Hyderabad: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has embarked on a mission to build 5,000 temples in Andhra Pradesh, and eventually, plans to construct more temples in all states.
In an address from the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, CM Naidu said the temples of Venkateswara, the reigning deity of the Andhra, Rayalaseema, and Telangana regions, should also be built abroad, especially wherever Telugus are present in significant numbers to spread his divine glory.
A year after he alleged that animal fat-laden ghee went into the making of the celebrated Tirupati laddus “during the YSRCP regime”, CM Naidu asserted Wednesday that his priority was to preserve the sanctity of Tirumala. A CBI-monitored special investigation team is still probing his claims of laddu ghee adulteration by suppliers, following a Supreme Court order in October 2024.
The TTD, a trust that manages the famed Tirumala and several other temples, has built Balaji temples in locations outside Andhra Pradesh, such as in Jammu, where the temple opened in 2023.
CM Naidu from the Ranganayakula Mandapam inside Tirumala announced that the Sri Venkateswara Aalayala Nirmanam (SRIVANI) Trust—a TTD initiative for collecting donations for new Venkateswara temples, particularly in SC/ST/OBC colonies that see more conversions—has collected Rs 2,038 crore so far.
CM Naidu added, “So far, Rs 837 crore has gone into the construction of temples. More temples should come up in remote villages. For this mighty activity, donors should come forward with their largesse.”
The SRIVANI Trust funds are also allocated for the renovation of old temples, as well as dharma pracharam (activities promoting the propagation of Hindu dharma). Formed initially in August 2018, during the tenure of the earlier Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, the SRIVANI Trust was reformed with an expanded ambit in September 2019 during the rule of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party.
On Wednesday evening, CM Naidu was in Tirumala with wife Bhuvaneswari, son Nara Lokesh, daughter-in-law Brahmani, and grandson Devansh for the inauguration of Brahmotasavams—a 10-day celestial festival celebrated annually at the hill shrine.
The chief minister said Venkateswara had blessed him with the rare opportunity to present pattuvastrams (silk robes) 14 times, on behalf of the government. He recalled that Venkateswara also saved his life 22 years ago. He was referring to the Maoist-triggered claymore mine blasts that targeted his convoy at Alipiri near Tirumala in October 2003. Naidu escaped narrowly, with some injuries.
The TDP chief hails from Naravaripalle, a village close to the Tirupati hills. “I strongly believe Lord Venkateswara saved my life in the Alipiri incident for a good cause; to serve the people,” said the CM, now into his fourth term.
CM Naidu added that the annaprasadam (free meals) started at the Tirumala temple by N.T. Rama Rao still feeds lakhs of pilgrims daily. All temples maintained by TTD should organise the same, he recommended.
On Thursday, CM Naidu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated another amenities complex for pilgrims at Tirumala. Moreover, the chief minister opened a state-of-the-art integrated command and control centre.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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