Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced plans for a major consecration (Samprokshana) at the sacred Tirumala temple, signaling his government’s focus on preserving and restoring Hindu traditions. Naidu emphasized that all steps regarding the purification would be carried out in consultation with Hindu dharmic leaders, including Jeeyars, Kanchi Peethadhipatis, and scholars of Sanatana Dharma, ensuring that decisions respect long-standing customs and uphold the sanctity of one of Hindutva’s holiest sites.
“We are currently discussing what steps should be taken for the consecration of Tirumala. Our decisions will be guided by religious experts to preserve the temple’s sacredness,” Naidu said, outlining his vision for ensuring that Tirumala remains a beacon of tradition and spirituality during his visit to Party office on Saturday at Mangalagiri.
Naidu also reflected on the previous government’s failures to protect temple sanctity, pointing out various instances of neglect. He cited the desecration of Lord Rama’s idol in Ramatheertham, which he noted had gone unaddressed. “During the previous government’s rule, many violations occurred in temples. The government then did not value the people’s sentiments and played with their emotions,” he remarked, criticizing how the past administration mishandled religious matters.
Drawing attention to customs at Kerala’s Guruvayoor temple, Naidu asked, “In Guruvayoor, devotees must remove their shirts for darshan—that’s tradition. Why shouldn’t everyone follow it? Shouldn’t every religion’s customs be respected equally?”
While speaking to media, Naidu further elaborated on the steps his government has taken to restore the sanctity of Tirumala. “As soon as we came into power, I instructed the new EO to cleanse Tirumala. He improved the quality of the laddu, blacklisted companies involved in malpractice, and repurchased pure ghee from Nandini. Lord Venkateswara himself may have made me speak the truth about this issue, as we are merely instruments in His hands,” Naidu shared, stressing the role of divine intervention in maintaining the purity of the temple’s offerings.
Naidu went on to share the measures his government has taken to restore the purity of Tirumala’s rituals. Upon assuming office, he instructed the new Executive Officer (EO) to cleanse the temple. “We improved the quality of the laddu, blacklisted companies involved in malpractice, and repurchased pure ghee from Nandini. Lord Venkateswara himself may have made me speak the truth about this issue, as we are merely instruments in His hands,” Naidu stated, attributing the success of these reforms to divine intervention.
Addressing the controversial issue of Tirumala’s laddu, Naidu did not shy away from expressing his concerns. “When the NDDB report on the sacred Tirumala laddu came out, they dodged accountability. How can cow ghee cost ₹320 per kg? What’s the need for reverse tenders in the preparation of the laddu offered to Lord Venkateswara? These decisions must be made with great care, as they concern one of the holiest shrines,” he questioned, urging transparency in matters of religious importance. He asserts that the decisions regarding religious offerings must be made with the utmost care and respect for tradition.
Naidu then spoke about the famed Tirumala laddu, challenging any attempts to replicate its unique status. “Many have tried to make a laddu better than the one offered at Tirumala, but has anyone succeeded? For hundreds of years, Tirumala’s laddu has been made there. Even in Ayodhya, they took workers from Tirumala to try and make a similar laddu. Isn’t that prasadam something truly special?” Naidu asked, emphasizing the unmatched sanctity of the offering.
Criticizing opposition parties for obstructing religious projects, Naidu said, “When we proposed building Lord Venkateswara’s temple in Amaravati with ₹250 crores, why did they obstruct it? Now, they’re once again making big promises. Can we trust them after all this?”
With a focus on future steps for consecration and temple maintenance, Naidu reassured the public that his government remains committed to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Tirumala. He also indicated plans to conduct quality checks on prasadam and initiate necessary consecration programs across all temples in the state, ensuring that Hindu traditions are respected and upheld.
He also questioned past comments made by former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR). “In the past, YSR said there were not seven hills, but only two. Why did he undermine the sacredness of Tirumala’s hills? At that time, we opposed it and fought back to protect our traditions,” Naidu reminded the audience.
