Latest news with #Annaprasadam
Hans India
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TTD refutes Bhumana's allegations on temple practices
Tirupati: Reacting sharply to allegations made by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) former chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy on Friday, the TTD issued a firm denial, stating that his accusations were completely false and lacked any factual basis. In a strongly worded statement, the TTD condemned Karunakar Reddy;s remarks, terming them as an unjustified attempt to tarnish the reputation of the revered religious institution. Addressing allegations related to Vedic traditions, the TTD clarified that far from diminishing the role of Vedic recitation in the temple, the institution has, over the past year, taken multiple steps to enhance and stabilise these practices. 'It is completely untrue to say that there is any attempt to undermine generations of Vedic recitation,' the statement read. The TTD highlighted that the divine chant 'Om Namo Venkatesaya' has been prominently broadcast across the temple premises, including footpaths, queue lines, and service areas. Countering claims that temple priests were not being treated with respect, the TTD reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of priests and Vedic students, stating that several initiatives were underway to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Responding to accusations about notices issued to various religious mutts in Tirumala, the TTD clarified that such actions were purely in line with court directives. Specific notices were served only to those institutions, including Visakha Sharada Peetham, that had encroached upon land beyond their allotted areas. The TTD further pointed to reforms undertaken over the past year aimed at streamlining darshan services and enhancing the pilgrim experience. These included scientific queue management, the addition of 22 food counters, and the distribution of free Annaprasadam, beverages, and snacks. Notably, the institution is also working towards implementing Artificial Intelligence-based darshan management systems. On the issue of transparency, especially following the 2023 Parakamani scandal, the TTD emphasised that a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) and an armoured security system were now in place to restore trust. Under this everyone entering Parakamani will have to undergo security checks and thorough scrutiny. 'With over 90 per cent of devotees expressing satisfaction through multiple feedback channels, it is inappropriate for a former Chairman to level false charges,' the TTD said, urging public figures to verify facts before making allegations.
Hans India
02-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Record number of pilgrims had darshan on May 31
Tirumala: In a record of its sorts in the last one decade, TTD has provided comfortable and hassle free darshan for 95,080 devotees on Sunday. The hill temple has been witnessing the swarm of pilgrims especially since mid of May. With day and night efforts of various TTD departments, darshan was provided to record number of devotees even on Thursdays and Fridays in the second half of May. As per the instructions of TTD higher authorities and under continuous monitoring of the heads of various departments, distribution of Annaprasdam, water, milk have been carried out with the help of Srivari Sevaks and security wing. When compared to May 2024, this year more than 55,000 devotees had darshan additionally, taking the total figure to 23,79,252 as against 23,23,493 during last year. The total number of devotees, who have darshan crossed 95,000 mark on Sunday, May 31. Similarly, Annaprasadam servings have set a new record with highest servings ever, taking the figure to 1.33 crore in May 2025 as against 71 lakhs in 2024. While the numbers of tonsures stood and number of laddus being sold this May also topped against the figures of May last.
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Heavy summer rush at Tirumala
Tirumala: Tirumala has experienced a significant surge in pilgrim numbers over the past week. In response, the TTD has implemented extensive arrangements for Annaprasadam and drinking water for devotees waiting in Vaikuntham compartments, NG sheds, and external queue lines. Srivari Seva volunteers have been instrumental in providing these services. Throughout May, Annaprasadam wing has served over 51 lakh devotees across all its centers, compartments, and outside lines. This includes 20 lakh servings each of snacks and beverages in external queue lines and NG Sheds. Particularly since May 17, daily distributions have averaged over 90,000 servings of snacks and beverages and 2.5 lakh servings of Annaprasadam in NG sheds and outside lines. On May 24 alone, 93,950 devotees received Annaprasadam in MTVAC, 2.72 lakh servings were provided in outside lines and Vaikuntham, and 1.17 lakh beverages were distributed. The Health Wing is ensuring a continuous supply of water and maintaining cleanliness across the premises. All 2,150 sanitary workers, supervisors, health maistries, and inspectors are diligently carrying out their duties. Approximately 3,000 Srivari Sevaks are working around the clock, offering services in various areas including Annaprasadam, Health, Vaikuntham, Laddu and coconut stalls, and within the temple. Notably, around 800 Sevaks are exclusively dedicated to providing Annaprasadam, milk, and water to devotees in Vaikuntham, NG Sheds, and external lines. The Vigilance and Security wing, in collaboration with the TTD Temple Wing, has efficiently managed queue lines, facilitating darshan for a record number of devotees. In the last three days, around 2.4 lakh devotees had darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, with 90,211 pilgrims on Saturday alone.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Plans Rs 10 Crore Temple Development
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board approved a plan to raise forest cover on the Tirumala hills from 68.14 per cent to 80 per cent. Acting on instructions from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the board sanctioned ₹4 crore for the Forest Department, to be released in three equal installments of Rs 1.13 crore in 2026-27 and 2027-28, and Rs 1.74 crore in 2025-26. The board called for technical and financial bids from architectural consultants to draft a master plan covering six temple sites: Tiruchanoor, Amaravati, Narayanavanam, Kapilatheertham, Nagalapuram and Vontimitta. The plan will guide infrastructure upgrades, visitor amenities and environmental safeguards around each shrine. All rest houses in Tirumala have been renamed after presiding deities except two, whose donors have not yet agreed. The board directed TTD officials to assign new names to these properties, and to negotiate with the Indian Army for renaming of Sainik Niwas. A resolution was passed to reassign non-religious staff via transfers or voluntary retirement under a VRS framework. The move aims to streamline operations and align employee roles with TTD's core religious functions. In response to security concerns, the board approved acquisition of anti-drone systems for the Tirumala temple complex. The measure follows recent reports of unauthorized aerial activity near the hill shrine. Devotee services will expand at Vontimitta, where Annaprasadam distribution is set to increase. Separately, TTD will earmark Rs 10 crore for development of the Sridevi and Bhudevi Sameta Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Anantavaram, Tullur mandal. Legal proceedings will be initiated against the DD Next Level film crew for remixing the Govinda Namavali without permission. The board cited violation of devotees' religious sentiments. The board set license fees for Big Canteens and Janatha Canteens in Tirumala, and opened the bidding to qualified institutions to manage food services. To improve pilgrim access at Akashaganga and Papavinasanam, the board instructed officials to draft a blueprint for enhanced spiritual, environmental and infrastructure facilities in these high-traffic areas. SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital will receive an additional Rs 71 crore per year on top of its current ₹60 crore grant. The board also authorized recruitment of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, completion of ongoing construction, and the launch of a voluntary Srivari Vaidya Seva program to bring medical experts into patient care.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Annaprasadam trust receives 1.5 crore donation
Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Annaprasadam trust received a donation of 1.5 crore on Sunday. Yateesh Surineni, chairman of Bengaluru-based Suyug Ventures, met TTD chairman BR Naidu at the latter's camp office at Tirumala and formally handed over the donation in the form of a cheque. BR Naidu thanked the chairman for his donation and asserted that the donation will further strengthen TTD's efforts in providing top quality free food to devotees visiting Tirumala. Meanwhile, despite the onset of the summer vacations across the country, Tirumala is witnessing a significant drop in footfalls when compared to previous years. The footfall has not touched the one-lakh mark even once this year and the cancellation of VIP break darshan to facilitate darshan for more devotees has also not helped increase the influx to Tirumala this summer. As of Saturday, about 84,113 pilgrims had darshan at the Tirumala temple and on Sunday, pilgrims were waiting in about 31 compartments at the Vaikuntam Q complex for darshan which was stretching up to 15 hours.
