Latest news with #TirumalaTirupatiDevasthanam
NDTV
22-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Tirupati Temples Board Draws Up Plans To Expand Global Footprint
Hyderabad: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has decided to expand the global footprint of reigning deity Lord Venkateswara by building Srivari temples in various countries. The decision -- marking a new chapter in the international outreach of Tirumala's spiritual legacy -- follows a directive from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The TTD Trust Board chairperson BR Naidu said an expert committee has already submitted its report on the matter. The TTD will now form a dedicated sub-committee to thoroughly review it. At a board meeting held today at Annamayya Bhavan, other decisions were also taken to enhance pilgrim services and administrative efficiency. A committee of experts will be formed to study the feasibility of building a Vaikuntam Queue Complex - 3 to address the increasing pilgrim flow in Tirumala. The proposed complex is expected to significantly improve crowd management and reduce waiting times for devotees. Plans are also on to establish rest centres (lounges) with comprehensive amenities in various locations across Tirumala to ensure pilgrim comfort. In a boost to devotional activities at other TTD-managed temples, the board approved Rs 4.35 crore for continuous Anna Prasadam (free meals) service at the Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple in Ontimitta. This will ensure that devotees visiting this historic temple receive uninterrupted free meals. The TTD has revised its funding structure for the construction of Srivari temples and Bhajan Mandirs under the Srivani Trust in SC, ST, and backward areas. The previous uniform grant of Rs 10 lakh will now be categorized into three tiers: Rs 10 lakh, Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 20 lakh, allowing for greater flexibility and support for temple construction in these communities. The TTD board also approved sending a recommendation to the government for the regularization of 142 contract drivers, following a verdict by the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Besides, the board plans to upgrade pilgrim pathways, enhance basic amenities including lighting, security, and spiritual ambience along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian routes. A Master Plan and Detailed Project Report for the in being prepared to further develop Silathoranam and Chakra Teertham in Tirumala. Strengthening Srivari Seva is another priority. Four new coordinator posts on a contract basis have been approved to bolster voluntary services for devotees. These include establishing a Cyber Security Lab to protect devotees from online scams, modernising Kalyanakatta, where devotees offer hair. There is a plan to streamline administration too. A new administrative building is being constructed in Tirumala to centralize all departments. The old, structurally weak buildings are being demolished. The birthplace of Annamayya, Tallapaka, is to be developed. 320 new temples will be provided with microphone sets worth Rs 79.82 lakh free of charge under the Samarasata Seva Foundation. As part of a Veda preservation initiative, Rs 2.16 crore has been sanctioned from TTD funds to provide unemployment allowance to unemployed Veda Parayanadarulu (reciters of Vedas) through the Endowments Department.
Hans India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Gaiety marks Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The annual 'Bonalu' festival was celebrated in Hyderabad on Sunday in a traditional manner with thousands of devotees participating in the festivities. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and state ministers were among prominent personalities who offered prayers at the Mahankali temples in the old city of Hyderabad. Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka and Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakati Srihari and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy offered silk robes to the deity on behalf of the state government at Simhavahini Mahankali temple at Lal Darwaza. The Deputy CM said they prayed for the development of the state and prosperity, and happiness for people. Former Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP MP K. Laxman, MLA D. Nagender, BRS MLC K. Kavitha, BJP leader Madhavi Latha, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairman B. R. Naidu, were among prominent personalities who offered prayers at Mahankali Temple Lal Darwaza, the historic Akkanna Madanna temple at Hari Bowli in Shah Ali Banda and other temples to the deity in different parts of the city. The festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess of power, Mahankali or Kali, is intended to ward off evil and usher in peace. Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy offered prayers at the Mahankali temple in Amberpet. Devotees, including a large number of women, queued up at the temples to offer Bonalu, which consists of cooked rice, jaggery, curd and turmeric water, carried in steel and clay pots on their heads. Declared as the state festival after the creation of Telangana state in 2014, Bonalu is being celebrated on a large scale with pomp and gaiety. Various government departments have made all necessary arrangements for the devotees visiting the temples, like drinking water, sanitation, roads and uninterrupted power supply. Police made elaborate security arrangements for the festival. About 1,200 policemen were deployed around the Lal Darwaza temple. The two-day festivities will conclude on Monday with 'Rangam', the oracle prediction at Akkanna Madanna temple, followed by a combined procession on a caparisoned elephant, carrying 'ghatam' of the goddess Mahankali. The procession will pass through the main thoroughfares of the old city, including historic Charminar, before reaching Delhi Darwaza Matha Temple near Musi River, where the ghatam will be immersed. Authorities ordered the closure of liquor shops, bars, restaurants and toddy outlets in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda Commissionerates in view of the festival. Bonalu is celebrated in parts of Hyderabad and Secunderabad during the Ashadam month. Also known as Ashada Jatra Utsavalu, it is celebrated on four Sundays in different places in the twin cities. Last Sunday, it was celebrated in Secunderabad, where Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made the offering. It is believed that the festival was first celebrated over 150 years ago following a major cholera outbreak. People believed that the epidemic was due to the anger of Mahankali and began offering Bonalu to placate her.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- The Hindu
TTD asks devotees to exercise caution on social media
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) on Friday cautioned devotees against a fake Facebook account created in the name of its Executive Officer. The account is reportedly being used to send suspicious messages, including requests for money, which the TTD denounced as a fraudulent and deceptive act by some miscreants. Further, the TTD has cautioned devotees against falling prey to such tactics and urged them to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages. Devotees are advised to stay away from fake accounts and report any suspicious activity to the TTD Vigilance Department at 9866898630 or toll-free number 1800 425 4141, a statement released by TTD said. To ensure authenticity, the TTD has reiterated that devotees should rely solely on information provided through its official website or its verified social media handles.
United News of India
15-07-2025
- General
- United News of India
TTD EO directs full-scale Annaprasadam distribution at Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy temple in Kadapa Dist
South Tirupati, July 14 (UNI) Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao today directed officials concerned to take necessary steps for full-scale distribution of Annaprasadam to devotees at the TTD-run Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta of Kadapa district. Rao, who conducted a review meeting here along with JEO Veerabrahmam and other officials, recalled that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, during his visit to Vontimitta for the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Kalyanotsavam on April 11, had instructed that Annaprasadam distribution should be organized at Vontimitta on the lines of Tirumala. In line with this directive, the EO instructed the concerned departments to initiate measures to ensure full-fledged food service for devotees. As an interim arrangement, German sheds are currently being used at the temple premises, he said from August onwards, coordinated efforts between the Engineering and Annaprasadam departments should ensure the full setup of Annaprasadam distribution facilities. The EO also directed officials to arrange for all necessary infrastructure, cooking equipment, and sufficient staff to manage the operations. UNI KNR SS
News18
09-07-2025
- News18
TTD Suspends Official For Attending Church Prayers, Cites Violation Of Hindu Code Of Conduct
Last Updated: In a statement on Tuesday, the TTD said Rajasekhar Babu was found participating in church prayers every Sunday, an act deemed to be in violation of the organisation's norms. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which oversees the administration of the revered Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh, has suspended Assistant Executive Officer A. Rajasekhar Babu for allegedly attending Christian prayer services in his hometown of Puttur, located in Tirupati district. In an official statement on Tuesday, the TTD said Rajasekhar Babu was found participating in church prayers every Sunday, an act deemed to be in violation of the organisation's norms. 'It is nothing but a violation of TTD norms as he has not followed the code of conduct of the TTD as an employee of the organisation, and has acted irresponsibly as an employee representing a Hindu religious organisation," the temple trust stated. Based on a detailed report submitted by its Vigilance Department and other evidence, the TTD said it had taken immediate disciplinary action under its rules and placed the official under suspension. This is not the first instance of action against employees for practising non-Hindu religious customs. In February, the TTD initiated disciplinary proceedings against 18 staff members, including six teachers, who were found participating in non-Hindu rituals. Among them were senior personnel such as a deputy executive officer, an assistant executive officer, and two electricians. Following the instructions of TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, all 18 employees were barred from involvement in temple-related religious duties and reassigned from postings at Tirumala or any other religious function. The disciplinary actions were based on violations of Rule 9 (vi) under Government Order No. 1060 issued by the Revenue Department (Endowments) on October 24, 1989, which mandates strict adherence to Hindu traditions by TTD staff. First Published: July 09, 2025, 08:22 IST
