered

to donate 100 cows to the TTD for its

Ksheeradana scheme.

 

Earlier the Board also passed a resolution thanking Chief Minister Y.S.

Rajasekhar Reddy for obliging the request of the TTD and presenting the sivk

Vastrams on the first of the Brahmotsavam.

 

 

 

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