TTD board member objects to Shivakumar’s ‘Tirumala Nitya Harathi’ offer to Karnataka VIPs

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G. Bhanuprakash Reddy called the Karnataka CM’s announcement an ‘authoritative overreach’ made without consulting the TTD, and said the issue would go before the trust board on Tuesday

Updated - July 13, 2026 06:43 pm IST - TIRUPATI

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar offers prayers at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. File | Photo Credit: PTI

An offer by Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to provide ‘Tirumala Nitya Harathi Darshan’ to MLAs, public representatives, bureaucrats and judges from his State has raised eyebrows at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the custodian of the world’s largest Hindu temple.

The Harathi is offered to the presiding deity (Moolavirat) of Lord Venkateswara in the sanctum sanctorum in the presence of a very few Peethadhipathis, monks and special representatives, including the Special Officer representing the Maharaja of Mysore.

Mr. Shivakumar had announced that the government would extend the same privilege to the stakeholders in the government as per their protocol, and on a priority basis.

It is, however, not clear if the Karnataka government had held parleys with its counterparts in Andhra Pradesh before its Chief Minister made an announcement to this effect.

Responding to the statement, TTD Trust Board member G. Bhanuprakash Reddy condemned Mr. Shivakumar’s unilateral offer, made without consulting the TTD management, as an ‘authoritative overreach’.

“The Nitya Harathi is a privilege accorded by the TTD to the Maharaja of Mysore and subsequently his representatives, in view of the age-old bond shared between the two institutions and in reciprocation of their contribution and charities extended to Tirumala. It is a non-transferable honour and hence cannot be extended to anyone as recommended by the Karnataka government,” he told the media here on Monday (July 13, 2026).

He expressed concern that such a statement from the Chief Minister of a neighbouring State could trigger similar demands from other States.

Mr. Reddy, who is also the BJP State spokesperson, appealed to Mr. Shivakumar not to politicise the privileged honour and make Tirumala a sanctuary for politicians from his State.

The member said the issue would be taken up for discussion at the meeting of the TTD Trust Board on Tuesday.

Published - July 13, 2026 05:45 pm IST

Andhra Pradesh / Karnataka / Tirupati

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