THE stage is set for Amruthotsavam of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will inaugurate the TTD platinum jubileecelebrations at Mahati Auditorium here on July 7.
'Talking to newsmen here today, TTD Chairman B Karunakar Reddy said the four-day fete was planned to celebrate the 75th anniversary of takeover of Tirumala temple administration bv a board of trustees.Till 1933, the ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala was administered by kings, queens, sultans, British rulers and Mahants.
Tirumala witnessed a tremendous development during the last 75 years due to the initiatives taken by the Board of Trustees and the untiring efforts of TTD employees and innumerable number of devotees. The annual revenue of the world famous temple crossed Rs 12,000 crore.
Amruthotsavam would provide an opportunity to recall the tremendous contribution of TTD Board
members, employees and devotees to the development of the hill shrine. "It would also be a platform to plan for future and further development of the temple," he said. . The President will formally launch Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel at Mahadwaram of Srivari temple at Tirumala, unveil the platinum jubilee pylon and inaugurate the new building of Sri Venkateswara Oriental College constructed at cost of Rs 3 crore.
The TTD, which initially planned to organise an exhibition of the invaluable gold and diamond jewellery of Lord Venkateswara (which is not being used at present) at SV Oriental College, dropped the proposal for security reasons, Executive Officer KV Ramanachary said.
But the real reason for the cancellation of the jewellery exhibition is said to be an objection from Agama pandits.
Meetings on various aspects of Tirumala temple and spiritual issues will be organised at Mahati Auditorium during the platinum jubilee celebrations. Renowned artistes will present cultural programmes at Indira Maidan (Tuda Grounds) every day, he said.
Special Officer AV Dharma Reddy, CVSO BV Ramana Kumar, FA&CAO Anita S Akella and oth? ers were present.