Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer I.Y.R. Krishna Rao on Wednesday made it clear that there was no question of shifting the ‘Gollamandapam' from the existing place.
There had been contradictory reports regarding the ‘longevity' of the centuries old ‘Gollamandapam', situated right in front of the main temple of Lord Venkateswara, soon after the collapse of the Maha Rajagopuram at Sri Kalahasti. After the Sri Kalahasti incident, the TTD management had invited a committee comprising specialists in structural engineering and temple architecture to evaluate afresh the conditions of the hill temple and other temples and sub temples run by the TTD.
The committee consisting of retired professors of the Chennai-based IIT were already inspecting the TTD-run temples in the district.
Mr. Rao said that the TTD had no intention of meddling with the ‘mandapam' affairs. The expert committee members had been apprised of the fact that the ‘mandapam' would remain intact. But if the committee suggested any recommendations to further strengthen the ancient structure, the management would definitely pursue it with all its seriousness.
When asked about the recommendations regarding demolition of the ‘mandapam' in accordance to the Tirumala master plan envisaged at the widening of the mada streets, Mr. Rao emphatically stated, “I don't see any need for it at present.”
