TTD must perform Varuna Yagam for Public Welfare: Bhumana

Tirupati, August 12: Former TTD Chairman and YSRCP State Official Spokesperson Bhumana Karunakar Reddy criticised the present TTD administration for abandoning its centuries-old Vedic and Dharmic traditions and demanded that it immediately conduct Varuna Yagam in view of the prevailing drought conditions and water scarcity in the State.

Speaking to the media in Tirupati, Bhumana said TTD had traditionally conducted Yagams and other Vedic rituals praying for the welfare of the country, the State and the people. However, for the past two-and-a-half years, the administration has neglected such programmes and failed to protect and promote the Vedic traditions associated with the sacred institution.

He said drought conditions were prevailing across the State and water levels in reservoirs on the Tirumala hills were declining, yet TTD had not even considered conducting Varuna Yagam. He recalled that during the YSRCP government, TTD organised several Vedic and Dharmic programmes and performed Yagams for public welfare.

Bhumana said there is a traditional belief that performing Varuna Yagam invokes divine blessings for rainfall and questioned why TTD, one of the world’s most renowned Hindu religious institutions, was remaining indifferent when even smaller temple boards were conducting such rituals.

He charged that the present TTD administration had diverted its attention from Vedic and Dharmic activities and was more interested in serving VIPs and pleasing those in power. Despite having adequate funds for Vedic protection and religious programmes, TTD had failed to undertake even one meaningful initiative during the present crisis, he said.

Bhumana demanded that TTD immediately wake up to its religious responsibilities, move away from its excessive focus on VIP service and conduct Varuna Yagam for the welfare of the people. “This is not criticism for the sake of criticism. TTD must realise its responsibility and preserve the Vedic traditions and rituals entrusted to it,” he said.