Karnataka CM's Tirumala Nitya Harathi Proposal Draws Objections
They, as also BJP leaders, said Harathi is a traditional honour associated with the Mysore royal family and should not be extended to political leaders or government officials
TIRUPATI: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's proposal to extend the privilege of attending the Nitya Harathi at Tirumala temple to MLAs, ministers, bureaucrats and judges from his state has drawn objections from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust board members.
They, as also BJP leaders, said Harathi is a traditional honour associated with the Mysore royal family and should not be extended to political leaders or government officials.
Shivakumar on Sunday said his government would facilitate the Nitya Harathi darshan to ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats and judges from the state according to protocol and on a priority basis.
However, there is no clarity whether the proposal was discussed with the Andhra Pradesh government or the TTD yet.
Nitya Harathi is performed every day for the presiding deity of Sri Venkateswara Swamy inside the sanctum sanctorum. The ritual is witnessed only by a small group that includes Peethadhipathis and some special representatives, including the special officer representing the Maharaja of Mysore.
The privilege has been continued for years in recognition of the Mysore royal family's association with Tirumala and its contributions to the temple.
TTD board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, who is also the BJP spokesperson, said Shivakumar should have consulted the temple body. “Nitya Harathi is a non-transferable honour and cannot be extended on the recommendation of any state government.”
"This would encourage similar demands from other states and make it difficult for the TTD to maintain the existing tradition,” he felt.
The board member said this would be discussed at the TTD trust board meeting on Tuesday.
Tirupati BJP leader Naveen Kumar Reddy urged the TTD trust board to pass a unanimous resolution rejecting the proposal. He said Lord Venkateswara “belongs to all devotees and that preference in darshan should continue for common pilgrims.”
Kumar said the earlier decision to accept recommendation letters from Telangana public representatives on Tuesdays had encouraged similar demands from Karnataka. TTD would come under pressure if other states and UTs also sought similar privileges. He urged Karnataka not to interfere in the AP government's decisions on Tirumala.