Elected representatives from Karnataka to be allowed to participate in first arathi at Tirupati
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that elected representatives and senior officials from the state will now be permitted to participate in the first daily arathi at the Tirupati temple. This change aims to streamline protocol for visiting dignitaries who previously faced difficulties during their visits.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the intersection of political protocol and religious practice, reflecting the influence of state leadership on temple administration policies.
The State government will issue an order allowing elected representatives, officials and VIPs from Karnataka to participate, as per protocol, in the first arathi offered daily to Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday.
“The first arathi to Lord Venkateswara is performed on behalf of Karnataka. Currently, only the Chief Minister (of Karnataka) is entitled to participate in the pooja at the inner entrance of the temple. Karnataka’s Special Officer takes the arathi,” he said during the foundation-laying ceremony for the Shanmukha Subramanya Swamy Temple here.
“I have asked officials to issue an order allowing Ministers, legislators, judges, senior officials and others representing the Karnataka Government and visiting Tirumala to take the arathi,” he added.
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