TIRUPATI: Chinna Jeeyar swamy insisted that the removal of ancient constructions like thousand pillar mandapam (Veyyi Kaalla Mandapam) was bad. He was speaking at Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotra Parayanam programme here on Friday. The pontiff, who for long has been demanding the reconstruction of the 1,000 pillar mandapam in front of the temple, reiterated his demand yet again.He said the mandapam was an ancient temple, and had even linked it to the Puranas.
Reiterating that he sticks to his comments against the TTD, he said that he will reveal more mistakes on his Jeeyar web channel, which he had launched on the occasion. Chinna Jeeyar said that in 2003 itself, he had warned TTD of terrorist threat to Tirumala temple and the TTD had not taken the issue seriously till Alipiri blast at the end of that year.
Similarly, there are several instances where the advise given in good faith was not heeded, he said. He emphasised the need for conservation of structures of historical, cultural and traditional importance. He said Tirumala has become a concrete jungle, losing its spiritual ambience. Stating that people with no knowledge of sastras and Agamas are being appointed to decisions making positions at the TTD, he demanded the appointment of those with understanding of Agamas and traditions to supervise temple- related activities.
Chinna Jeeyar took the opportunity to lambast the media, especially electronic media, for sensationalising issues rather than focusing on problems for right solutions.
Around 7,000 followers of Chinna Jeeyar had attended the programme at Tirupati. About 90 percent of them were from coastal districts and most of them were woman. The programme was organised under the aegis of Vikasa Tarangini, an organisation floated by Jeeyar swamy's followers. At Tirumala, when Jeeyar swamy got down form the car at Rambhageecha guest house, he was received by TTD chairman K Bapiraju.
He offered Ganga Vandanam in Swamy Pushkarini. After offering Sashtanaga Pranamam in front of Srivari temple, he started his Tiru Veedi Pradikshna, during which he was joined by Tirumala Pedda Jeeyangar and Chinna Jeeyangar and other devotees.