Andhra Pradesh News: A statement by Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy is in the news, in which he has clearly said that the Srivani funds of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will not be used for the construction or maintenance of Shirdi Sai Baba temples. This will be used only for the construction work of Hindu temples. His statement has sparked a new debate in the political and religious circles of the state. Speaking to the media at the Secretariat, the Minister said that the Shrivani Fund is for the development of Hindu temples following Vedic and Agama Shastra traditions.
He said that these funds will be used to help the Hindu temples under the charity collection department, which include Sitaram, Shiva, Durga and Venkateswara Swamy temples. However, the Minister clarified that Shrivani Nidhi is not applicable to Shirdi Sai temples. He said that Shirdi Sai has no place in the Hindu mythological texts and Agama traditions, and the Srivani Nidhi is being used only for the propagation of Sanatan Dharma and preservation of Vedic traditions.
He also said that worship rituals as per Agama texts are not followed in Shirdi Sai temples. The issue of Shirdi Sai Baba has been the center of controversy in the past also. There have also been instances when heads of temples and Hindu religious organizations have expressed differing opinions on whether Sai Baba should be worshiped on par with Hindu deities. On the other hand, since millions of devotees across the country believe in and worship Shirdi Sai Baba, this issue often becomes a subject of debate.
Meanwhile, the Minister said that the government will further expand the temple construction program from Shrivani Nidhi. He said that the construction of the first temple at Atmakur TIDCO Colony in Nellore district will start in July. While explaining the two-year progress report of the Endowments Department, the Minister also mentioned various welfare programmes. He told that under Dhupdeep Naivedya Scheme, Rs 10,000 is being deposited every month in the bank accounts of eligible temples. 'Sarva Shreyonidhi' program is being implemented for the reconstruction of temples.
He said that in the first phase, construction of 5,000 Bhajan temples has been started across the state with the help of TTD. Its objective is to strengthen the spiritual environment in rural areas and to propagate Sanatan Dharma. However, the Minister's comments on Shrivani Nidhi and Shirdi Sai temples are likely to spark wider political and religious debate.
Input-Telugu Desk
