HYDERABAD, INDIA, May 14, 2011: The Reddy brothers, Karnataka ministers and businessmen, on Saturday offered diamond-studded ornaments and gold-woven clothes to the famous Srikalahasti temple in Andhra Pradesh. Their offerings are estimated to be worth US$ 2.2 to 3.3 million.
Revenue Minister Gali Karunakara Reddy made the offerings in the presence of the temple priests and authorities after offering prayers at the shrine in Chittoor district. The offerings to the deity include a “vajra kireetam” (diamond crown) and a “bangaru cheera” (golden saree). The crown studded with about 800 diamonds was reportedly made in South Africa. The ornaments were made of an estimated 28.6 lbs. gold.
Talking to reporters outside the temple, Karunakara Reddy said they made the offering out of devotion.