As attacks on Hindu temples intensify in Andhra Pradesh under the rule of Chief Minister YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy, Hindu spiritual leader Shri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy will start a yatra from January 17 to temples that were vandalized in the recent past.
From January 17, I will undertake a yatra to over 50 temples that were vandalised in Andhra Pradesh in the recent past: Seer Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy (05.01.2020) pic.twitter.com/ZU36KCVPs7
— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2021
Seer Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy decided to start this yatra to seek protection for Hindu religious places.
Addressing a press meet on Tuesday (January 6), the Hindu seer expressed his disappointment over the continued attacks on over 50 temples in recent months. He also said that in a temple in Singarayakonda, the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy idol was damaged and asked authorities to ensure that there will be no such attacks in the coming days.
He also demanded strict action against miscreants who vandalized the temples and sought a committee of intelligence department officials to conduct a transparent inquiry.
He also raised the issue of why the government has not installed CCTV cameras in temples despite orders and due to the security flaws and lack of security system, Hindu temples are now vulnerable to attacks.
400 years Old Ramatheertham Temple Near Nellimarla, Vizianagaram in #AndhraPradesh.
— 𝕵𝖊𝖊𝖛𝖆𝖓 𝕻𝖆𝖙𝖓𝖆𝖎𝖐 (@JeevanPatnaik2) January 3, 2021
The temple has an ancient idol of Lord Ram which was beheaded by miscreants on Tuesday morning.
Very sad. It's time for every Hindu to unite. #SaveHinduTemples #Ramatheertham pic.twitter.com/rCLVuaOzxc
In the press meet, Seer Chinna Jeeyar Swamy said that he will meet with local leaders to finalise future plan of action and added that he will be consulting with the village elders, Hindu religious leaders and temple associates.
Thread
— Sunil Deodhar (@Sunil_Deodhar) January 3, 2021
Despite y’day drama by @YSRCParty & @JaiTDP Netas
attacks on temples continue.
After #LordRamaidol, 40yr old Maa Sita Devi idol vandalised in Vijayawada today.
Size/type/age of idol is immaterial.
But why is it happening only with Hindus?#SaveTemplesInAndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/nAZUvPjQaY
The seer said that they can no longer remain silent when there is a threat to the very existence of temples and said if churches or mosques were attacked, there would be a worldwide condemnation and retaliation. He went on to add that he is appalled at the lukewarm reaction to temple attacks.
The Jeeyar Swami also objected to political parties involving themselves in religious matters and said he had nothing to do with politics and did not want to blame anyone, including the government for the attacks.
As per data released by the Andhra Pradesh DGP, about 228 cases of attacks on temples were registered in 2020. The number was 305 in 2019, 267 in 2018, 318 in 2017, 332 in 2016 and 290 in 2015.