TTD Board Shrugs off Criticism†Over Mandapams Revamp Plan

Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration has refuted the allegations made by some local leaders against the demolition and subsequent revival of heritage Mandapams at Tirumala and Tirupati.

Speaking to reporters in Tirumala on Tuesday, TTD executive officer (EO) A.V. Dharma Reddy said that the temple management’s priorities were always towards welfare of the pilgrims as well as preserving the heritage of the Tirumala temple that too in lines with “Agamas” and traditions. Reddy dismissed the allegations that the reconstruction work was causing “damage to the heritage or loss” as pressure tactic by some local leaders to “coerce TTD for their own selfish gains”.

The criticism was related to TTD’s resolution to demolish and reconstruct Paruveta Mandapam located four kilometres from the main Tirumala temple. The Mandapam is used for religious processional ceremonies during festivals.

The move came after the technical assessment group pointed out the Mandapam’s crumbling pillars and roofs were posing safety hazards for devotees.

Considering the cultural value of the structure alongside the major risk it was posing due to crumbling pillars and roofs — a technical assessment team led by structural engineers after examining the Mandapams arrived at the conclusion that revamping process was vital.

Hence, as per the recommendations of the structural engineers for carrying out the reconstruction work, the TTD trust board passed a resolution in July 2022, giving approval of Rs 2.70 crore for preserving the Mandapam’s traditional elegance as well as enhancing structural stability via new foundation and thereby ensuring longevity. “The carvings on old pillars have been accurately embossed onto new ones,” the TTD EO claimed.

Similarly, torrential rains and heavy erosion over decades have destabilised walls and parts of the stone Mandapam adjacent to the Padala Mandapam at Alipiri the starting point of the Tirumala Hill Trek. “Cracks have appeared on walls as well as partial collapse and tilting of pillars, posing risk to scores of pilgrims using the pathway daily to reach the main temple. The pilgrims undertaking the uphill journey are at risk when passing through higher reaches and delay in rebuilding could endanger lives during the peak traffic of devotees visiting the temple,” the TTD board said.

The board has approved renovation plans amounting to Rs 1.53 crore, focusing on traditional architectural technique and by reusing same stone pillars and carvings to restore the Alipiri Mandapam aesthetics in compliance with archaeological guidelines, the TTD’s preservation committee, said.

Shrugging off claims that TTD bypassed archaeological laws while carrying out renovation work, EO Dharma Reddy clarified that both the sites did not come under the ambit of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’s guidelines. “As the caretaker, the TTD has planned extensive renovations for the two Mandapams with focus on traditional architecture and style to retain its aesthetics.”

Meanwhile, the board has warned of legal action against those carrying out “misinformation” campaign against the TTD, stating that reconstruction is being done for the selfless cause and to preserve the heritage as well as safety of the pilgrims.