Sr TTD Priest dies of Covid-19

Since a week or so, the Covid-19 has been creating panic at temple town of AP, Tirupathi and Tirumala. Most importantly it’s the temple priests that have fallen for the virus and out of the 50 odd priests, 18 of them have tested positive of the virus.

On Monday, 75 years old former prime priest Srinivasa Murthy Dikshithulu has passed away while getting treated. Srinivasa Murthy served as the prime priest for nearly two decades and was highly respected. After testing positive, he was shifted to Srinivasam complex wherein TTD arranged isolation ward. On the wee hours of Monday, Srinivasa Murthy breathed his last.

The last rituals of any priest who dies should be performed as per temple norms. But due to the prevailing situation, this ritual may not be performed and also his body may not be returned to his family members, said a few TTD officials.

In this view of the first Covid-19 death in TTD, the panel has made unprecedented arrangements for other priests who are undergoing treatment. They are being given quality and protein rich food.