Sri Rangaramanuja Pedda Jeeyar Swamy (86), the senior pontiff of the TTD temples passed away at Tirupati on Sunday after a brief illness.
A scholar in Divya Prabhandha, Pancharathragama and Upayuktha Veda Bhagas, he had the unique distinction of ascending the Peetham of TTD temples after serving the TTD in different capacities - Archana Kaikaryam in Tirumala temple, Divya Prabandham teacher in the S.V. Veda Pathasala followed by principalship for 18 years in the same college.
A native of Perur village near Tirupati, he took sanyasam (celibacy) on May 3, 1995 and became the TTD's Chinna Jeeyar.
He was anointed Pedda Jeeyar in February 2004.
It was only recently that he was conferred the title, “Srinivasa Seva Kainkarya Nirvahaka Sarvabhouma' at the Vedic Sammelan conducted at Tirupati by the TTD's Vedic University.
Hyderabad Special Correspondent adds: Chief Minister K. Rosaiah expressed shock and grief over Pedda Jeeyar Swamy's death. In a condolence message, he said the Swamiji ably guided both the archakas and the TTD management. T. Subbarami Reddy, MP and former TTD chairman, and Praja Rajyam party president and Tirupati legislator K. Chiranjeevi also grieved his death. Dr. Reddy recalled the Swami's dedicated services to the Lord and his efforts in maintaining Tirumala's sanctity.
