YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans

YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans to End Veda Parayanam: Temple Board Responds Strongly

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has recently found itself in the spotlight following allegations by YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, who claimed that the temple board was planning to discontinue the Veda Parayanam tradition. The remark sparked controversy, prompting an immediate rebuttal from the TTD. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation, including what was said, the response, and the larger implications for one of India’s most sacred temple institutions.

YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans to Undermine Vedic Traditions

At a press conference in Tirupati on June 20, 2025, YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, also the former chairman of the TTD and undivided Chittoor district president, publicly accused the TTD of planning to discontinue the Veda Parayanam rituals. He stated that such a move, if true, would be a “sacrilege of the highest order.”

According to Reddy, a senior official within the TTD had allegedly made dismissive comments about Veda Parayanam, reportedly calling it “a waste of time.” This, he claimed, was deeply disrespectful to the age-old Vedic traditions upheld at the Tirumala temple.

YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans Target Priests

Furthering his criticism, Reddy accused the TTD administration of harassing temple priests by subjecting them to physical frisking — a practice he claimed was never implemented in the past. He also criticized the introduction of artificial intelligence-based darshan management systems, stating that the new system gave a false impression of crowd control by restricting devotees from entering queue lines.

These statements by the YSRCP leader added fuel to ongoing concerns about changes in temple operations and the potential dilution of traditional spiritual practices.

TTD Strongly Denies Allegations

In response, the TTD issued an official statement refuting all the accusations made by Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. The temple board denied any plan to discontinue Veda Parayanam, calling the claims false, baseless, and politically motivated.

The TTD clarified that no official had ever made derogatory comments about the Vedic recitations. In fact, they said the board has strengthened Vedic traditions over the past year. The divine chant ‘Om Namo Venkatesaya’ is now played continuously in various parts of the temple complex, including the footpaths, queue lines, and Annaprasadam halls.

YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans and Priest Frisking Controversy

On the issue of priest frisking, the TTD explained that security checks were limited to staff entering the Parakamani (currency counting) area, especially after a high-profile theft case in 2023. The TTD stated that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was implemented to ensure transparency and prevent any further incidents.

Officials emphasized that the SOP does not apply to priests performing religious duties and is aimed solely at enhancing accountability among operational staff.

Court-Ordered Notices and Land Issues

Adding to the controversy, Reddy questioned the temple board’s issuance of land notices to various religious institutions. The TTD defended its actions, saying these notices were issued only in compliance with judicial orders, including those to institutions like the Visakha Sharada Peetham.

The notices were related to land encroachments and not arbitrary or religiously motivated decisions. The temple board reiterated that it respects all religious institutions and acts only under legal directives.

YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans Discredit Devotee Experience

The YSRCP leader also criticized TTD’s recent reforms, particularly the AI-based darshan scheduling system. He argued that such technologies are being used to “create an illusion of efficiency” rather than genuinely improving the pilgrim experience.

In contrast, the TTD responded by listing several new initiatives taken to improve devotee services:

• Scientific queue management systems
• Addition of 22 new food counters
• Free distribution of Annaprasadam, beverages, and snacks
• Increased accessibility to Vedic rituals
• Streamlined security at financial handling centers

The TTD emphasized that all these changes are focused on devotee welfare and operational efficiency.

TTD Reaffirms Commitment to Vedic Traditions

In their closing statement, TTD reiterated that no plans exist to dilute or eliminate traditional rituals like Veda Parayanam. Instead, they have increased recitation time and improved conditions for Vedic scholars and temple priests. Several programs have been launched to support the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of those maintaining the temple’s sacred traditions.

The board urged devotees not to be misled by misinformation and assured them that preserving the sanctity of the Tirumala temple remains a top priority.

Conclusion: YSRCP Leader Alleges TTD Plans Stir Debate

The claims made by Bhumana Karunakar Reddy have ignited a public debate about the balance between tradition and modernization at one of India’s holiest temples. While the YSRCP leader alleges TTD plans to diminish traditional practices, the temple board has categorically denied the accusations and affirmed its dedication to both transparency and tradition.

As this controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on the TTD to see how it navigates the fine line between modernization and religious authenticity, and whether political interests are interfering with sacred traditions.

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