NEW DELHI -- For centuries, the Venkateswara Temple has stood in the hill town of Tirumala, in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, protector of mankind. Now, the first declaration of its staggering wealth has rekindled a national debate over whether the temple and others like it should be doing more for the public good.






