Controversy Escalates Over Rejuvenation of Paruveta Mandapam in Tirumala

TIRUPATI: The rejuvenation of the Paruveta Mandapam in Tirumala and the recent decision by the TTD to restore another ancient structure, Padala Mandapam in Alipiri have ignited a controversy.

The controversy escalated on Tuesday when BJP leaders led by Bhanu Prakash Reddy, the BJP state spokesperson and former TTD trust board member, visited the renovated Paruveta Mandapam. Their visit was in response to an appeal from EO Dharma Reddy, following criticism. He asked them to come, inspect the restoration and compare it with photographs of the original dilapidated structure.

Addressing the media at the site, Bhanu Prakash noted that despite announcing their visit to the Paruveta Mandapam site 24 hours in advance, no one from the TTD was present to provide any evidence to support their claims of a rejuvenation.

Asserting that the mandapam had stood in good shape for over 600 years, he alleged that the TTD disregarded its historical significance by dismantling the structure. They did so without consulting experts from the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), he said.

The BJP leader said, “During our visit, we noticed that the TTD has constructed an entirely new structure, completely replacing the old one. Valuable archaeological items, including ancient sculptures and pillars, have been destroyed in the process.”

"The Paruveta Mandapam should have been reconstructed according to its true original plan and design. However, the ancient sculptures and pillars of this mandapam have been destroyed while constructing a new structure," he noted.

Bhanu Prakash refuted allegations of any ancient structure having been demolished during his tenure as a trustee member of the TTD board. Some minor repairs might have been done on certain structures, but there was no demolition at that time, he said.

He said, "In fact, I was the one who sought the assignment of ASI officials within the TTD to safeguard the ancient monuments under its purview."

Naveen Kumar Reddy, Rayalaseema Porata Samithi (RPS) convener, meanwhile wrote letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union culture minister Kishan Reddy. Naveen Kumar Reddy raised concern over the alleged damage to the ancient monuments and called for their preservation.

He argued that both Paruveta Mandapam and Alipiri Padala Mandapam held rich historical and archaeological importance. “These have endured for over 800-900 years. There is the need to protect and preserve these structures and there must be an investigation into the alleged violations, so as to safeguard their historical and archaeological significance.”

TTD EO Dharma Reddy, in a recent statement, expressed his willingness to address such concerns and invited critics to come and examine the photographs of the original Paruveta Mandapam and its recent restoration.

He offered to show them the transformation of the site and defended the renovation work. “The decision to restore the Padala Mandapam was taken on a recommendation from the TTD's engineering wing, which deemed it beyond repair. Since both mandapams fall outside the jurisdiction of ASI, there was no requirement to obtain permissions for the renovation work,” he explained.