HYDERABAD, INDIA: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the governing body managing the wealthy Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, has decided to gold-plate the entire Ananda Nilayam (the sanctum sanctorum inside the hill shrine) both inside and out. At present, only a portion of Ananda Nilayam is covered with gold.
Board Chairman D. K. Adikesavulu Naidu, announcing the plans, said that the cost is being estimated and will be made public soon. Offers of gold donations, as well as direct contributions, are already flowing in from devotees.
Responding to concerns that the project might endanger the rare lithographic treasures on the temple walls or might even violate the shastras (scriptures), Naidu said the TTD would consult Peetadhipatis (religious heads) and Agama Shastra pundits, taking their suggestions before commencing the work, and would then proceed with utmost care.