Govt to prevent non-Hindu religion propagation

Tirumala, Sept 26: The Andhra Pradesh government would take effective steps to prevent propagation of non-Hindu religion at the famed Sri Venkateswara temple here, Chief Minister Y S Rajashekara Reddy said today.

Speaking after releasing Mahabharatham, comprising 15 volumes published by the Tirumala-Tirupati Devastanams (TTD) at the Ashtanamandapam here, Dr Reddy warned that stern action would be taken against those involved in the propagation of other religion and a stricter law had already been introduced in this connection.

Stating that nearly one lakh marriages would be performed every year at all TTD Kalyanamandapams across the country for needy and poor people, the Chief Minister said during the wedding one gram mangalasutra would be given to the bride.

As 30,000-odd temples were in bad condition and nitya poojas not being performed daily, the chief Minister said the government, with a view to developing and propogating Hindu dharma had already announced an amount of Rs 3000 for each of the identified temples per month for performing poojas and salaries to archakas. In addition, the TTD would release Rs 2000 for each temple to perform poojas, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarada Peetam Swaroopananda urged the government to constitute a 'religious scholars commission' to monitor Hindu traditions and protect the temple status.

Meanwhile, TTD Trust Board Chairman B Karunakar categorically refuted rumours about alleged propagation of other religions at Tirumala.

He said certain vested interests had floated these rumours with malicious intentions and there was not an iota of truth in all these allegations.

Reiterating that the TTD administration was vigiliant, Mr Karunakar said the Board would deal firmly if anyone tried to propagate non-Hindu religion.

UNI

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