Latest news with #Annaprasadam


Hans India
6 days ago
- 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.


Hans India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Prime Minister Modi's Amaravati visit to boost development momentum
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for a successful reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to the state on May 2, which marks the restart of work on Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Naidu emphasised that Amaravati represents the pride and self-respect of the Telugu people, urging political leaders to ensure no inconvenience is caused to the public attending the event. The Chief Minister also conducted a teleconference with NDA leaders on Monday to discuss the strategic planning for Modi's visit and the capital's development. Amaravati as a symbol of pride for Andhra Pradesh Naidu outlined the importance of Amaravati, asserting that just as a family requires a good home, the state needs a proud capital to showcase its development. He explained that the central government's decentralised development strategy led to the establishment of educational institutions across North Andhra, Coastal Andhra, and Rayalaseema since 2014. This approach aims to ensure equal development across the state. Drawing comparisons with other states, he highlighted that significant income comes from Hyderabad (Telangana), Bengaluru (Karnataka), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and that a prosperous capital would similarly boost Andhra Pradesh's revenue. 'Amaravati is the soul of the state,' Naidu added. Opposition attempts to mislead the public The Chief Minister addressed concerns over opposition groups attempting to mislead the public about the capital project. He reiterated that farmers voluntarily gave up their land for the capital, and in return, the government is developing residential and commercial plots for them. 'We are involving farmers as stakeholders in this development,' he stated. The establishment of industries would provide ample job opportunities for the youth, while enhanced infrastructure would strengthen the economy. However, Naidu warned of conspiratorial forces spreading misinformation, urging leaders to keep the public informed and focus on the government's achievements, ensuring that welfare and development programs continue. Progressing with promises Naidu highlighted the government's progress within just 10 months of taking office, fulfilling several election promises. This includes funds for the Polavaram project, the sanctioning of a railway zone for Visakhapatnam, and an allocation of ₹11,400 crore by the central government for a steel plant. Job creation for youth is a key goal, with industrial parks under development and numerous welfare schemes in progress. These include support for fishermen, SC categorisation, Annaprasadam schemes, pensions, and the release of notifications for 16,347 teaching posts. Rayalaseema as a logistics hub Naidu further revealed plans for industrial parks across 42 constituencies in the state, aiming for a "One Family, One Entrepreneur" model. The development of the Rayalaseema steel plant and enhanced infrastructure in the region, including highways and airports connecting to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, would position it as a logistics hub. The government also plans to develop Visakhapatnam as the financial capital and Tirupati as a spiritual city. Investments from ArcelorMittal in Anakapalli and Erain-Ko Ramayapatnam will bring significant capital to the region, with two steel plants set to create a new record in steel production. "We are committed to developing Rayalaseema into a hub for defence, electronics, automotive, drones, satellite launching, and green energy sectors," Naidu stated. The teleconference included key leaders from TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP, all of whom discussed the strategic roadmap for the state's progress.