Alleged Sacrilege at Tirupati’s Alipiri Sparks Fierce Debate
Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairman and YSR Congress leader Bhuma Karunakar Reddy has strongly condemned a shocking incident of desecration at Alipiri, near Tirupati. He claims that a sacred idol of Sri Maha Vishnu was found amidst garbage, liquor bottles, and human waste, deeply wounding the sentiments of millions of devotees.
Karunakar Reddy asserts the idol clearly depicts Shankha and Chakra, the iconic divine symbols of Lord Vishnu, making any alternative claims false and disrespectful. He blamed the current TTD Board under Chairman B.R. Naidu for this apparent failure of surveillance and governance, demanding accountability for what he dubbed a direct attack on Hindu faith.
The Idol: Symbols and Significance
According to Karunakar Reddy, the idol is unmistakably that of Lord Vishnu, identifiable by the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus) symbols on the sculpture. These motifs are unique and sacred to Vishnu’s iconography, making it impossible for the statue to be misrepresented as any other deity.
He criticized efforts by some to misrepresent the idol, calling such explanations “baseless” and “irresponsible,” and emphasized that this misrepresentation disrespects the faith of devotees.
Criticism of TTD Governance and Accountability
Karunakar Reddy lamented that this incident is not isolated but a part of repeated administrative failures since the current TTD chairman assumed office. He stated that the sanctity of Tirumala is being undermined by negligence and that the TTD’s monitoring and surveillance systems have effectively collapsed.
He urged Hindu organizations and society at large to unite and demand answers and action to protect Tirupati’s spiritual heritage from further insult. He emphasized that protecting Hindu Dharma must transcend political differences.
State Government’s Response and Fact Check
In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh government, through its fact-check wing, clarified that the statue is not an idol of Sri Maha Vishnu but an incomplete statue of Lord Shani. According to the government, the statue was abandoned by the sculptor Pattu Kannayya about ten years ago due to flaws in its creation and was never consecrated or installed in worship.
The government condemned the social media rumors labeling the incident as sacrilege and warned that spreading such false propaganda hurting devotees’ sentiments could invite legal action.
Bhuma Karunakar’s Firm Rebuttal
Despite the government’s clarification, Karunakar Reddy has maintained his stance. He criticized those spreading the government’s version as lacking basic understanding of the Vaikhanasa Agama Shastra, an ancient Hindu canon governing temple rituals and iconography.
He revealed pressure and threats he faced after exposing the incident, including attempts to file false criminal cases to silence him. Karunakar pointed out that:
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An idol with Shankha and Chakra can only represent Vishnu.
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Lord Shani is traditionally depicted holding a bow and arrow, making the government’s claim inconsistent.
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Labelling the idol as a discarded sculpture is insulting to faith and devotees.
He called for transparency and genuine investigation rather than dismissing the issue with unfounded explanations.
What This Means for Devotees and Tirupati’s Sanctity
This controversy has ignited widespread emotions across religious and political lines. Devotees at Tirupati view the incident as a grave insult to their faith and the sanctity of one of Hinduism’s holiest sites.
The debate touches on larger concerns regarding:
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The protective role of TTD in safeguarding religious idols and sites.
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Accountability within temple governance structures.
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The integrity of Tirumala’s spiritual environment amidst political interference and administrative lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at Alipiri, Tirupati?
A sacred idol believed to be of Sri Maha Vishnu was found amidst filth and waste, sparking outrage and accusations of sacrilege.
Who is Bhuma Karunakar Reddy?
He is the former chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and a leader of the YSR Congress Party.
What does the government say about the idol?
The Andhra Pradesh government stated the statue is an incomplete idol of Lord Shani left by a sculptor and not a Vishnu idol.
Why does Karunakar Reddy disagree with the government?
He insists the idol bears traditional Vishnu symbols, accusing the government of spreading falsehoods and ignoring religious facts.
What is the significance of Shankha and Chakra?
The Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus) are sacred symbols exclusively associated with Lord Vishnu in Hindu iconography.
The allegation of sacrilege at Alipiri has become a flashpoint in Tirupati, stirring religious sentiments and raising serious questions about temple administration and governance under the current TTD Board.
While the government seeks to quell the controversy with explanations and warnings against misinformation, the debate underscores a deeper need for transparency and vigilance to protect the spiritual sanctity of Tirupati, one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.