M.V.R. Sastry’s book on history of Tirumala temple launched in Tirupati

Veteran journalist M.V.R. Sastry discusses historical anomalies at Tirumala temple in latest book, urging for prompt corrections.

Veteran journalist M.V.R. Sastry called upon historians to ensure that the ‘historical anomalies’ pertaining to the Tirumala temple, which crept into the documents over a period of time, are removed promptly.

At a media conference in Tirupati on Tuesday, Mr. Sastry discussed the contents of his latest book ‘Devudunnadu Jagratha’, which happens to be the 25th publication in his writing career spanning four and a half decades.

The book touches upon a range of issues right from the Hindu iconography on whether the presiding deity (Moolavirat) is Vishnu or Shiva or Shakti, up to the latest controversy surrounding the famous Tirumala Laddu, which created a furore over the alleged use of adulterated ghee.

Referring to the scores of contentious practices followed at the Tirumala temple, he said some of them had been abandoned, while some assumed a modified form over a period of time, and sought to set the record straight.

In the chapter Asalu Boss Evaru? (Who is the actual boss?), the author questions the role of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board and the Executive Officer as the custodian of Tirumala and concluded that they cannot assume the role of ‘the owner’ by quoting judgments.

“After painstaking research, I have brought out several facts in this book and it is for the young crop of journalists and readers to carry the baton forward in spreading the truth. I am ready for a debate any time and anywhere on the issues raised in this book,” he stated.

“The book was released recently at Hyderabad in the presence of over 2,000 persons, which shows how eager readers are for the book,” said Jana Sena Party (JSP) State General Secretary and literary enthusiast, Bolisetty Satyanarayana, who introduced the book to the media.