Tirupati Temple's Former Head Archaka Succumbs To Covid-19, Darshan To Continue At The Hill Shrine

Less than a week after 15 priests of the Tirumala Tirupati temple tested positive for Coronavirus, former chief priest of the Tirupati Balaji temple succumbed to Covid-19 early this morning (20 July).

The 75- year old was being treated for Covid-19 at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) for the past three days, and as per reports was said to be suffering from kidney related ailments apart form being a diabetic.

Srinivasa Murthy had served as the chief priest for two decades until he was forced to retire along with three other priests from these families in 2018 by the then Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board under the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government.

Given the protocol for burial/cremation of Covid-19 patients, the rituals of sending fire, sandalwood and other sacred items on an elephant to the residence of deceased priest may not be followed.

A total of 140 employees of the TTD have so far tested positive since the temple opened for devotees on 8 June. This includes four assistant archakas, 16 laddoo making staff, 56 security personnel.

The Tirumala Additional Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) had also written to the TTD officials two days ago asking for the closure of the temple for darshan. But the temple authorities had refused to give in to the demands for closure.

Arguing that no pilgrim has so far reported positive post the temple visit, they had continued with the darshan which saw around 12,000 devotees visiting the temple every day.

“Darshan will not be stopped although we may consider prohibiting devotees from containment zones and severely affected states,” the TTD had said last week, as reported.

Clarifying that the former priest was not on duty as he was relieved of his services last year, the TTD Chief has reportedly reiterated the the situation is being monitored and that ‘The temple would remain open for now,".

With inputs from IANS