TIRUPATI:The temple administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken over the 16th Century Sri Kodandarama temple at Chandragiri town in Chittoor district on Wednesday in a ceremonious manner.
TTD Trust Board chairman Dr Ch Krishnamurthy, who graced the momentous occasion, said the 500-year-old temple will be developed on the lines of Bhadradrachalam and Ayodhyakhetras. He said the temple, known for its architectural splendour, has been constructed by Vijayanagara Emperor Sri Krishna Devarayalu in 16th Century.
He said following the instructions of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, TTD recently taken over the ancient Ramalayam at Vontimitta in Kadapa district. “Today, we have taken over yet another ancient temple located in his home town at Chandragiri and it is indeed a memorable occasion and we are committed to develop this age-old temple. Lord Sri Rama is considered as the Yuga Purusha of Tretayuga and even today in this Kaliyuga His charisma is undeterred and is considered as ‘Maryada Purushottama’. Lord Venkateswara, Lord Sri Rama, Lord Krishna, all are incarnations of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in each aeon to protect the mankind. As the chief custodians of Hindu Sanatana Dharma we are committed to developing all the ancient temples and bring back their past glory,” he asserted.
Speaking on the occasion, Tirupati JEO P Bhaskar said, “The uniqueness of this temple is the presence of all deities including Lord Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna flanked by Lord Hanuman and Garuda on either side are present on “Eka Peetham” which can be found only in this temple,” he observed.
Earlier, TTD chairman Chadalawada Krishnamurthy offered ‘silk vastrams’ to the deities and later formalised the process of taking over of the temple during a visit to the temple on Wednesday. The devotees were served Annaprasadam after the religious ceremony by TTD.
Chittoor MP Dr N Siva Prasad, TTD Tirupati JEO P Bhaskar, TTD Trust Board members G Bhanuprakash Reddy, Suchitra Ella, A V Ramana, Dr P Hari Prasad, SE I Ramesh Reddy, Temple DyEO Venkataiah, DyEOs L Vijaya Saradhi, Siva Reddy, Vara Lakshmi, Ramalayam temple EO Timma Reddy and district endowments assistant commissioner Mallikarjuna Reddy were also present.