Latest news with #SrivariHundi
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Tirumala's Divine Audit: The Spiritual Significance Of Hundi, Koluvu Rituals
Last Updated: At Tirumala, the hundi is opened and counted daily in a ritual called Koluvu Seva, symbolizing Lord Venkateswara's debt repayment to Kubera, emphasizing divine accountability. In most temples across India, offerings placed in the hundi (donation box) are counted weekly or monthly. But at Tirumala, the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara, a divine practice of daily accountability sets this temple apart — the hundi is opened and counted every single day, in a spiritually significant ritual known as Koluvu Seva. This unique practice is not merely a matter of temple administration; it reflects a deeper spiritual philosophy of governance, responsibility, and divine transparency. The Myth Behind the Ritual: The Debt to Kubera As per ancient Hindu mythology, Lord Venkateswara borrowed 14 lakh Rammudra coins from Kubera, the god of wealth, to fund his celestial wedding with Goddess Padmavati. The divine transaction was witnessed by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. The Lord promised to repay this loan himself — a vow that is believed to continue even today, through the offerings of his devotees. Each day, the presentation of the hundi income is treated as a symbolic repayment of this sacred debt. This daily act is a reminder of the value of keeping one's word, the sanctity of commitments, and the importance of financial and spiritual integrity. Koluvu Seva: The Ritual of Divine Accountability Performed every morning following the main Suprabhata Seva, the Koluvu Seva is held at the Koluvu Mantapam, near the Bangaru Vakili (Golden Entrance) inside the sanctum complex. In this ritual, Lord Venkateswara is revered as Kubera Srinivasa, seated like a king overseeing the temple's operations. The Panchangam (Hindu almanac) for the day is first recited. Then, priests present a detailed report of the previous day's hundi income, temple expenses, and offerings made by devotees. Significantly, this information is not submitted to human administrators but offered directly to the deity — in a format reminiscent of a royal court briefing. The Koluvu Seva is not open to the public, but it remains one of the most spiritually symbolic daily services, blending devotion with governance. Hundi: A Sacred Channel of Devotion and Dharma Known as the Srivari Hundi or Srivari Koppera, this donation box is more than just a collection vessel — it represents a sacred channel for the devotees' faith, gratitude, vows, and sacrifices. Many devotees observe vows such as 'Niluvu Dopidi", wherein they donate all their possessions — money, jewellery, or gold — as an act of surrender or in fulfillment of a prayer. Offerings range from coins and currency to gold, silver, and other valuables. On average, the Tirumala temple collects between Rs 3 crore to Rs 4 crore in donations every day, with 12 to 14 hundis being filled daily. This reflects not only the unwavering devotion of millions but also the temple's commitment to meticulous, transparent financial management. A Model of Sacred Governance The Koluvu ritual is a rare and profound example of spiritual governance — where divine accountability is practiced as a daily ritual. By symbolically presenting the temple's income to Kubera each day, Tirumala sends a powerful message: devotion must be accompanied by discipline, transparency, and integrity. In a world often detached from ethical accountability, Tirumala's daily divine audit serves as a timeless lesson in responsibility — to God, to society, and to one's own conscience. First Published: June 11, 2025, 22:07 IST
Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Huge Rush of Devotees at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been experiencing an unprecedented influx of devotees over the past 10-15 days, coinciding with the summer holidays. On Sunday morning, all compartments for darshan were filled to capacity, with countless devotees queuing outside to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, revered as the living deity of Kaliyuga. Currently, the wait time for darshan has reached a staggering 20 hours. On Saturday, a record 88,257 devotees had the opportunity to view Srivari, and 45,068 of them performed the traditional head tonsure as an offering. TTD officials reported that the income from the Srivari Hundi yesterday amounted to Rs. 3.68 crores. As the summer holidays draw to a close and monsoon rains begin to recede, TTD officials anticipate that the surge of visitors will persist for at least another week. In response to the growing crowds, TTD is making the necessary arrangements to ensure the comfort and safety of devotees. Additionally, in light of recent incidents involving tigers roaming near footpaths and roads, TTD, along with forest and police authorities, is taking measures to ensure the safety of all visitors.
News18
25-04-2025
- Business
- News18
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
