Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is an independent trust responsible for the administration and management of the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is worshipped as the presiding deity in the temple.
The temple is located on the Seven Hills of Tirumala and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, with millions of devotees visiting the temple every year. The TTD was established in 1932 and is responsible for providing facilities and services to the devotees who visit the temple, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
The TTD is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The trust is also responsible for managing several other temples in the region, including the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple and the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
The temple is renowned for its unique architecture, which combines elements of several South Indian styles. The main deity of Lord Venkateswara is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum, which is called the Garbha Griha. The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to various deities.
The temple is considered a very sacred place by Hindus, and it is believed that a pilgrimage to the temple can lead to the fulfillment of one's wishes. The TTD is committed to ensuring that devotees can visit the temple comfortably and conveniently and has implemented several measures to improve the facilities and services provided to the devotees.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is a prominent Hindu temple and trust located in the town of Tirumala, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is considered to be one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, attracting millions of devotees from different parts of India and across the globe. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, and is located on the Seven Hills of Tirumala, which are considered to be very sacred in Hindu mythology.
The TTD was established in 1932, and it is responsible for managing and administering the temple, as well as several other temples in the region. The trust is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The trust is responsible for providing facilities and services to the devotees who visit the temple, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
The temple is known for its unique architecture, which combines elements of several South Indian styles. The main deity of Lord Venkateswara is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum, which is called the Garbha Griha. The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to various deities, including Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple and the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
The temple has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it is believed that the temple was built during the 9th century. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and the current temple complex is a magnificent structure that is spread over an area of around 16.2 acres. The temple has several gopurams, or towers, which are intricately carved and decorated with colorful sculptures and paintings.
The TTD is committed to providing the best possible facilities and services to the devotees who visit the temple. The trust has implemented several measures to improve the infrastructure and facilities provided to the devotees, including the construction of new accommodation facilities, restaurants, and other amenities. The trust has also established a helpline and a website to provide information and assistance to the devotees.
One of the most important aspects of the temple is its association with the practice of hair tonsuring. Devotees, especially men and children, shave their heads as a symbol of sacrifice and devotion to Lord Venkateswara. The hair that is shaved off is considered to be very auspicious and is collected by the temple authorities. The temple has a separate building called the Kalyana Katta, which is dedicated to the practice of tonsuring. The building has several halls where devotees can have their heads shaved, and it also has facilities for taking a bath after tonsuring.
The temple has a well-organized system of worship, and several rituals are performed throughout the day to worship the presiding deity. The day begins with the Suprabhatam, which is a recitation of hymns and prayers that is performed in the early morning. The deity is then bathed and adorned with new clothes and jewelry. The temple also has several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Brahmotsavam, which is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in the month of September.
The temple is not only a spiritual and religious center but also an important cultural and social hub. The temple has several educational institutions, hospitals, and other social welfare programs that are run by the TTD. The trust also runs a free meal program, called the Annaprasadam, which provides free meals to thousands of devotees every day.
In recent years, the temple has attracted a lot of attention for its impressive revenue generation. The temple has several donation schemes, including the famous hundi
The hundi is a donation box that is placed in the temple, and devotees are encouraged to make offerings of money, jewelry, or other valuables. The donations that are received by the temple are used to fund the various activities of the TTD, including the construction of new facilities, the maintenance of the temple, and the various social welfare programs that are run by the trust. The temple also receives donations from various corporate and individual donors.
In recent years, the temple has come under scrutiny for the huge amount of wealth that it has accumulated over the years. The temple is believed to be one of the richest Hindu temples in the world, and it has been estimated that the temple's annual revenue is over Rs. 3,000 crore (around USD 400 million). The temple's wealth has been the subject of several controversies, and there have been calls for the temple to be more transparent in its financial dealings.
Despite these controversies, the temple remains a very popular destination for devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is known for its unique customs and traditions, and it has a very vibrant and festive atmosphere. The temple also has several other attractions that are worth visiting, including the TTD gardens, which are a beautiful and serene place to relax and unwind. The temple also has a museum that displays several artifacts and objects that are associated with the history and culture of the temple.
Visiting the temple requires careful planning, as the temple attracts huge crowds throughout the year, especially during festivals and special occasions. The TTD provides several facilities and services to the devotees, including accommodation, food, transportation, and medical services. The temple also has several guidelines and rules that visitors are expected to follow, including dress codes, photography rules, and restrictions on the use of mobile phones.
In conclusion, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is a magnificent Hindu temple and trust that has a rich history and cultural significance. The temple is known for its unique architecture, customs, and traditions, and it is a very popular destination for devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is also an important cultural and social hub, and it has several educational and welfare programs that are run by the TTD. While the temple's wealth and financial dealings have been the subject of controversies, it remains a very important and revered institution for millions of people around the world.