Karnataka to Issue Protocol Order Allowing State Dignitaries to Attend First Aarti at Tirupati, Says CM D K Shivakumar
Bengaluru, July 12: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday announced that the State Government will issue a new protocol order enabling elected representatives, senior officials and other dignitaries from Karnataka to participate in the first aarti at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.
The announcement was made after the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Sri Shanmukha Subramanya Temple at Banashankari in Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar said the privilege associated with the first aarti at Tirupati has historically belonged to Karnataka, and the State Government would now formalise a protocol to ensure wider access for Karnataka’s public representatives and senior officials.
“The first aarti performed every day at Tirupati belongs to Karnataka. We will issue a government order so that elected representatives, government officials and other dignitaries from Karnataka can participate in the first aarti as per protocol,” the Chief Minister said.
Privilege to Be Extended Beyond the Chief Minister
Shivakumar said that until now, the privilege had effectively remained limited to the Chief Minister, while a designated Karnataka Government special officer stationed at Tirupati attended the ritual on a daily basis.
He said he has directed officials to prepare the necessary order so that ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), senior government officers, judges and other dignitaries representing Karnataka can also avail themselves of the opportunity whenever they visit Tirupati.
“Many MLAs and public representatives have visited Tirupati but returned without getting darshan. Now they will have an opportunity to stand before the deity and participate in the first aarti. Those serving the people of Karnataka should receive this opportunity to offer prayers,” he said.
Calling it one of the significant decisions of his tenure, Shivakumar said the initiative is intended to recognise the contribution of those serving the State.
Recalls Karnataka Trust at Tirupati
The Chief Minister also recalled that former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna had established a Karnataka Trust at Tirupati and had appointed him as its Chairman with the objective of constructing a major facility for devotees from Karnataka.
He said the project could not be completed because the tenure of the then government ended before the plans could be implemented.
“There is a seven-acre land parcel allotted during the Maharajas’ period. The intention was to develop it through the Karnataka Trust, but the work could not proceed after our government demitted office,” Shivakumar said.
He also said that after his release from jail, his family’s presiding deity had not been taken to Tirupati, and the thought of reviving Karnataka’s association with the shrine came to him during his recent visit.
Remarks on Spiritual Leader Dwarakanath
Speaking about spiritual leader Dwarakanath, Shivakumar said the long-standing aspiration of constructing a Subramanya Temple has now materialised.
“Dwarakanath had spoken about building a Subramanya Temple for many years. I had told him that the right time would come. That occasion has now arrived,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that Dwarakanath had once made a prediction about him, but refrained from revealing it.
“If I disclose what he predicted, it would become major news,” Shivakumar remarked.
‘Faith Has Many Forms, God Is One’
Quoting spiritual teachings, Shivakumar said humanity’s true dharma lies in righteousness and peace.
“Whatever the form of worship, devotion is one. Whatever the deed, loyalty is one. God is one, though known by many names,” he said.
He also recalled that scholar C V Shastri had introduced him to Dwarakanath when he was around 35 years old and said the spiritual leader had guided him for decades.
“If I narrate everything that has happened between us over the years, it would fill an entire history book,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Dwarakanath Never Bowed to Threats’
Shivakumar praised Dwarakanath for remaining steadfast despite criticism and repeated threats over the years.
He said even sections of the media had questioned whether Dwarakanath spoke on his behalf, but the spiritual leader never allowed such criticism or intimidation to deter him.
According to the Chief Minister, several former Karnataka Chief Ministers, including Devaraj Urs, S M Krishna, and Dharam Singh, had sought Dwarakanath’s guidance on various occasions.
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