The Andhra Pradesh Government’s release of a special GO directing twenty-three temples in the state to perform temple honours on the birthday of Swaroopanandendra Saraswathi, the pontiff of the Visakha Sarada Peetham on November 18th has stoked a new controversy. Earlier, on November 9th the manager of Visakha Sarada Peetham had requested for temple honours from twenty-three holy shrines which include the Antarvedi temple in East Godavari, the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada, Ahobilam, Kanipakam, Srisailam and Srikalahasti.
In response, K Rama Chandra Mohan, the Additional Commissioner of Endowments Department on November 12th had issued an official note to the authorities of the above-mentioned temples and head priests to perform temple honours on the occasion of the birthday Swaroopanandendra Saraswathi.
Now, the opposition has condemned the move alleging AP CM YS Jaganmohan Reddy of being biased, and that it is a violation of against temples and swamis. TDP senior leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu has lambasted the AP CM of breaking Sanatana traditions, adding that the Visakha Sarada Peetham was mired in controversies and that the present decision of the YSRCP government is tantamount to abuse of power. The TDP leader also went on to say that Jagan’s devotion to Swami Swaroopanandendra Saraswathi has exceeded than that of citizens.
