Former TTD priest death: Final rites performed as per Covid protocol

TIRUPATI: The final rites of Srinivasa Murthy Deekshitulu, the 75-year-old former chief priest of Tirumala temple who died due to Covid-19 coupled with other co-morbid ailments, were carried out on Monday evening.
Maintaining the ancient tradition of bidding traditional farewell to a hereditary priest, funeral materials including sandalwood sticks, fire (charcoal) and parivattam (piece of cloth to be tied to the head of the deceased) were carried in a procession from the Lord Venkateswara temple to Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple, where they were handed over to the his family members.The body was then cremated by civic body officials on the outskirts of the temple city following Covid-19 protocols.
As per ancient customs, when any serving or retired priest from the four hereditary priests’ families associated with the Tirumala temple passes away, temple honours along with funeral-related articles are sent to the deceased’s residence from the Tirumala temple.
“On the 14th day, specially cooked prasadams from the temple are sent to the residence of the deceased priest. Prasadams are also sent to his family members on his death anniversary every year,” said Tirumala temple chief priest Venugopala Deekshitulu.