TIRUPATI: In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh state endowments department has sacked Hathiramji Mutt Mahant, Arjun Das, from the post, based on recommendations from the Dharmika Parishad.
The Hathiramji Mutt had been administering the affairs of the revered Lord Venkateswara Temple for nearly a century before the formation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in 1933. It is currently embroiled in a controversy over alleged improprieties.
The state endowments department took action against Mahant Arjun Das, in the context of the unauthorized alienation of valuable properties belonging to the mutt. These properties, including prime lands in various parts of the country and valued at hundreds of crores, had come to the temple through donations from devotees over the past many years.
Following his dismissal, Arjun Das approached the high court. The court directed the state endowments department to consult the Dharmika Parishad and proceed with the matter.
Recognising the gravity of the irregularities at the mutt, the Dharmika Parishad supported the decision to remove Arjun Das from his role as the Mahant and recommended the appointment of a suitable successor.
Deputy chief minister (Endowments) Kottu Satyanarayana on Thursday shed light on an additional factor that contributed to Arjun Das's removal.
“Tradition dictates that the Hathiramji Mutt Mahant should be a sanyasi (celibate, renunciate). However, Arjun Das was not only married but also had children, something he skillfully attempted to conceal,” he said.
Until a suitable candidate is appointed, the state endowments department will oversee the management of the mutt and its affairs.
