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A few months back there is a lot of controversy going on regarding area managed by TTD (only 2 hills come under TTD, not 7 hills according to Gov GO) and the religious conversions at Tirumala. Now i think TTD is trying to clarify devotees abou these issues. Today i received a mail from TTD, here is the text of the mail.

TTD alleges that print and electronic media launched a misinformation campaign. I would say that media is right in this regard, it is just showing what is happening at TTD in the recent past, some times the electronic media becomes over enthusiastic and highlights some points, but the media is not base less.

The following email was sent to you from
executiveofficer_ttd [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] in

SUBJECT: An appeal to Devotees by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

MESSAGE: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati

(N.S: Please forward all your replies to
executiveofficer_ttd [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] in or eottd [at] ap [dot] nic [dot] in )

Dear Srivari Devotee,

We, along with millions of devotees of Sri Venkateswara, Devotees are deeply anguished over the misinformation campaign launched through print and electronic media in the recent past on the sacred Tirumala and its area. In the first instance we wish to assure you that every thing is in order at Tirumala and its sanctity is totally intact. Two main points are clarified in this letter itself for your immediate attention.

There is no change in the area being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams at Tirumala. This area was, is and will be a minimum area of 10.33 Sq. miles which was even upheld by the British Collectors. There is a hue and cry over the recently issued G.O.Ms.338, date 25-09-2005 which also speaks of 10.33 Sq miles along with the rights of TTD over the pathways of Tirumala and various Teerthas. In addition, this G.O depicts Tirumala as a place of worship. There was no hint of restricting of Tirumala area to two hills from seven hills. However, there is a lot of disbelief among the several devotees across the worlds on account of the misinformation campaign that the seven hills have been reduced to two hills. To dispel this fear the Hon’ble Minister for Endowments, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh on 21-7-2006 in the presence of H.H.Sri Visweswara Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt and
print and electronic media declared the Govt’s willingness to enlarge entire area of Venkatachala hill ranges into TTD’s control subject to clearance by Govt. of India as it is a reserve forest. TTD’s Specified Authority has already resolved to request the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to enlarge the area and a proposal has been sent to the Govt. to include the 322.68 km in Tirumala Township. Further, the Devasthanams have introduced certain norms to be followed by each and every employee in order to protect and propagate Hinduism. Accordingly, every employee should wear TTD Logo, and pronounce an oath before the Lord
Venkatswara declaring his/her faith in Lord Venkateswara/Hinduism. All employees should declare that they belong to Hinduism only and they will not encourage non-Hindu activities.

TTD with active co-operation of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh is taking all efforts to prevent the campaigning of other religions on Sacred Tirumala hills. No permission was/will be given for the construction of either church or mosque in the entire hill range of Venkatachalam. Recently TTD’s Specified Authority has recommended to Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to amend the law to declare canvassing of any religion other than Hinduism at Tirumala as a punishable offence with imprisonment and fine.

This message is being sent to you as you are one of the staunch devotees of Lord Venkateswara and we humbly request you to disseminate this information to your friends and relatives on the factual position to dispel their apprehensions.

In the service of the Lord Venkateswara

(A.P.V.Narayana Sarma,I.A.S.,)
Executive Officer,
Tirumala Tiupati Devasthanams, Tirupati

Note: I changed the email addresses to avoid sp@@@m