Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Welcomes People From Other Faiths To Join Hinduism, To Establish 'Proper System' For Initiation

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) pledged to establish a system for proper initiation into Hindu religion to welcome people from other faiths during a three-day conclave being held in Tirumala—Dharmika Sadas.

The announcement was made by TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakara Reddy who highlighted that Hindu Sanatana Dharma is the oldest religious faith in the world which guides humans to lead a righteous way of life.

"We welcome persons from other religious faiths who voluntarily come forward to practice the Hindu way of life," he said pointing out that Hinduism provides a way for humans to get free from the cycle of birth and death.

"As part of our chief mission to protect and propagate Hindu Sanatana Dharma, TTD will establish a system for proper initiation into Hindu religion at Tirumala," Reddy was quoted as saying by The Deccan Herald.

'Proper initiation' means training in Hindu rituals, traditions and practices. The programme is planned to begin at one of the world's richest Hindu temples, Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala.

On day one of the conclave, a Hindu pontiff had pitched for 'Ghar Wapsi' to bring back those who went to other faiths from the Hindu fold, followed by another seer urging TTD to stop conversions on the second day.

"Dharmic campaigns should also be done in the ancient temples of northern India. Devotees should strive to spread Hindu Sanatana Dharma by wearing Tilakam," Vijayendra Saraswathi said.

Taking the message of Hinduism to the masses, cow protection all over the world and unity among different sects of Hinduism were also discussed in the conclave.