TIRUPATI: In the wake of the spiralling controversy over the jewels of Lord Venkateswara, Saiva Kshetram Seer Siva Swamy on Sunday announced a padayatra from Vijayawada to Tirupati, in protest against the State government, demanding to set up a fact-finding committee to look into the issue.
Speaking to newsmen here, Siva Swamy said that the padayatra is scheduled to start on July 29 after offering sari to Goddess Kanaka Durga in Vijayawada and conclude in Tirupati on August 12, in which as many as 30 pontiffs of various mutts and 300 activists of Hindu Dharma will take part. The padayatra at 30 km a day, will cover 500 villages en route. A public meeting will be held at Indira grounds in Tirupati on August 12 to mark the conclusion of padayatra.
Siva Swamy mentioned that there was an urgent need to clarify the air regarding controversies over the jewels of Lord Venkateswara, for which he proposed to form a committee. To restore the confidence of devotees, he said that the committee should consist of members from the TTD Trust Board, Vedic Committee, pontiffs, gemologists and appraisers.
“Former Tirumala temple Chief Priest AV Ramana Deeksithulu’s allegations have gained significance after the TTD’s announcement of Mahasamprokshana in Tirumala temple,” he said.