New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Sunday began his 11-day ‘Prayaschittha Deeksha’ after performing puja at Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Nambur in Guntur. While talking to reports present there he said, “As I undertake this 11-day penance ritual, I apologize to Lord Venkateswara. We shouldn’t remain silent when Hindu temples are desecrated. If this happened in mosques or churches, the nation would erupt.”
11-day penance to propitiate Lord Venkateswara
Kalyan in a post on X on Saturday said that he would undertake the 11-day penance to propitiate Lord Venkateswara over the alleged use of animal fats in Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP regime.
In his post, he expressed that he is deeply hurt on a personal level by the malicious attempts to contaminate the prasad of Sri Tirupati Balaji Dham. He emphasized that this sacred place is central to their culture, faith, belief, and devotion. He also conveyed a sense of betrayal, stating that he feels cheated from within. He will go to Tirupati on October 1 and 2 to have a personal darshan of the lord and beg for forgiveness only then his atonement initiation will be completed.
Over 220 temples destroyed during YSRCP regime
He also alleged that 229 temples were destroyed during the tenure of Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said strict action will be taken in this regard. Kalyan also questioned what TTD board did in the past five years as it is the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.
Earlier this week, the ruling TDP alleged the use of animal fats including beef tallow, pig lard and fish oil in the prasadam laddus at Tirupati temple. This created a massive controversy in the country. Meanwhile, former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday saying that attempts were being made to irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity and reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
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