Hyderabad
Former head priest of Chilkur Balaji temple, also known as Visa Balaji, Soundar Rajan (90) passed away on Friday due to age-related illness.
Mr. Soundar Rajan breathed his last at his residence in Chilkur, according to his son and present head priest Rangarajan.
Devotees recalled his dedication and service to the temple and also the way he fought with the governments over their control on temples.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over his demise, recalling that the late priest had earned a distinguished reputation as an academic and also spiritual recognition to the Balaji temple. Mr. Reddy conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family members and his well-wishers.
