February 24 is the birthday of Tirupati, says MLA Karunakar Reddy

‘Sri Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanujacharya had laid the stone for the city in 1130’

The temple city of Tirupati is all set to celebrate its birthday on February 24, going by the historical references to its formation on this day in the year 1130.

It was on this day 891 years ago that the Sri Vaishnavite philosopher, Bhagawad Ramanujacharya, had formally laid the foundation stone to develop the city, said Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy.

Addressing the media here on Sunday, Mr. Karunakar Reddy said historical evidences were available to corroborate that fact.

“Ramanujacharya, who professed equality, was instrumental in forming the city around the Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple. Between the 11 th and 12t h century, he had formed the Agraharas in the four Mada streets around the temple for the Brahmin priests to live. The other localities had been formed in the subsequent stages near the temple to form one of the world-famous and iconic Hindu shrines in India,” Mr. Karunakar Reddy said, citing inscriptions found in the Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple.

Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) Mayor R. Sireesha said the city’s birthday would be celebrated every year.

Paying tributes to the deity of Sri Ramanuja situated inside the Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple complex and a grand procession by the people on the four streets encircling the temple will mark the celebrations.