Visit Tirumala as Devotees, Not as Tourists! If you visit Tirumala just because you have a few days off, you may find peace and joy, and that requires no special qualification. However, if you seek Sri Venkateswara Swami’s divine grace, then you must have the right qualification—Dharmaacharana (righteous conduct)!
One cannot expect divine blessings while continuing to live in unrighteousness. The Supreme Being (Paramatma) always stands for Dharma:
“Yato dharmah tato krishnah, yato krishnah tato jayah.”
(Where there is Dharma, there is Krishna; where there is Krishna, there is victory.) Dharma is an action that is universally beneficial. Only when actions are performed in accordance with Dharma, with a sense of surrender to the Divine, does Paramatma’s grace manifest fully.
Paramatma does not desire wealth, gold, or material offerings. Dear Devotees of Bhagavadgita, even a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, when offered with pure devotion and a sincere heart, is accepted by Him with love. However, if offered with arrogance and ego, He does not accept it.
In Chapter 12 of Bhagavadgita, Krishna describes the qualities a true devotee must possess. Likewise, in the Vishwaroopa Darshana Yoga (Chapter 11, Verses 54-55), He reveals the path to attaining Him.
These were the words of Dr. L.V. Gangadhara Sastry, singer, preacher, and propagator of Bhagavadgita, founder & chairman for Bhagavadgita Foundation. He delivered this speech at the grand “Sri Srinivasa Kalyana Mahotsavam” organized by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Venkatapalem, Amaravati, on March 15, 2025, under the leadership of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in the presence of hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Dr. Sastry urged, “If Sanatana Dharma is to remain strong, one must study, practice, and follow Bhagavadgita, which is described in the Mahabharata as the essence of all scriptures (Sarva Shastra Mayi). Mothers, teach your children one verse of Bhagavadgita each day. This will shape them into selfless and responsible citizens of Bharat. Bhagavadgita is not a religious text; it is a universal scripture of humanity, duty, and philosophy. Unlike the scriptures of specific religions, it does not belong to any one group—it is the eternal wisdom imparted by Lord Krishna, who declared Himself as the Supreme Being more than 5,000 years ago, for the welfare of all humanity. Let us learn Bhagavadgita, transform our lives, and spread its light in every household!”
On this occasion, Dr. Sastry made a heartfelt appeal to Sri Chandrababu Naidu on behalf of the Hindu community, stating:
“You have the capability to transform Andhra Pradesh into ‘Swarnandhra Pradesh’ (Golden Andhra Pradesh). We also believe that you alone can protect Sanatana Dharma. The Supreme Being who saved you in the Alipiri incident has given you a great responsibility—repay that divine debt!
To achieve this, please:
1. Introduce Bhagavadgita as a compulsory subject in schools from Grade 5, just like in Gujarat.
2. Enact laws to prevent religious conversions.
3. Along with Sri Venkateswara’s prasadam, gift Bhagavadgita with meaning and commentary to all pilgrims visiting Tirumala.
4. In your speeches, make it a habit to quote at least one Bhagavadgita verse at appropriate moments. We are ready to suggest verses that are universally acceptable and inoffensive to people of other faiths.
5. Ensure that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officially condemns anyone who insults Hindu deities or traditions. Those who do so must face strict legal action to safeguard Hindu Dharma.”
Following his speech, Dr. Sastry honored Sri Chandrababu Naidu with a Tulasi Mala and engaged in a brief conversation with him. He expressed his hope that, under Sri Chandrababu’s leadership, with divine blessings, Amaravati would be constructed as a glorious capital city, making Telugu people proud worldwide.
