Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, a few days ago, extended the Tirumala laddu ghee adulteration issue even to Srisailam during a public meeting.
Many were shocked as to why he would speak in a manner seen as sacrilege toward Lord Shiva’s shrine, especially without presenting any solid evidence.
Even if something had come to his notice, a responsible Chief Minister would have ordered an investigation first and taken legal action if necessary.
Making political statements targeting temple prasadam is seen as blasphemous, hurting public sentiments and the divinity of the shrine.
Soon after these remarks, developments at the Srisailam temple drew sharp attention. The shrine has exposed serious lapses in management under Chandrababu Naidu’s rule with regard to the crowd management.
The police resorted to lathi charge against Shiva Mala devotees., for the first time in the history of this temple. The devotees in Shiva Mala are considered pious and revered. But the police under Chandrababu's regime seems to be not holding such a sentiment.
Despite projecting himself as a visionary Chief Minister, Chandrababu is now facing criticism and the self proclaimed Sanathana Dharma Rakshak Pawan Kalyan is being questioned.
Shockingly, devotees who usually chant “Om Namah Shivaya” in the permises of Srisailam were heard raising slogans of “CM down down.”
Many devotees believe this itself is a powerful signal from Lord Shiva. Yes, how can Lord Shiva at Srisailam vent out his anger, other than through his devotees?
Regular worshippers say such incidents never occurred earlier at the Srisailam shrine.
Why did it happen now, and that too during Chandrababu Naidu’s rule, soon after he made remarks about the Srisailam laddu prasadam? Some ardent devotees even question whether a divine warning is at play.
Sabarimala in Kerala is a revered shrine where lakhs of devotees visit regularly, yet management there runs smoothly.
This raises questions about why the Andhra Pradesh government failed to manage Srisailam effectively, despite knowing the flow of Shiva Mala devotees.
The sacrilege done to divine elements is taken very seriously, and warnings often begin with incidents like this, which can be understood as Lord Shiva saying, “Hey CM, Don't use my shrine for your politics. You are being watched by me.”
Kiran Sharma