Karnataka opens first arathi at Tirupati to all state representatives, not just CM

In a significant decision, the Karnataka government will now allow elected representatives, officials, and VIPs from the state to participate in the first arathi offered daily to Lord Venkateswara at the Tirupati temple. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made the announcement on Sunday during the foundation-laying ceremony for the Shanmukha Subramanya Swamy Temple.

Currently, only the Chief Minister of Karnataka is entitled to participate in the pooja at the inner entrance of the temple, with the state's Special Officer performing the arathi on behalf of Karnataka. The new order will extend this privilege to Ministers, legislators, judges, senior officials, and others representing the Karnataka government while visiting Tirumala.

Chief Minister Shivakumar noted that many legislators had previously returned without getting darshan, and this decision will allow them to take the arathi. "Those serving the State have been allowed to pray to the Lord. This is an important announcement of my tenure," he said.

Shivakumar also recalled that Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati is his family deity, but he had not visited the temple until recently since his release from jail. The order is expected to be issued soon, formalising the new protocol.