25-04-2025
As Gold Prices Soar, TTD's Massive Yellow Metal Reserve Now Valued Over Rs 11,000 Crore
Since the launch of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) in 2015, TTD has been depositing this gold in long-term schemes earning 2.5 per cent annual interest.
Gold prices have surged to record highs — but have you ever wondered how much the gold stored by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is worth today? Nestled in the spiritual heart of the seven hills, Ananda Nilayam, the divine abode of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, attracts over 2 crore devotees annually. From across India and the world, pilgrims offer not only prayers but also generous donations at Srivari Hundi — ranging from coins and currency to silver, and significantly, gold.
TTD receives between 800 and 1,000 kg of gold every year through Hundi offerings. Many devotees, in a gesture of surrender and faith, place entire sets of personal ornaments in the hundi. This donated gold is melted, purified, converted into gold biscuits, and then deposited into public sector banks.
Since the launch of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) by the Central Government in 2015, TTD has been depositing this gold in long-term schemes earning 2.5 per cent annual interest. In FY 2023–24 alone, 1,031 kg of gold was deposited. As of 2024, the total deposited gold stood at 11,329 kg—making TTD one of the largest institutional contributors to the GMS, primarily via State Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank.
On April 25, 2025, the price of gold in India reached Rs 98,240 per 10 grams (or Rs 98.24 lakh per kilogram). Based on this rate, the current value of TTD's deposited gold is an astounding Rs 11,129 crore. With an interest rate of 2.5 per cent, TTD earns approximately Rs 278 crore annually – just from interest on gold.
Devotees of Tirumala offer gold ornaments in the form of gifts to Lord Venkateswara. From gold coins to small ornaments, they put them in the hundi. Ordinary devotees offer gold in the hundi as per their wishes. During the hundi calculation at Parakamani, the gold is separated and stored in a special locker. The stored items are taken to the Treasury Department in Tirupati at a fixed time and their quality is checked by an appraiser. After that, the gold is melted, converted into biscuits and deposited in banks. Thus, by 2024, the deposited gold is 11,329 kg.
But that's not all.
In addition to the deposited gold, around 500 kg of gold remains in ornamental form, adorning deities in daily rituals and major festivals. These ornaments — worn by Sri Venkateswara and his Utsava Murthys — are estimated to be worth over Rs 400-450 crore.
Usually, devotees who offer large amounts of gold ornaments first contact TTD. They tell them that they want to offer them to the Lord and the ceremonial idols. TTD gives instructions on the dimensions, shape, rubies, vajravaiduryas and ornaments to be used for making the gold ornaments. In this way, the devotees get the gold ornaments made in accordance with the instructions given by TTD and offer them to the Lord. Thus, the golden feet of the Lord, Surya Katari, Nandakam, Srivari Abhaya, Katihasthalas, ornaments, golden crown, cooking crown, green garland, and many other ornaments were offered to the Lord. Every piece is meticulously crafted, with devotees often reaching out to TTD for specifications regarding dimensions, gemstones, and design before offering them as divine gifts.
One such recent offering came from Tejaswi, granddaughter of former TTD Chairman DK Adhikeshava Naidu, who donated a rare Vyjayanti Mala. A total of four garlands were made, valued at over Rs 2 crore, and offered to the Utsava Murthys of Sridevi and Bhudevi.
In total, TTD holds thousands of kilograms of gold, either as bank deposits or temple ornaments. With the recent 30 per cent surge in gold prices, the value of TTD's gold reserves has risen from Rs 8,500 crore in April 2024 to over Rs 11,129 crore in April 2025.
In the world of faith and finance, Sri Venkateswara's treasury is not just a symbol of devotion — it's a golden asset that grows with time.
First Published:
April 25, 2025, 15:15 IST
