Yadadri temple re-dedication sans Maha Sudarshana Yagam

Officials say “pending construction and logistical arrangements” forced the decision

The re-dedication of the expanded and renovated Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple will be held as per schedule announced earlier on March 28, but without conducting the much-publicised Maha Sudarshana Yagam.

Officials said “pending construction and logistical arrangements” forced the decision. “Maha Sudarshana Yagam is only postponed, but not cancelled. All other rituals, starting with ankuraarpana (the auspicious beginning) on March 21, various homam and special puja, till the main event on March 28, will be held as per schedule,” temple executive officer N. Geeta told The Hindu.

She said accommodating several thousands of priests and their assistants for the mega Yagam appeared impracticable as adequate arrangements, construction of a few units, among other infrastructure, were pending.

Later dates for the Yagam, however, are yet to be fixed.

Although there was no press disclosure, unlike the re-dedication announcement by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on October 19, a few media outlets had circulated news on Saturday about the ‘postponement or cancellation plan’ peppered with speculative reasons.

It may be recalled that it was the Chief Minister, who, on several occasions, described the significance of the Yagam for the re-dedication of the temple. While revealing the plans before the press in October, he said committees comprising Vedic scholars were formed, and consultations with Vaishnava pontiff Chinna Jeeyar Swamy were also made to discuss final arrangements and arrive at the muhurtham.

“About 3,000 ruthviks and equal number of priests and Vedic scholars would participate in the Yagam with 1, 048 sacred fire altars. Vedic scholars and monastic heads from various Vaishnava peethams from the country and across 45 countries would be invited for the Yagam, and Chief Ministers, Governors and VIPs from the Union government and lakhs of devotees would turn up everyday during the Yagam,” he had said.