How DK Shivakumar's take on Tirupati Temple ritual caused furore in AP

D.K. Shivakumar, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Karnataka, sparked controversy in Andhra Pradesh after suggesting that officials from his state might be allowed to perform the Nitya Harathi ritual at the Tirupati Balaji Temple. The proposal came during an event in Bengaluru on July 12, shortly after Shivakumar had visited the temple with his family and participated in its Abhisheka Seva. His suggestion, however, drew sharp criticism from local leaders and officials, as it challenges a longstanding tradition tied to the temple's history and governance. The Nitya Harathi, a daily ritual involving the waving of a camphor-lighted lamp before the deity, has traditionally been reserved for a select group of individuals known as mathadi-pathis, heads of religious institutions associated with the temple, and a designated officer representing the former Maharaja of Mysore. This practice, rooted in centuries-old customs, acknowledges historical contributions from the Mysore royal family to the maintenance and expansion of the Tirupati temple complex. The involvement of the Mysore rulers dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire and continued through the Wodeyar dynasty until 1947. Shivakumar’s proposal, outlined in a public address, suggested that Karnataka could establish a formal protocol allowing ministers, lawmakers, senior officials, or judges to represent the state in performing the Nitya Harathi when the designated officer is unavailable. His rationale centered on the idea that public servants, who serve the community, should have the right to engage in such symbolic acts of devotion. However, this interpretation has been widely disputed, as it disregards the existing protocols governing the temple's rituals and the autonomy of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the body responsible for managing the temple. Leaders from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), both based in Andhra Pradesh, expressed dismay over the suggestion. Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar, a national spokesperson for the TDP, emphasized that the temple falls under the jurisdiction of the TTD, an independent entity operating within Andhra Pradesh. He pointed out that even the state's chief minister does not interfere in the temple's affairs, underscoring the need for restraint in such matters. Kumar also criticized Shivakumar for potentially setting a precedent that could affect other religious sites in Karnataka, such as Dharmasthala and Sringeri, by implying that their rituals could be subject to similar interventions. Bhanuprakash Reddy, a BJP spokesperson and member of the TTD board, accused Shivakumar of overstepping his authority. He argued that the privilege granted to Karnataka stems from historical contributions and is not transferable or negotiable. Reddy highlighted that the TTD board had already convened a meeting on July 14, chaired by TTD chairman B.R. Naidu, to address the issue. During this meeting, he reportedly raised concerns about the unilaterality of Shivakumar’s proposal and the lack of consultation with the TTD authorities. The debate surrounding the Nitya Harathi reflects broader tensions between states sharing cultural and religious heritage, particularly regarding the management of shared religious sites. As discussions continue, the focus remains on whether the proposed changes will be implemented or if they will be formally rejected by the TTD and local political leaders. For now, the situation stands as a point of contention, highlighting the delicate balance between administrative authority and the preservation of traditional practices.