Rivalry escalates in Tirumala

Tirupati: The rivalry between the adherents of the Tangalai and Vadakalai  sects in the Srivaishnavas at the famous hill shrine of Venkateswara  in Tirumala is turning uglier by the day.

One group has decided to move court against the other over the  alleged intentional change in the Namam of the presiding deity.

Recently, members of one sect had intentionally changed the Srivari  Namalu on the forehead of the idol of Lord Venkateswara. 

According to  priests, the size, shape and details of the namam are governed by the  Vaikhanasa agamam.

The change was noticed by Sri Pedda Jeeyar who complained to the  TTD authorities. The TTD in turn kept a tab on the performance of the  priest and took the decision to exclude him from Abhishekam duty after  they found him erring again, as was previously reported.

Priests of the Vadakalai sect wear the Tirunamam shaped like the  alphabet 'U', while those of the Tengalai sect wear it in the shape of  the alphabet ‘Y’.

Temple chief priest A.V. Ramanadeeshitulu said, “We perform pujas  to the presiding deity as per Vaiskhanasa agamam. Those who not have  proper knowledge of Vaikhanasa agamam are making allegations. It is  not correct.”

According to temple sources, the priests are planning to go to  court over the issue.