Chinna Jeeyar Swami, an influential seer in Telugu states, had announced on Tuesday that he will undertake a yatra from 17 January visiting the temples that were targeted in the recent months, reports Deccan Chronicle.

Chinna Jeeyar demanded fair investigation and severe punishment to the people responsible for the attacks on temples in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference, he lamented that the whole world would have reacted if any mosque or a church was attacked but none is bothered about continuous attacks on temples.

The seer said that there is a limit to tolerance and that he cannot remain silent when the very existence of temples is under threat.

He opined that this issue must not be seen as a political one. He appealed to the government and society to respond by increasing protection to temples.

The Vaishnavite guru announced that he will hold meetings with village elders, fellow Hindu gurus and other temple associates to formulate a future plan of action to protect the temples.

Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami belongs to a line of monks who are followers of the 11th century guru Sri Ramanujacharya.

The 64-year-old guru is known for his spiritual and cultural activities, particularly among the Telugu people. He is regarded as the spiritual guru of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and many renowned industrialists of Hyderabad.