Shirdi Sai Padukas Spark Controversy on Tirumala Hills

Around seven hundred Shirdi Sai devotees from Maharashtra brought Saibaba's padukas in a palanquin on to Tirumala Hills for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. TTD chairman Kanumuri Bapiraju accompanied by officials and archakas welcomed the Maharashtrian devotees and took the procession in to main temple.

This incident has sparked a new controversy at the pilgrim place. Some local devotees and TTD personnel raised objection to bringing the 'Sai Padukas' (symbolic footwear made out of silver) in to temple saying that it was against Vaisanakha Aagama Sastram and amounts to unholy act. Maharashtrian devotees contend that it is a regular practice for them to come to Tirupathi with Sai Padukas for darshan. TTD chairman also said that the incident has precedence and Sai Padukas were earlier welcomed several times at Tirupathi. However, nothing has been resolved so far regarding the incident, as the Head Jeeyar of Tirumala is yet to respond on the issue.
 

Video Source: tv9