CHAF'TER - I V

Management of Devotees Facilities

TTD has dedicated itself to serving pilgrims who visit Tirumala and Tirupati. It

provides facilities to make their pilgrimage a unique and rewarding spiritual

experience. It also works towards preserving the serenity and sanctity of the

sacred Tirumala-Tirupati area. Tirumala An elaborative spread of information on

Accommodation, Seva Management, Potu Management, Kalyan Katta Complex,

Annadanam and Helath areas are discussed in detail, as these are taken as

major areas of research in the study.

4.1. Connectivity:

Reaching Tirupati and Tirurnala: Necessary care and concern for providing

the facilities is taken by TTD, as approximately fifty thousand devotees on an

average reach Tirumala daily to have the Darshanam of Lord Venakateswara,

from different parts of the country by Air, Rail and Road upto Tirupati. Andhra

Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation runs Bus Services for the

convenience of passengers from the Airport, Railway station, Tirupati Bus stand

to Tirumala and back. On an average rate of a bus per minute is operated

between Tirupati to Tirumala Hills and back. Private vehicles exceeding 12

seating capacity are not allowed on Tirumala Ghat Roads. Train facilities are

available to various destinations like SecunderabadlHyderabad, Visakhapatnam,

Howrah, Varanasi, Kochi, Mumbai, Bellary, Madurai, Bangalore, Kanyakumari,

Chennai etc. There are also some trains going via Renigunta (which is located

about 12 KMs away from Tirupati) and Gudur (which is located about 90 K.M.s

from Tirupati) and many people alight in these two stations. For the convenience

of these devotees APSRTC is operating buses from these two railway stations to

Tirumala directly.

Rail cum Road & Road cum Rail Ticket (RCRT) facility is arranged for the

passengers going to Tirumala Hills and for the passengers leaving from Tirumala

Hills. Passengers can exchange their rail cum road tickets at S.V. Bus stand for

boarding the buses to go to Tirumala Hills. Likewise passengers can purchase

road cum rail tickets and board the bus without exchanging the tickets. In this

case tickets can be shown to the bus authorities for verification.

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Karnataka

State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Tamilnadu State Govt. are

running Luxury, Deluxe, Hi-tech and Volvo buses from important towns in Andhra

Predesh, Kamataka and Tamilnadu to Tirupati and Tirumala. Tirupati Traffic

Police have started prepaid taxi service from Tirupati Railway Station to Tirumala

and various pilgrim centres in Chittoor District for the service of Pilgrims. Vehicles

having more than 12 seater capacity are not allowed to Tirumala. The Ghat road

is closed between 12 midnight to 3a.m.For the convenience of devotees free bus

services are provided in between cottages, choultries, temples and other places

in Tirumala are provided at prescribed timings. In case of vehicle breakdowns on

the ghat roads, one can contact the Toll Gates either at Tirupati or at Tirumala. A

mechanic will be sent in a mobile van equipped with spares, to attend to the

problem for which charges are on a case-to-case basis.

TTD runs free buses from Tirupati Railway Station to Alipiri. Many pilgrims take a

vow to go on foot from Alipiri to Tirumala through foot path, which is of 3,350 foot

steps from Alipiri to Tirumala and the distance is 9 km. Drinking Water and toilets

are available all along the foot path. Pilgrims are provided free bath facilities at

Pilgrim Amenities Hall in Srinivasam Complex, Sri Govindarajaswamy Choultry,

and Bhudevi Complex, Tirupati. Luggage transport facility for these Pilgrims is

also provided at free of cost. Devotees can deposit their luggage at the Alipiri foot

path luggage centre and can collect same at luggage collection centre, Tirumala.

4.2. Accommodation:

l T D ensures that comfortable accommodation is provided to pilgrims at a

reasonable cost. It has constructed over 5000 cottages, few guest houses and

few Choultries both at Tirupati and Tirumala. TTD provides accommodation free

of cost to pilgrims who cannot afford to pay for their stay in Tirupati and Tirumala.

Further, to ease the demand for accommodation, TTD has built Public Amenities

Complexes at both Tirupati and Tirumala, which provide dormitory-type

accommodation with lockers, free of cost.

Immediately after reaching Tirupati Piligrims are advised to go to the nearest

Sudarshan Token counter and obtain the allotted darshan date and time. They

can plan their stay at Tirupati or Tirumala and visit local temples accordingly.

It will be difficult to get accommodation at Tirumala during weekends, festivals

and seasonal vacations. Pilgrims are advised to stay at Tirupati and go to

Tirumala according to the allotted darshan date and time.

Accommodation at Tirupati:

Pilgrims are provided with paid accommodation, free Choultries and dormitories

at Tirupati. They can choose free halls where luggage can be kept in the lockers,

sleep in the common hall and make use of common toilets and bath rooms. Such

accommodation is available at Srinivasam Complex, and Bhudevi Pilgrim

Amenities Complex. In Tirupati, pilgrims can also get free unfurnished rooms and

lockers in Sri Govindarajaswamy Choultry (I1 Choultry) near Railway Station.

Pilgrims can avail paid rooms at Srinivasam (560 rooms), Sri Govindarajaswamy

Choultry (222 rooms), Sri Kodandarama Swamy Choultry (206 rooms), Sri

Venkateswara Guest House (45 rooms), Alipiri Guest House (40 rooms) and Sri

Padmavathi Guest House (35 rooms). Facilities like catering, book stalls and

buses to go to Tirumala, Package tour buses, Banking etc., are available from

these places of accommodation. Sudarshan tokens for Darshan and Archana

Ananthara Darsan Tickets are also available under current booking on first come

first serve basis at Srinivasam complex. Once AAD seva ticket is obtained at this

counter it has to be shown at the next counter for allotment of accommodation at

Tirumala.

An ideal place for groups of piligrims is Bhudevi Pilgrim Amenities Complex.,

Alipiri which is a mega Pilgrim Amenities Complex with 3 spacious halls with

capacity of accommodation for nearly 3000 pilgrims at a time with free Lockers

facility, free toilets and bathrooms.

Accommodation at Tirumala

Devotees can reserve accommodation at Tirumala in three ways. (1) Advance

reservation at TTD lnforrnation Centres located in various places of the country

and In the District headquarters (2) By sending Demand Draft I Money Order and

(3) By Internet.

Devotees can reserve accommodation in advance at all lnforrnation Centres

located in district head quarters in the state including Vijayawada and

Rajahmundry atleast 30 days in advance. They can also reserve1 book

accommodation at the information centres located in Chennai, Bangalore,

Bhubaneswar, Pondicherry, Mumbai and Vellore. Devotees have to pay Rs.

1001- to reserve the accommodation. Availability of accommodation in advance

booking is displayed prominently at all TTD Information Centres. Once the

accommodation is reserved a slip will be given to them. Devotees have to show

the slip at ARP Counter, Central Reception Office, TTD, Tirumala. They will be

provided with accommodation at RBGH, Varahaswamy Guest House, Sapthagiri

Guest House etc.

Devotees can reserve for accommodation by sending Rs.1001- by Demand Draft

or Money Order in favour of Executive Officer, TTD, Tirupati and send it to the

Asst. Executive Officer (Reception), I Tirumala - 517 504 atleast one month in

advance. The confirmation slip will be sent by post to the party. The devotees are

requested to give one or lwo alternative dates if there is non-availability of

accommodation on the date requested by them. The devotees have to show the

confirmation slip at the ARP Counter, Central Reception Office, TTD, Tirumala. In

case, devotees have sent the DD but did not get the cottage allotment letter in

time they are requested to contact AEO (Reception), TTD, Tirumala, and in case

the confirmation slip is lost or forgotten, a proof of their cottage allotment or DD

may be shown at the counter for cottage allotment.

INTERNET BOOKING: The devotees can log onto www.ttdsevaonline.com

and go for accommodation. They can select the date and type of accommodation

required. The money can be paid by credit card. Credit cards, which are having

Citi Bank gateway only are accepted. Devotees can choose Rs. 1001- tariff

cottage and Rs. 7501 tariff cottage. Once the money is collected, official receipt

will be generated. The devotees have to get the printed receipt. They have to

show the receipt as well as proof of identity at the Internet Counter located at Sri

Padmavathi Guest House Sub-enquiry, Tirumala. They will be given original

cottage allotment slip. A quota of 100 rooms is given for advance resewation

under this category.

In total 665 rooms per day are allotted for advance reservation of

accommodation at Tirumala.

Pilgrims can also have accommodation by standing in the queue line in the

Central Reception Office (CRO). Free choultries, accommodation on payment of

Rs. 501-, Rs. 1001- is available for the pilgrims. All the family members need not

wait in the queue line for accommodation. The pilgrim has to pay the room tariff

and Rs. 2001- as Security Deposit and obtain a computerized cottage allotment

slip from the cottage allotment counter. Pilgrim has to go to the allotted cottage

area sub enquiry and show the allotment slip there. They will be given cottage

keys. The signature given in the register and also on the cottage allotment slip

should be tallied to get the caution deposit back. Otherwise, the Caution Deposit

will not be returned. Only 8 hours time is given to collect the caution deposit from

the time of vacation of the room. The room allotment is for 24 hours only.

Pilgrims seeking extension for further date, have to go to the Cottage Extension

Counter in CRO Office i.e., next to ARP Counter. In case accommodation is

available, extension will be given. There they have to pay additional rent. In case,

due to any problem pilgrim does not extend the cottage but stays for more than

24 hours, he has to pay additional rent at the time of vacation and show the

receipt at the cottage sub enquiry. At the time of cottage vacation pilgrims have

to check their luggage. They have to hand over the keys to the attender in the

guest house and see that the vacation is entered in the computer and noted on

the cottage slip given to them. They can show the slip in any of the Caution

Deposit Refund Counters (CRO, Rambagicha guest house, Sapthagiri choultries,

TBC, HVC, ANC, Opp to Padmavathi guest house, Sub enquiry) and obtain the

caution deposit. In case they fail to get the room vacation entered in the

computer and fail to note on the computer slip the caution deposit will not be

returned. It is advised that those pilgrims who have stayed for more than 24

hours have to first pay the extension amount at the respective counter, vacate

the room, get entered in the computer about room vacation, then show the slip

for caution deposit refund.lf those who vacate the room handing over the keys,

and do not claim the caution deposit within eight hours, the same will be credited

to Srivari Hundi without any intimation.

There are 625 free rooms in three choultries at Tirumala. Free rooms (Free

Accommodation) to the pilgrims will be allotted at the CRO. These free rooms can

accomodate nearly 10-15 pilgrims. There will be a fan and bath room in these

rooms. Pilgrims have to deposit Rs. 200 which will be returned after vacation of

the room. Besides, there are three Pilgrim Amenities Complexes I, II and Ill at

Tirumala. Each pilgrim amenities complex (PAC) can accommodate nearly 2500

pilgrims. Pilgrims can avail of lockers also at free of cost. There are 1000 lockers

in each PAC. Free toilet and bath room facilities are available round the clock.

Individual or large groups of pilgrims can make use of Pilgrim Amenities Complex

I, II and Ill.. They will be given mat and a blanket on payment of advance.

Pilgrims can have free tonsure 24 hours.

4.3. Vow Fulfilment - Facilities :

TTD has provided the following facilities to help the devotees to fulfil their vows in

Tirumala:

Walking up the Hills: Many pilgrims take the vow that they will come to Sri Vari

Darshan at Tirumala by walk, climbing the hills. TTD has constructed a footpath

from Alipiri to Tirumala. l l D provides the following facilities for pilgrims who walk

up the hills: Transportation of luggage, free of cost, to Tirumala. Pilgrims will be

given a token when they deposit their luggage at any of the choultries in Tirupati,

or at the Toll Gate in Alipiri. They can take delivery of their luggage at the Central

Reception Office Counter at Tirumala. The other facilities provided are drinking

water along the footpath, Toilets, Shelters at important points along the way for

resting, constant patrol by security forces to prevent pilgrims from being cheated

or robbed by unscrupulous elements, Relay of religious programmes through the

local broadcasting system, Twenty-four hour medical assistance all along the

route, Canteens to sell refreshments.

Kalyana Katta: The place where pilgrims fulfil their vow of tonsure is called

Kalyana Katta. Over 500 barbers, operating in three batches round the clock, are

available at Kalyana Katta, to perform tonsure. To reduce the waiting time for

tonsure during the peak season, over 100 addlional barbers are engaged. The

building is equipped with two big tonsure halls and two side balcony tonsure halls

with platforms to seat both the pilgrim and the barber. There are four waiting

compartments and a well-organised queue system. Tonsure is done free of cost

at Kalyana Katta. Antiseptics are mixed with water and applied to the head

before tonsuring to prevent skin-related and other diseases.Bathrooms, with

geysers for hot water, are provided for the pilgrims who have their heads

tonsured. A computerised system is in place to issue tokens for tonsure. There

are 16 mini Kalyana Kattas at important places in Tirumala which function from 6

am to 6 pm everyday, to perform tonsure for pilgrims staying in cottages and

guesthouses. The fee charged at these locations is Rs. 101-.The places at which

mini Kalyana Kattas are located are: Sri Venkateswara Guest House, N.G.G.H,

Sri Varahaswami Guest House, Ram Bagicha Guest House (RBGH)-I, RBGH-II,

RBGH-Ill, SPTC, MBC, TBC, SMC, ANC, HVC, Sri Padmavathi Guest House,

Mysore Choultry, Sapthagiri Satramulu and 1st N.C. Statistics of Kalyankatta

speaks out that on an average in an year forty lakhs blades are used for

tonsuring of eighty lakhs of devotees.

Angapradakshinam: Some pilgrims lie prostrate, and then roll around the

temple, chanting the Lord's name. It is performed in the Virnana Pradakshinarn,

one of the pathways around the temple. Everday 750 biometric tokens are

issued. Out of which, 375 each are for male and female devotees. Pilgrims who

wish to undertake the Angapradakshinam will have to bathe in the Swami

Pushkarini, and reach the Main Temple Complex by 0200 hrs (through a special

queue that starts from the PPC Sheds). Angapradakshinam is generally not

allowed during the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and also when there is

heavy influx of pilgrims.

Srivari Thulabharam: One of the most important vows taken to propitiate "Lord

Venkateswara" is to perform 'Thulabharam" i.e.donating various items such as

coins, sugar, rice, jaggery, sugar candy, rice, etc.to the equivalent weight of the

devotee. Tulabharam is generally perfomled for children. Pilgrims can weigh their

offerings in the temple complex. Piligrims now need not carry any of the above

articles. Once he reaches the Thulabaram counter at Mahadwaram as per his

time slot, there he can perform the Thulabharam as per his wish such as coins,

sugar, rice, jaggery, sugar candy and rice. The determined price equivalent to the

weight of the item will be collected from the piligrim and a receipt to this effect will

be issued by Indian Bank, at the counter. The coins can be deposited in the

temple hundi and other items can be handed over to the temple authorities

present. The queue for Tulabharam is the regular queue that starts from the

Vaikuntam Queue Complex or PC Queue Complex.

Niluvudopidi: Some devotees take the vow that if their wish is fulfilled they will

offer all the ornaments which they are wearing to Sri Varu. If that wish is fulfilled

they come to Tirurnala to fulfill their vow.

Other Facillties:

Some of the devotees take the vow of performing d i r e n t rituals like sankalpam,

namakarana, chaulam, upanayanam, marriage and pinda prasadam at Tirurnala.

TTD has organised a Purohit Sangham to help pilgrims conduct all the Vedic

rituals at Tirumala. There are 84 purohiis at the Purohit Sangham, Tirumala who

perform the above functions and pujas for pilgrims by collecting the prescribed

charges. Also there are 16 ear-boring acharles who work at the Ear Boring

Acharies Sangham.

4.4. DARSHAN:

Earlier pilgrims were finding it difficult to wait in the long queue lines for hours

and days together along with children and old people. In order to minimize

waiting time of the devotees in the queue compartments and reduce their

hardship, SudarshanlBiometric token was introduced by the TTD. The pilgrims

can now enter Vaikuntam Queue Complex-l at the given date and time and

complete Srivari darshan within two hours after entering the queue line.

'Sudarsanam', a bar coded wrist band token, is tied to the right hand wrist of a

pilgrim, providing reporting time and date of Srivari darshan to the piligrimss.

Now wrist band token is replaced with biometric token, where thumb impression

of the pilgrim along with digital photo is taken and a token is given with reporting

date and time of Srivari darshan. Pilgrim's thumb impresslon will be verified at

Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I. If it does not tally with the thumb impression given

at the counter, the pilgrim will not be allowed for darshan. Presently, biometric

tokens are issued for paid darshan in all counters located at Tirupati. For free

darshan, both biometric tokens and Sudarshanam tokens are issued. Slowly

wrist band system will be replaced by biometric system. Whenever power failure

or system failure occurs, Sudanhan tokens are issued instead of biometric

tokens. Free Sudarsanarn tokens are available at Tirupati only.

There are eight sudarsanam centres for issue of free and paid token in

Tirupati.Paid Sudarshanbiometric tokens are available for Rs. 50 (two laddus

free after darsan).

The l l ' D has introduced online Sudarsan-biometric tokens outside Tinrpati and

Tirumala. Pilgrims coming from far-off places need not wait at Tirupati for

darshan date and time slot for Srivari darshan. They can take biometric tokens at

their centres from 3 days to 60 days in advance. They can choose darshan date

and time subject to availability. Pilgrims who purchase darsan tickets on payment

of Rs. 50 will be given two laddus free.

ONLINE SUDARSHAN TOKEN CENTRES in other states are at Chennai (Tamil

Nadu), Pondicheny, Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Bangalore (Kamataka) and in

Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Visakhapatnam, Nellore,

Vijayawada, Anantapur, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, Warangal, Bhimavaram,

Kurnool, Srikakulam, Guntur, Mahaboob Nagar, Vijayanagaram, Machilipatnam,

Kakinada, Karirnnagar, Eluru, Adilabad, Ongole, Nalgonda, Chittoor, Sanga

Reddy (Medak) and Khammarn These counters are open from 10a.m. to 4-00

p.m. on all days including Sundays and Holidays.

In the next phase, online reservation of Accommodation and Arjitha sevas will be

introduced in the above Sudarsanam centres. Introduction of online Sudarsanam

tokens will enable the pilgrims to plan their pilgrimage including booking return

buslrail tickets, visiting of templeslreligious places en route etc.

Sarvadarsanam means 'darshan for all'. The timings for Sarvadarsanam are

different on different days of the week. On normal days, about 18 hours are

allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it is open for 20 hours. On an

average, around 50,000 pilgrims visit the main temple every day.

Special Darshan The entrance for Spcial Darshan is through the PPC (Queue

Complex). The queue merges with the Sarvadarsanam queue at Bangaruvakili.

Pilgrims who use this queue will have a shorter waiting time and the cost of the

ticket is Rs. 50 per head. The darshan timings are the same as that for

Sarvadananam.

Cellar Entry for NRls NRls visiting Srivari Temple, Tirumal can meet the

Assistant Executive Officer, Vaikuntam Queue Complex for darshan through

Cellar Entry, on production of their passport, visa or other documents for proof

identity of their family members and dependents.

Special Darshan for the Physically Disabled and the Aged People who are

mentally or physically challenged or terminally ill and who cannot walk will be

allowed through a entrance at the Maha Dwaram, who will be assisted by Scouts

and guides, if necessary. Wheel chairs are made available at Rambageecha

Guest house for these piligrims purpose.

Reporting for Darshan: Paid Sudarsanamlbiometric token holders have to

report at Vaikuntam Queue Complex-l one hour before darshan time allotted to

them. Free Sudarsanamlbiometric token holders have to report at 'Supadam' i.e.,

between Vaikuntam Queue Complex-l and Hathiramji Mutt. Pilgrims without

Sudarsanam/biometric token can go to Vaikuntam Queue Complex-ll for

darshan. Their possible darshan time is displayed at the entrance itself.

ARJITHA SEVAS AT TIRUMALA

Devotees can obtain 'Arjitha Seva' tickets in three ways. (1) Internet (2) Advance

booking and (3) Current booking.

A limited number of Arjitha seva tickets are allotted under Internet quota.

Devotees can log into www.ttdseva online.com and see availability of seva

tickets. The devotees can select the date and seva ticket and payment can be made through credit card. Credit cards, which have Citi Bank payment gateway

only will be accepted. The devotee has to disclose his identity through driving

licence I passport/ voter's identity card I PAN card. Ajitha seva tickets booked

under internet quota can either be advanced or postponed but cannot be

cancelled. In case of cancellation, the amount will be remitted to Srivari Hundi

account. In case they want to advance or postpone they have to remit 25% of the

seva ticket cost through credit card only, provided the seva ticket is available on

the day they requested. Once a transaction is made through internet the amount

has to be paid by credit card only. On successful completion of the transaction

the official report will be available on the net, which can he printed by the

devotee. The devotee has to submit the printed receipt at Padmavathi Guest

House sub-enquiry, Tirumala one day in advance and obtain the original receipt.

The devotee has to show the identity by producing driving

licence/passportlvoters identity cardIPAN card etc., which was declared on the

internet. Otherwise, the original seva ticket will not be issued. Padmavathi Guest

House sub-enquiry counter (Internet Counter) functions 24 hours a day. The

devotees can obtain the original seva ticket even before the seva commences.

Devotees can send money by demand draft in favour of Executive Officer, TTD,

Tirupati payable at Tirumala atleast 90 days in advance for ADVANCE

BOOKlNG of seva tickets. They may give 3 dates in order of preference in case

the seva ticket is not available on the preferred date by the pilgrim. He will feel

disappointment and loose priority if he sends the DD for other alternative date,

later. There is no advance booking for Ekantha Seva. Once the seva ticket is

confirmed, the seva ticket will reach the devotee within 15 days from the date of

receipt of the D.D. In case the seva ticket is not available on the preferred date

the Demand Draft will be returned to the devotee. If the devotee wants to

advance or postpone the seva due to any circumstances, he is requested to send

the original seva ticket along with 25% of the seva ticket cost as penalty in the

form of D.D. and inform alternative (3) dates in that letter.

Some seva tickets are also sold under CURRENT BOOKING, one day in

advance at the Arjitham Office opposite the Vaikuntam 'Q' Complex-I. The

counter is open from 8a.m. until all seva tickets for the following day are sold.

The devotees have to come themselves to obtain seva ticket. Their finger

printslbiometrics will be obtained and verified at the time of entry at the

Vaikuntam 'Q' Complex. This biometric system is introduced to avoid

malpractices by touts or dalalies. If the fingerprint does not tally, the devotee will

not be admitted to the seva. The seva tickets cannot be exchanged to others.

The tickets purchased under current booking are not permitted for postponement

or cancellation. Simultaneously pilgrims can have AAD seva tickets from

Srinivasam complex, Tirupati also. This is a new facility for the Pilgrims. This

counter is also open at 8 a.m. and works till the day's quota is over.

The grihasthas who perform sevalutsavam shall have to wear traditional dress

like dhoti and upper cloth (uttariyam). They should enter Vaikuntam Queue

Complex - I well in advance.

The Anna Prasadams - pulihora, chekkara pongali etc. will be given to the

grihasthas as per the dittam. In case grihasthas want limited quantity only, the

rest of the annaprasadam will be distributed free to the pilgrims.

Some sevas are cancelled during festivals like Anivara Asthanam,

Pushpayagam, Annual Vasanthotsavam, Annual Brahmotsavams, Ugadi

Asthanam, Makara Sankranthi etc. The exact dates in a calendar year can be

obtained from the calendar or panchangam. Hence, there will be no sale of

certain arjitha seva tickets on those festival days.

.Thomala and Archana sevas are performed in ekantham on Friday, Saturday,

Sunday and Monday. Hence, no sale of these seva tickets on those days.

A brief description about the different sevas (Daily, weekly and periodical)

performed in the Temple is detailed below.

Daily Sevas

Suprabhatham The Suprabhatham, prapatti and mangalasasanam are recited

and a decendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya sings a few hymns of the saint-

poet. Devotees present at the time of Suprabhatham can have the

Suprabhatham darsan also called Visvarupa Dananam.

Thomala Seva This seva or ritual involves the decoration of the Lord with

flowers. Thomala is the shortened rith form of the Tamil expression. 'Thodutha

malai' - adorning the Lord with flowers. The flower garlands in Yamunathurai are

brougM by the Periya Jiyar as per custom or his representative in the temple with

a lighted torch in a procession to the accompaniment of the beat of the Jeghanta.

The Deii is then adorned with the flowers while the mantra pushpam is recited in

the sayana mandapam.

Archana During the archana, also called Sahasranama Archana, the Lord is

worshipped by reciting His one thousand sacred names.

Archananantara Darsanam Devotees are allowed for Archananantara Darsan

after the archana is performed to the Lord.

Kalyanotsavam Kalyanotsavam is also known as Vaivahikotsavam. It is

conducted in the Kalyanamandapa and its rituals are similar to those followed

traditionally in Hindu marriages. The Utsavamurthi of the Lord Malayappaswami

is the bridegroom and His consorts (nachimars) viz. Sridevi and Bhudevi are the

brides. An imaginary family pedigree of the brides and bridegroom is recited

during the course of the ritual. The idols of the bridegroom and brides face each

other with a screen in between. They arc allowed to see each other only at the

appropriate auspicious moment when the screen is removed. The priests perform

homas. A purohit conducts the marriage and an archaka is consecrated to

perfomn other rituals on behalf of the bridegroom.

Arjlta Brahmotsavam Brahmotsavam is performed for one day in an abridged

manner within the temple precincts. Sri Malayappaswami with His two consorts is

worshipped in the Kalyanamandapam with vedic mantras and rituals and

mounted on three Vahanams- golden Pedda Seshavahanam, silver Garuda

Vahanam and silver Hanumantha Vahanam.

Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva) Sri Malayappaswami, Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated

in an unjal (swing) in the Aina Mahal (Mirror Hall) and swing to the

accompaniment of Vedaparayanam and Mangalavadyam.

Sahasra Dlpalankara Seva This seva is performed in the unjal mandapam

outside the Srivari temple. The beautifully decorated Mandapam will be a glow

with thousands of lamps. The Lord is seated on an unjal which is rocked gently to

the accompaniment of a clarinet orchestra.

Vasanthotsavam is a festival of colour. This periodical festival, celebrated in the

spring season is performed in an abridged manner.

Ekanta Seva or Panupu Seva Darsanam is conducted when the Lord is put to

sleep. Tarigonda Venkamamba's harati (in a plate inlaid with one of the

dasavastarams on each day with pearls) is offered. As prasadams the grihasthas

are given a spoonful each of the milk and a few pieces of cashewnut. Bhoga

Srinivasamurti, the small Silver image of the Lord is put to sleep in a cot hung

from the roof by four chains in the Ardha Mandapam (antechamber). During

Ekanta Seva a descendant of Annamacharya sings lullabiss to put the Lord to

sleep. Bhoga Srinivasa sleeps in the cot for eleven months in a year and in the

twelfth month Dhamurrnasa(Marga1i) Sri Krishna occupies the cot.

The one which covers all sevas right from Suprabhatham to Ekanta Seva is

called as UDAYASTHAMANA SEVA, of which ticket costs rupees ten lakhs.

WEEKLY SEVAS

Visesha Seva This Seva was first introduced in Srivari Temple on April 8, 1991.

The Seva takes place on every Monday morning. Sri Malayappaswami and His

consorts are taken to Kalyanamandapam and worship is offered to them with

homas and Tirumanjanam as per Vaikhanasa agama.

Ashtadalapada Padmaradhana This ritual is performed on every Tuesday after

Second Archana. The Seva, instituted in 1984 commemorating the Golden

Jubilee Celebrations of Ti~mala Tirupati Devasthanams, features archana to the

Lord with 108 golden lotuses.

Sahasra Kalasabhlshekam Every Wednesday before Sarva darsanam,

Sahasra Kalasabhisheka is performed for Bhoga Srinivasa with water from 1008

small silver vessels.

Thiruppavada Seva This Seva is performed to the Lord on every Thursday. This

worship consists of cooking a large quantity of rice as pulihora and offering it to

the Lord along with other sweet preparations such as payasam, laddu, jilebi,

thenthola, appam etc. The cooked food is arranged in a pyramidal trapizoid

shaped with coconuts, flowers, sandal paste, kumkums etc,. and is offered to the

Lord with appropriate mantras.

Abhishekam to the Lord is performed in the early morning every Friday.

Camphor, saffron and milk are used for giving a sacred bath to the Lord. After

chanting of the Vedic mantras and prabandham, Abhishekam is performed to the

gold image of Sri Lakshmi which hangs in a gold chain in the chest amidst the

chanting of Sri Suktam. The Lord is then dressed in a pitambaram and adorned

with valuable ornaments.

Nijapada Darsanam Every Friday after abhishekam devotees are allowed for

Nijapada Darsanam. They can worship the Lord's Holy feet without any frills

during this darsan. The Lord's Feet will be decorated with ornaments on other

occasions.

PERIODICAL SEVAS

Float Festival This was instituted by Saluva Narasimha in the sixteenth century.

The festival is celebrated for five days. On the first day, Lord Krishna is

worshipped in the Navanita Nritya pose. On the second day, Sri Rama is seated

on the float and offered worship. On third to fifth day Sri Malayappaswami along

with Sridevi and Bhudevi is worshipped. The utsava deities are daily decorated

and taken in procession in the Pushkarini on a beautifully decorated float.

Vasanthotsavarn is a three - day festival conducted at Tirumala on Trayodasi,

Chaturdasi and Pournami in the month of Chaitra. On all the days Sri

Malayappaswami and His consorts are taken round in procession and brought to

the Vasanta Mandapam, where Abhishekam is performed. On the third day Sri

Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya and Sri Krishna with Rukmini and

Satyabhama are also taken out in procession and brought to the Vasanta

Mandapam.

Padmavatl Parlnayarn festival, instituted in 1992, occurs on Vaisakha Suddha

dasami. It is celebrated for three days. On the first day evening Sri Venkateswara

and His consorts are taken out in procession and brought to Narayanagiri

gardens wnere worship is offered to them. On the second day the procession of

the Lord will be on Asva Vahana. Th Parinayotsavani will be culminated with

special pujas to the Lord and the Goddesses on Vaisakha Suddha ekadasi

amidst chanting of Veda mantras and vadya ghosha.

Abhidheyaka Abhishekam This ritual, also called Jyeshtabhishekam is

performed in the month of Jyeshta for three days. The festival is meant for proper

protection and preservation of the utsava idols through various pujas and

mantras. On the first day the golden kavacha of the Lord is removed and

abhishekam and snapana tirumanjanam are performed. Later, the Lord is

adorned with diamond kavacha. On the second day. He is adorned with pearl-

studded kavacha and taken out in procession. On the third day Sri

Malayappaswami is decorated with golden kavacha after tirumanjanam.

Pushpa Pallaki This Seva is perfomled on Anivara Asthanam day in the month

of July every year. After the usual rituals associated with the Anivara Asthanam,

held on the first day of summer solstice (Dakshinayanapunyakalam) at the end of

Ani month, Sri Malayappaswami is taken out in procession on a palanquin

bedecked with flowers.

Pavitrotsavam This is essentially a purificatory ceremony, aimed at expiating the

sins of omission and commission arising in the daily worship and other religious

rites performed in the temple. This function is elaborately conducted in the month

of August every year.

Pushpa Yagam This ritual is performed in the month of Kartika. The function

originally started in the fifteenth century, was revived in 1980 by the

Devasthanams. On this occasion, Sri Malayappaswanii along with His consorts

are brought to the Kalyanamandapam after two archanas and two nivedanas and

the D e i i s are offered Tirumanjanam. Later in the afternoon worship is offered to

the Lord with different kinds of flowers. Later, pwthparchana is done. It takes

place 20 times. Afterwards, harati is offered.

Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam is a purificatory ceremony that takes place in the

sanctum sanctorum. It is performed four times a year - before Ugadi, Anivara

Asthanam, the Annual Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadasi (on Tuesday only).

After the first bell the smaller idols and other articles including the Aghanda

Dipams are shifted to the antechamber. The Garbhagriha is then cleaned and a

ground paste of kumkum, camphor and sandalwood is applied on the walls and

later its walls are wiped clean after a while. The water-proof covering is removed

and laghu Tirumanjanam is given to the main deity and Rhoga Srinivasa. Food is

then offered to the Lord during the second bell.

Prasadam (Potu):

After darshan, a small quantity of prasadam is distributed free of cost to each

pilgrim. The Potu or main kitchen where the food-offerings for the main temple

are prepared, is to the south of the Varadarajaswami shrine. Inside the Potu,

there is a small shrine dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi, who is also called Potu

Amma (lady of the kitchen) or Madapuli Nachiyar. She is identified with

Vakulamalika, who was, according to the Puranas, sent by Varahaswami to be

the house-keeper of Sri Venkateswara, when he resided on the hill. Vakulamalika

is said to have arranged Lord Sri Venkateswara's marriage with Padmavathi. In

real'iy, she is regarded as Sri Maha Lakshmi, and is worshipped as such. She is

worshipped during Varalakshmi Vratam, in the month of Sravana. There is a

similar icon of Sri Maha Lakshmi in the Padi Potu, another kitchen located in the

Sampangi Pradakshinam. Rice prasadam is prepared in the inner Potu, while

other Panyarams like laddus, vadas appams etc., are prepared in the Padipotu.

Panyarams are sold on all days, at the counters outside the temple. Tokens for

buying panyarams can be obtained at the bank counter located along the queue.

There was no place for Laddu among sri vari prasadams in the earlier years. In

1803, Madras Government had introducted boondhi, over a period it changed to

different forms and finally it has taken the present form of Laddu as Prasadam.

On an average one lakh thirty five thousands of small Laddus and 2500-3000 big

laddus are made in the potu. The requirements to make these are 4500

Kilograms gram flour (besam), 900 kilograms of sugar, 1080 kilograms cashew

nuts (kaju), 120 kilograms of cardamom (Elachi), 250 kilograms of sugar crystals

(Kalakanda), 500 kilograms of raisins (kishmish) and 4875 kilograms of Cow

Ghee. These are for the normal days, however for weekends two and half lakhs

of Laddus, tolling up nearly six crores of laddus per year are prepared. So far, the

biggest Laddu offired to Sri Varu is 32 kilograms. For Annaprasadams on

average twenty to thirty bags of rice per day is used.

4.6. Food Facilities:

One of the greatest facilities provided to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

devotees is Annadanam i.e free meal, from 9 AM to 1 IPM, everyday. One can

avail of this facility on production of the free meal coupon which is distributed

inside the temple after worshipping the Lord. Having a meal in Annadanam

complex is perceived by Devotees as that they are greatly honoured by Sri Varu.

In spite of the fact that there are number of private management canteens in

Tirumala, about 20,000 piligrims avail this facility every day. This is a really great

facility to devotees who can not afford the prices in private canteens.

Asia's biggest solar cooker is in Nithyanndam Complex, in which fwd for thirty

thousand people is prepared.

4.7. Medical, Health and Sanitation Facllitlee:

TTD maintains several hospitals and dispensaries at Tirupati, Tirumala and

Tiruchanoor for the benetit of its employees, pilgrims and the local population.

The list of hospitals and Dispensaries include Aswini Hospital, Tirumala , Central

Hospital, Tiwpati , Dispensary at the Vaikuntam Queue Complex, Tirumala ,

Employees Dispensary in Tirum'ala , Dispensary at INC, Tirupati , Dispensary at

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanoor , Health Centre at Padmavathi

Women's College, Tirupati , Dispensary in Bairagipatteda ,

In addition, the following medical facilities are also available in Tirupati vh.,Sri

Venkateswara Institute for Medical Sciences - A supempeciality hospital, Balaji

lntiiute of Surgery, Rehabilitation & Research for the Disabled , Sri

Venkateswara poor Home, Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College & Hospital , Sri

Srinivasa Ayuweda Pharmacy. Pilgrims are given free medical aid at the Aswini

Hospital near Seshadri Nagar in Tirumala. Twenty-four hour medical assistance

is provided to pilgrims all along the footpath from Alipiri to Tirumala.

The first and foremsost responsibility of the Health and Sanitation department is

to clear the waste of 35 - 45 tonnes which gets accumulated daily on Tirumala

hills.

It is one of TTD's priorities to ensure hygienic conditions both at Tirumala and

Tirupati. The quality of food supplied at all TTD canteens and private hotels at

Tirumala is constantly checked by food inspectors. The Quality Control

Department operates with a fully-equipped laboratory at Tirumala, to ensure the

supply of pure drinking water, and the use of goodquality provisions. TTD also

takes measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in Tirumala and

Tirupati.

4.8. TTD DONATION SCHEMES:

The minimum contribution for the any of the following schemes is Rs. 1,0001-

Donation amount sent below Rs. 10001- will be credited to the account of Srivari

Hundi without any intimation to the Donor. All donations are deposited in a

Nationalised Bank, and the interest earned is utilized for the scheme.

SRI VENKATESWARA PRANADANA TRUST aims at providing free medical

facilities to poor patients afflicted with life-threatening diseases related to the

heart, kidneys, brain, cancer etc., for which the treatment is expensive. The

scheme also proposes to encourage research and development in the treatment

of diseases I conditions like chronic renal failure, haemophilia, thalassamia and

cancer. Basic amenities including blood-bank, artificial limbs, physiotherapy,

tools and implants will be provided to poor patients, free of cost. This scheme will

be applicable to all poor patients, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

Treatment will be provided at all TTPrun hospitals - SVIMS, BIRRD, SVRR and

the Maternity Hospital.

SRI vENKATESWARA NlTYA ANNADANAM TRUST Scheme provides free

meals to the pilgrims in Tirumala. The scheme was started on a small scale on

6-4-1985, with food being served to around 2,000 persons a day, Today, free

food is served to nearly 30,000 pilgrims a day. The number increases to about

50,000 pilgrims a day during festivals and other important occasions. Recently

free food is being supplied to the waiting pilgrims in Vaikuntam Complex-ll with

free tiffin, lunch and dinner to about 15,000 pilgrims per day. Free food is also

served to nearly 2000 patients a day m the TTD managed SVIMS, BIRRD, Ruia

and Maternity Hospitals.

SRI BALAJI INSTITUTE OF SURGERY, RESEARCH & REHABlLlTATlON FOR

THE DISABLED (BIRRD) TRUST is a premier medical institute that treats

patients suffering from polio myelitis, cerebral palsy, congenital drawn in

anomalies, spinal injuries, and the orthopaedically handicapped. It comprises a

centrally air-conditioned hospital with the latest medical equipment, built by TTD

at a cost of Rs. 4.5 crores. BIRRD makes use of statsof- the- art medical

technology and provides services to the poor, at no cost. It also distributes

artificial limbs, calipers and aids, free of cost, to the needy and the poor. Food

and medicine are supplied free of cost. TTD accepts generous contributions from

the philanthropists to this reputed medical institute to meet the cost of the

inpatients of the BIRRD.

SRI VENKATESWARA BAIAMANDIR TRUST The T.T.Devasthanam8 has

undertaken various social and welfare activities in fulfillment of it5 Motto of

'SERVING THE LORD BY SERVING HUMANITY". Wtth a view to give a helping

hand to the destitutes and orphans, the TTD has established Sri Venkateswara

Balamandir in Tinrpati in the year 1943. Children, both boys and girls, who have

no parents as well as those whose father expired and mother b unable to bring

up the children and vice-versa, are admitted to this institution. The TTO is

providing accommodation, food, clothing and education to the children admitted

to Sri Venkateswara Balamandir from 1st class onwards. The children are given

education upto graduation in TTD run schools and colleges. Meritorious students

are also given coaching for EAMCET. It is the motto of the TTD to see that

orphans admitted to the Balamandir live on their own. Give a helping hand to the

orphans.The TTD has created a separate Trust for improving this Institution with

following objects. (a) To run an Orphanage for orphans, destitutes and

disadvantaged children of both sexes; (b) To provide free accommodation and

boarding to orphans, destitutes and disadvantaged children; and (c) To pro vide

free education to these children. upto post graduation and professional courses

like MBBS and Engineering.

SRI VENKATESWARA HERITAGE PRESERVATION TRUST Our Temples

symbolize India hallowed culture and sanatana dharma. Temples, which are the

repositories of sculpture, paintings, music, literature, dance and other art forms,

are built for the prosperity and well-being of all people. According to sastras, God

manifests Himself in the images and fulfils the desires of the devotees on

account of the spiritual penance of the great sages who consecrated the deities

in the temples and the regular rituals performed there and due to the enchanting

beauty of the idols, which conform to the silpa agamas. It is the bounden duty

and responsibility of every Indian to preserve these temples, which are the

centers of vedic culture, to renovate any dilapidated portion of the temples or

rebuild them. It may be the vimana or prakara, balipeetha or dwajasthambha or it

may be even the main idol. It is said natural disasters like flood and drought may

occur not only in the villages where such ruined temples are located but also in

the entire country. Many acharyas have expressed their displeasure in raising

new temples indiscriminately and stressed the need for preserving the ancient

temples; consecrated by the great sages they may be temple like editices, which

reflect the glory of Vedic culture and religion or places of archeological interest.

It is an uphill task for individuals alone to undertake their preservation and

renovation. With a view to accomplish this lofty aim, Tirumala Tirupati

Devasthanams has launched 'Sri Venkateswara Heritage Preservation Trust'.

'Karta Kartayite chaiva preraka syonu modaka' which means one who organizes

or executes a noble task, encourages, approves and derives pleasure from it,

enjoys all fruits of such a meritorious act. There is need for renovating dilapidated

of the temples in every village and in every town for universal welfare.

SRI VENKATESWARA GOSAMRAKSHANA TRUST In 'Sri Venkatachala

Mahathyam' Lord Brahma became a cow, Lord Siva became a calf and Sri

Lakshmi become a Yadava maid and both the cow and calf were sold to Chola

king by Sri Lakshmi in a bid to provide milk to meditating Srinivasa in

Venkatachalam. There also He protected the cow from the curse of its herdsman.

The Lord did it, we do it. Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust is established

for protecting the cow and emphasizing the spiritual importance of the cow apart

from its economic asped. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams proposes to

create a modem Gosala at Tirupati with all the facilities for maintaining the

bovine population. Cow is the greatest blessing of human race, lands, grow rich,

homes flourish and civilization advances where the Cow is kept and cared for.

The Trust ay also aims at improving the living conditions of cows outside

Goshala by providing technical inputs to the general public. The S.V. Dairy Farm,

TTD, Tirupati supplies milk and curd to all the l l D Temples for rituals,

prasadams, Abhishekhams etc., to the service institutions like S.V. Balamandir

(Orphanage), SV.Deaf and Dumb School, S.V. Training Centre for the Physically

handicapped, S.V. Poor Home (Leprosy Hospital), S.V. Vedapatasala, S.V.

Oriental College Hostel, TTD Hospitals, 'Annadanam" scheme of TTD etc. Sri

Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust gives an opportunity for the devotees to

participate in Gosamrakshana with their donations. Special Privileges for the

Donors are 5 Lires of Cow's Milk will be supplied for swami vari

Ksheerabhishekam in the name of the donor on one fixed Friday.Donor6 will be

honoured on one Gdtulastami day during Gopooja' celebration in S.V. Dairy

Farm, Tirupati with advance intimation. They will be invited on every Gokulastami

day to attend Gopooja.

SRI PADMAVATHI AMMAVARI NlTYA ANNAPRASADAM TRUST Goddess Sri

Padmavathi Devi of Tiruchanoor, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara, is the

immeasurable ocean of compassion and love. She is renowned as Annalakshmi,

who grants peace and plenty to the seekers. This scheme provides for the

distribution of prasadam, free of cost, to pilgrims at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari

Temple, Tiruchanoor, on a continous basis, during the temple working hours.

Donations can also be sent for free distribution of Annaprasadam to the pilgrims

on the occasion of Panchami Theertham clebrated during Sri Padmavathi

Ammavani Annual Brahmotsavams held every year. The names of such donors

will be displayed at the Temple on that occasion. Kumkum Prasadam will be

given with the blessing of Goddess Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. Free

Darshan for one person on any day once in a year, through the special entrance

of the temple.

SR VENKATESWARA JALANIDHI SCHEME is a unique scheme evolved by

TTD to provide adequate water for the pilgrims' use in and around Tirupati and

Tirumala. TTD is currently spending several crores of rupees on maintenance

and electrical charges for supplying 20 lakh gallons of water per day. It also

spends a sizeable part of its income to improve water resources at Tirumala.

l T D has taken up a massive project with an estimated cost of Rs. 100 crores to

construct Kumara Dhara and Pasupu Dhara dams on Tirumala Hills to provide

drinking water to the pilgrims. The aim of the scheme is to utilize the donations

received for supplying water for drinking and other basic needs of the pilgrims

and public. This includes the floating population at Tirumala (Panchayat) and

Tirupati (Municipality). Later, this facility will be extended to people in the

surrounding areas too. The funds will be utilized for purposes such as

construction of dams, check dams, storage tanks, percolation tanks and to raise

the available water resources.

SRI VENKAL!ZWARA INFORMA TION TECHNOLOGY SEVA TRUST The

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams are undertaking various charitable and spiritual

activities in the service of Lord Venkateswara. In order to implement the modem

technology for the beneft of the public at large, the TTD has created a new T ~ s t

called Sri Venkateswara Information Technology Seva Trust. To provide to public

the accessibility of lnformation Technology enabled services for free accom

modation, free food and free medical facility to deserving general public.

lnformation dissemination through electronic media technology and internet to

the public by digitalizing ancient lndian books on lndian philosophy, lndian

literature, lndian Scripts and such activities with a view to preserve the ancient

cultural heritage of India. The Concept themes planned are - Legends of Sri

Venkateswara; The Sacred Tirumala Hills and its Environs; Sevas and Festivals;

Azhwars and Acharyas; Annamacharya and Saint Musicians; Dasavataram of

Vishnu; Temples of Vishnu etc., and the Water Themes- Gajendra Moksham;

Kalinga Nartanam; Amrita Mathanam; and Mahavishnu in Ksheera Sagaram.

The facilities planned would include musical fountain and water screens; Open

air theater; Laser show; Floating fountains; Fog & mist equipments; Audio

equipments and sound projections; Animation control and choreography system;

4-D sensory theatres, gate access control system ticketing and barloding

systems; multi-lingual program display & lnformation kiosks; special light fillings;

mechanical drive systems; Centralised air conditioning systems; Multimedia

projects; Stage and scenery construction; Internal movement system; and control

system. In addition to the above components, the Trust seeks to complement the

supporting facilities and amenities of the visiting pilgrim population. Supporting

facilities would cover aged people rest room, aged people special escorts, locker

and cloak room, toilet facilities; first aid centre, shopping complex fming into

ambience, ticketing counters, parking space, kiosks, restaurant, lounge etc.

BALAJl AROGYAVARAPRASADlNl SCHEME (SVIMS) (Sn Venkateswara

lnstitufe of Medical Sciences) For ages, Tirumala, the abode of Lord

Venkateswara, has been a great Centre of pilgrimage, Thousands of devotees

RS

visit the sacred m ill^ every day and offer their solemn prayers the for their

spiritual and physical well-being. Alleviating human suffering has been a part

dedicated efforts of TTD to the mankind. TTD already manages a ~eprosarium,

centre for physically handicapped, a poor home and also a central hospital. To

provide the most advanced medical technology to the needy, the TTD has

launched another remarkable institution a blessing from the Lord Sri

Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences a sophisticated super speciality

center on the lines of AllMS of New Delhi, JIPMER of Pondichery and PGlMS of

Chandigarh. Total well being of man is the aim of Sri Venkateswara lnstitute of

Medical Sciences, which apart from offering service, training and education in

medical sciences also facilitates Research and Development. It is the fervent

desire of the Devasthanams that the doors to such a state of the art technology

should be open to our poor and disabled breathren. With a view to achieving this

goal, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences has intro duced a new

scheme, Balaji Arogyavaraprasadini Scheme. To accomplish the goal of making

avail able the cutting edge medical technology to every individual at an affordable

rate, TTD invite the generous cooperation of philanthropists and the general

public.

SRI VENKATESWARA NITYA LADDU DANAM SCHEME was started in 1981.

The objective of this scheme is to distribute laddu prasadam (25 gm) free of cost

to all pilgrims after completion of distribution of Anna Prasadams. The devotees

have to donate Rupees One Lakh and above.The interest earned on the deposits

is utilized for the preparation and distribution of 25,000 laddus of 25 grams each

in Donor's name and will be distributed to the pilgrims.

SREENlVASAM COMPLEX DONATION SCHEME AT TlRUPATI Tintmala, the

Kaliyuga Vaikuntam is the Abode of Lord Venkateswara. Thousands of devotees

all over India and abroad visit the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateswara every day

to pay their homage to Balaji. The T.T.Devasthanams dedicated themselves to

these devotees, provide facilities for darshanl accommodation as well as for all

Sevas. The main aim of the Devasthanams is always to improve these fadlities

make the pilgrims comfortable. In order to provide more accommodation by

construct ing Cottages, Guest Houses and Choultries at the request of many

philanthropic devotees to partici pate in benevolent scheme of providing shelter

to the pilgrims, TT.Devasthanams have launched the donation scheme for

construction of Cottages, Guest Houses etc. The cottagel suites and tenements

will be allotted to the donors in seriatim. The Donor can stay for 30 days in a

calendar year, not exceeding 10 days at time, by payment of service charges as

applicable. Of these 30 days, the donors can stay 30 days at Tirupati or the

Donors are permitted to stay for 15 days at Sreenivasam Pilgrim Amenlies

Complex, Tirupati and the remain ing 15 days they can stay at Tirumala on par

with the following category of accommodat~on.This facility is available in case of

individual donor during life time of the Donor and hislher spouse or 20 years

whichever is later. In case of Joint names I Finns I Companies I Trust, the

privilege of stay will be limited to 20 years only. A name tablet with Donor's name

and place or in memory of one person will be prominently displayed in front of the

cottage donated.

SRI VENKATESWARA VANABHIVRUDHI SCHEME. He who plants a tree is the

servant of God and provides a kindness for many a generation and faces that he

has not seen shall bless Him. Sacred forests of Tirumala are the precious glft of

Lord Venkateswara to mankind. Wfih a view to protect and maintain the

ecological balance in the area, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have introduced

a series of exciting schemes called Sri Venkateswara Vanabhivrudhi Scheme.

These schemes seek to provide a rare opportunity to the public for participation

in a massive haritha project implemented by the Forest Department of T.T.

Devasthanams with a financial outlay of Rs. 15 crores. The salient features of Sri

Venkateswara Vanabhiirudhi Schemes are as follow8.50 plants will be planted

once on the sacred hills of Tirumala in the name of the donor and Plantation will

be maintained for 2 years.

SRlVARl PUSHPAKAINKARYAMU SCHEME There is no place in the universe

so sacred as Venkatadri. No God is equal to Lord Venkateswara either in the

past or In the future. According to legends, as per the instruction of Sri

Yamunacharya, Sri Tirumala Nambi is said to have stayed at Tirumala and

initiated flower service to the Lord. Later Ananata Suri, also known as

Anantalwan was commanded by Sri Rarnanuja to establish a flower garden. He

offered flower service to the Lord, laying beautiful gardens with fragrant flowers

and Tulasi. Afterwards, several great devotees like Tarigonda Vengamamba,

kings and queens offered permanent flower service to the Lord by establishing

flower gardens at Tirumala. According to inscriptions, there were over hundred

flower gardens on the seven hills.Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has

introduced several schemes to facilitate the devotees to perform flower service

wherein devotees can fulfil their vows through floral way. The flowers utilised for

Nitya pushpa kainkaryams are rose, chrysanthemum scented geranium,

ganneru, nandhivardhanam, lotus, moravum, davana, lilies, jaji, malli,

kanakambharam, molalu, kuriveru, vetiveru, mogili, vrikshi and thulasi. The cult

flowers utilised on festival occasions like Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ugadi,

Pushpapallaki, Brahmotsavarn, and Pushpayagam are roses, chrysanthemum,

gerbera, carnations, limonias, aster, anthuriums, liliurns, gladalious, marygold,

tuberose, orchids, goldenrod, Bird of paradise, heliconias, asparagus, coconut

flowers, arecanut flowers and bunches.

SAPTHAGlRl JOURNAL Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is bringing out

'Sapthagiri', a religious monthly which consists of articles on Hindu philosophy,

mythology, art and architecture. The monthly is being published in five languages

viz. English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada.

Here it can be concluded that'TTD is putting its efforts to provide more and better

facilities for its devotees on one hand, simultaneously doing service in social,

environmental, educational, dharmic and religious fields on the other hand.