The closure of the Tirumala Temple for 12 years is a subject of some debate and folklore, with different accounts offering various reasons. Here are the main narratives:
Legends:
- Curse of a Saint: One story claims that a saint was angered by the then-ruling king, who had committed an injustice. The saint cursed the temple, causing it to close for 12 years until the king atoned for his sins.
- Temple Theft: Another legend suggests that the temple's head priest was robbed of the deity's jewels. With the theft unsolved and the temple considered "impure," it was closed for 12 years until the situation was rectified.
- Priest Succession: A less dramatic belief attributes the closure to the death of the head priest. His son was too young to assume the duties, so the temple remained closed for 12 years until he was old enough to be ordained.
Historical Records:
- Financial Difficulties: Some historical records hint at financial challenges as the reason for the closure. The temple may have been looted by invaders, leaving it unable to operate properly for a period.
- Renovations and Repairs: Another possibility is that the temple underwent extensive renovations or repairs, necessitating its closure for 12 years.
Important Points to Note:
Exact Timeframe: There is no definitive agreement on the specific timeframe of the closure, with estimates ranging from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Lack of Concrete Evidence: None of the narratives have conclusive historical evidence to support them.
Open Interpretation: The lack of certainty adds to the mystique and spiritual significance of the temple's history.
Ultimately, the reason for the 12-year closure of the Tirumala Temple remains a mystery, open to interpretation and speculation. Whether you choose to believe the legends or accept the possibility of practical reasons, the story underscores the temple's long and fascinating history.
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