Chilkur temple priest Soundararajan dies at 90
HYDERABAD: M.V. Soundararajan, chief priest of the Chilkur Balaji Temple, died due to age-related ailments in Hyderabad.
He had been suffering from health issues for some time and breathed his last at his residence, family sources said.
Soundararajan served the Chilkur Balaji Temple for several decades and played a key role in overseeing its daily rituals and administrative functioning. The temple, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, draws thousands of devotees every week.
Temple known for unique practices
The Chilkur Balaji Temple is widely known for its tradition of devotees performing 11 and 108 pradakshinas while offering prayers. Soundararajan regularly explained the significance of these rituals and the distribution of prasadam to devotees.
Devotees recall that he interacted closely with visitors and clarified doubts about temple customs in a composed manner.
Funeral rites are expected to be held in Hyderabad. Temple authorities and devotees expressed grief over his demise.
