Tag: TTD

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.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College, Tirupati

Sri Padmavathi Women’s Degree & PG College, Tirupati

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Padmavathi Women’s Degree & PG College

There is no difference between a school and a temple. Both places are symbols of knowledge and devotion. TTD’s Sri Padmavathi Women’s Degree & PG College is a direct manifestation of practical wisdom and spiritual knowledge as its existence expresses the values of a school and a temple put together in the present modern world. Under the aegis of the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams, it was established approximately seven decades ago.

This renowned college is situated on the highway of Tirupati-Chandragiri in the interior, south of Sri Venkateswara University. Such landmarks like the N.C.C. Office, Police Station, Padmavati Rest house and the bungalows of the Executive Officer of the T.T.D. and the Joint Executive Officer can be found on either side of the interior road that leads to the college.

In front of the college, the railway route of Tirupati- Pakala – Katpadi which was laid in 1891 stands like Lakshmana Rekha protecting the sanctity of the college, the abode of goddess Saraswathi.

Tirumala Hills - Tirupati Balaji Temple

One needs to know that on the college premises, there are wonderful ancient temples seen even today. Except for the dilapidated temple belonging to the time of Hathiramji, the other three temples, two tanks and a well, stand testimony to the architectural excellence of the Vijayanagara empire. These are the evidences to the architectural history of the region and belong to the 16th century.

Sri Padmavathi Mahila College / Sri Venkateswara Women’s College

Initially, the college was started as Sri Venkateswara Women’s College in 1952. It became Sri Padmavathi Mahila College in 1956. It acquired its buildings in 1963. The region was called Mahanthi Thota in those days. A Ring Road was also formed from Tirupati to this region through Chandragiri Highway.

Lord Venkateswara is a great boon to Tirupati. The T.T.D. is like an ‘Akshaya Patra’ to fulfil the needs of both Tirupati and Tirumala. The great number of earnest devotees of Lord Venkateswara like Acharyas, vassals, Dandanadhulu (military officers), and Devadasis undertook many useful and auspicious programmes for the welfare of the innumerable devotees.

They transformed Tirupati into a wonderful and glorious garden. As a backdrop, the kings of Chandragiri who were the vassals to the king of Vijayanagara and other royal representatives shared doing many welfare activities with the other kings. They built temple towers, pillared halls [Madapas], wells and tanks.

During the years 1530-1560 A.D., they built many scintillating constructions in the regions of Tirumala and Tirupati. The square pond and other Vaishnava temples on the premises of Sri Padmavati Mahila College are some remarkable constructions among them.

Square Pond

There is a divine and sacred geometrical pond in the shape of a square. It is a wonderful architectural piece. It is an appropriate testimony to dexterous ‘vastu’ (according to architecture) observed by the great kings of Vijayanagara. It denotes the significance shown through constructions by the kings of Vijayanagara to such small places as Tirupati.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College, Tirupati - Square Pond

There were many ponds and watery places near Padmavathi Guest Houses and ‘Sveta Bhavan’ in Tirupati. On the western side of Sveta Bhavan, one can see even today the tombs of officers and gurus of Hathiramji mutt. One of the tombs is that of Sri Ram Lakhan Das who was one of the important officers during the time of the last Mahant Sri Prayag Dasji. In 1909, Ram Lakhan Das played a vital role in gold plating the ‘Ananda Nilayam’ the sanctum sanctorum of the temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala.

There was a garden in between the streams of water that were eager to join the river Swarnamukhi on the southern side. Keeping the availability of water in view, the kings of Vijayanagara built small temples in the garden. The big square pond could come into existence as the area is full of water springs.

Watersheds

In 1332, Sri Tiruvenkatanadha Yadava Raya declared Tirupati as Srivari ‘sarva manyam.’ By the first part of the sixteenth century, Tirupati had become a big town with its wonderful expansion. Mainly, Tirupati’s great population depended on three watersheds.

They are

  • Kapila Thirtham Watershed (4.8. sq. k. mts),
  • Malwanigundam (4.5 sq.k. mts)
  • Sri Venkateswara University Water shed (3.6 sq. k. mts),

Sri Venkateswara University Water Shed is responsible for the present cultural diversity in the surrounding places of Sri Padmavathi Women’s College in Tirupati. Tiruvenkatapuram of Yore is the region of the dilapidated temple complex in today’s Padmavati College campus.

History

During the reign of Sri Achyuta Devaraya of Vijayanagara, Sri Bhutanadha Bhattarayya of Chandragiri Fort built the temple of Sri Raghunadha Swamy between 1530 and 1535 A.D. Approximately in the same period, another temple of Sri Raghunadha Swamy in Tiruvenkatapuram in Tirupati came into existence. A gigantic pond was dug for performing Snapana Tirumanjanam and Boat (float) Festival of the Lord. The same glory was continued during the reign of the kings belonging to the Aaraveeti dynasty.

Thieves stole the idols in the present main temple, idols in the ‘Upalayamulu’ (sub-temples) and the idols worshipped during the ‘Utsav.’ They also stole the jewellery and other temple goods. In 1613 A.D. the Vijayanagara king Sri Venkatapati Rayalu II donated some agricultural lands and groves belonging to Chandragiri and Gollapalle to Lord Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Nachhiyar in Tirupati.

The present compound of Sri Padmavathi Women’s College comes under the purview of the Gollapalli and its surrounding lands.

3 Temples

There are 3 temples including inner temples in front of Sri Devi Hostel which was inaugurated by the late Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minister of India. The temple on the right has survived with ‘ardha mandapam’ ;’antaralam’ and ‘garbha gruham.’ It is remarkable that the ‘Vimanam’ on the ‘Garbhagudi’ still stands proclaiming its ancient glory. All three temples are facing to the East.

The first temple on the western side was renovated as the temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in February 2005. The TTD had rebuilt its ‘Vimana’ in the tradition of ‘Dravida Agama’ and installed the idol of Goddess Padmavathi Devi. The rituals are being performed to the Moola Vigraham’ of Goddess Padmavathi Devi based on the tradition of ‘Vaikhanasa Agama.’

The sculptural beauty of the statue of the goddess Gaja Lakshmi who can give auspiciousness and immense wealth at the door’s threshold is very majestic. The sculptural glory on the gates of the sanctum sanctorum of the goddess is an added charm created by the sculptors at that time.

The Pushkarini with the stone steps is now damaged. It was located in the South-West direction towards the temple complex. It is said that Sri Pedda Tirumallayya, the son of the renowned ‘vaggeyakara’ Sri Tallapaka Annamayya built a ‘mandap’. To the southeast of the old temples and in front of the Srinivasa hostel, there is a square pond with downsteps with three main doors. It is a feast to the eyes of the onlooker.

It is a technical miracle when one finds the entrances of the East, North and South with long corridors. The large stones were laid as slabs over the head with the angles of the octagon ‘Astabhuji.’ It reflects the spiritual atmosphere with the hide-and-seek technique due to its light and shadow atmosphere.

There are long-standing pillars full of sculptural glory. In the middle, there is a small round well. It is an artistic treasure hidden in the earth. It is the royal ‘darbar’ of the deities. The place where one gets one’s inner tranquillity. It is like a cradle in the lap of the earth.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College

Gods, Puranas, epics, social issues and art forms have been compactly presented on the pillars. They rob the hearts of onlookers with the help of this crowning example of the architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire. In all, there are 28 pillars. Around four hundred sculptures are hanging like photographs from the pillars.

Sculptures carved on the canvas of granite like fish and animals about the Puranas, deities, incarnations, courtesans, dancers, accompanists on the instruments, and gurus leave the people spellbound by their splendour.

The gorgeous lion in the squatting position is almost on all pillars. Lord Nrusimha in His various postures and the different forms of Lord Hanuman captivate everyone. It reflects significantly the Vijayanagara temple architecture.

Everything is ‘Vaishnava school of sculptural grammar’. The sculpture expounds the ‘existence and wealth of ‘Vaishnava Leela.’ If one looks deep into the things, one finds very clearly the profound influence of Sri Kumaratatayyamgar, the great Vaishnava Acharya on the constructive approach of the kings of Vijayanagara.

Sthapatya Veda

Constructing ponds, tanks and wells is the main branch of the science of architecture which is also known as ‘Sthapatya Veda’. Before constructing concretely the examination of land must be done. All four directions in the ‘Vastu’ (according to architecture) must be studied with the help of a compass. Vastu Mandal must be drawn depending on the Vastu Purusha (deity of architecture).

According to the rules of constructing a temple, Moola Murti is installed in the ‘Brahmastanam’.

Ashtadikpalakas
Ashtadikpalakas – (Gods of 8 directions)

In the bramhasthanam of the pond, a small stepwell is constructed with a gushing water spring. Representing the 8 dikpaalakaas (Gods of 8 directions) an octagonal shape is achieved in the square pond. The stone platform that is beside the pond is made for snapana tirumanjanam. The glorious pond, the like of which is not duplicated anywhere near Tirupati, is an enormous wealth of heritage for SPW College.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College

The uniqueness of the pond is in the fact that the essence of aesthetic taste does not diminish even a bit even when it is dry. This artistic Amphitheatre that exudes navarasas through its delightfully sculpted pillars is a remarkable heritage of the past in the Tirupati region.

In the Middle Ages, the square, rectangular, and octagonal ponds were very famous in Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Most of them were bathing places. The ponds that flourished around Tirupati in Srikalahasti and Karvetinagaram were also bathing places. They were intended for enjoyment only. Contrary to these places, the unique water pond on the premises of Sri Padmavathi Women’s College was designed for divine purposes and activities.

The temple of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi built under the aegis of Sri Hathiramji Mahants is quite different from the above constructions. Their administration continued for a period of nine decades up to 1933. After entering the college campus, one finds the dilapidated temple of Mahants.

The high walls of the temple were seen amid the bushes and trees. Though the architectural style is different from the style of Vijayanagara kings the temple follows Vaishnava Agama tradition. They built Maha, Mukha and ‘Ardha Mandapas,’ The Vimana Gopuram was built in the ‘Naagara’ style like the northern people.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College

Broad slabs, corridors and arches were constructed to accommodate organizing bhajans, and discourses. Though it is ruined, the beauty and charm of the temple is not diminished. In front of this Vaishnava temple, a small idol of Lord Garuda is consecrated in a small temple. At the back of the temple, there was a well that fulfilled the temple’s necessities. A long canal that takes water from the well remains intact.

A strong steel chain from the time of Mahants hangs into the well like a huge snake. On the pedestal of Moola Murti, there is evidence of three deities namely Goddess Sridevi, Goddess Bhudevi and Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy. It is said that at that time, when Mahants had full authority they intended to install Dasavatara idols in smaller temples around the temple. As a part of the activity, they got idols of ten incarnations. Later they lost their authority.

They sent those idols to the Hathiramji Mutt. One can see those idols even now in the rooms of the temple of Lord Rama while taking circumambulation.

Final Word

Sri Padmavathi Women’s College has such a great sacred history and heritage. It is good fortune that it carries the divine blessings thus.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

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Sri Maremma Thalli – Chenga Reddy Palli

Chenga Reddy Palli is a very ancient village in Renigunta Mandalam of Chittoor District in Rayalaseema. One kilometre from Renigunta on the road to Kadapa, to the east of the road is the village. Sri Maremma in this village is a goddess of infinite powers, fulfilling the prayers of the devotees, and accepting their worship and offerings.

Since the temple was constructed, it has been making progress every day. Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu is the temple trustee. By the grace of Goddess Maremma, he is looking after the pujas, the festivities on special days and other pujas with the help of the villagers who have deep faith in the goddess.

Before 1973, a Nagadevata in the form of a snake used to live on an ant hill beneath a Neem Tree. Every year in April-May, the villagers used to raise an image of the goddess with neem berries and set up a temporary shelter with neem branches and bamboo sticks.

Villagers would cook pongal as the offering. They would also prepare special offerings and celebrate the festival.

SRI SRI SRI MAREMMA DEVASTHANAM

Sri Maremma Thalli Building Background

The trustee of the temple, Mr. Kamatham Srinivasulu was working as Shroff in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (Tirumala). One day in 1973, the Goddess appeared in his dream and commanded him to build a temple for her.

When he described his experience to his close friend Sri Arisetti Srinivasulu Naidu working in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and his wife Smt. Venkatasubbamma, the couple immediately gave Rs.116.00 as the first donation for building the temple.

Then, gradually with the help of the residents of the village, Srinivasulu got the foundations dug for building the temple. It is said that laying Kurmayantra on the foundation is very auspicious. However, it was wonderful to know that there were a couple of living kurmas there. Worship was offered to them and they were released into water.

In mantra sastra, the method of worshipping kurmayantras has been described. In consecrating deities, the Dhwajasthambha, when building huge mansions, or industrial workshops, in the eastern direction of the foundation, it has become a tradition to consecrate kurmayantras along with matsyayantra.

Since Maha Vishnu has taken Kurma avatara, by placing the kurmayantra, Maha Vishnu becomes the guardian of the temple and the mansion. He sees to it that there is never any lack of water and makes the place very holy, chases away all evil so that the area gains in prosperity and prominence. The twin tortoises which are so famous appeared alive when laying the foundation of the Maremma temple.

Kurma Avatar of Maha Vishnu

This was due to the power of Grace from Goddess Maremma who happens to be the sister of Vishnu.

Cement, sand, steel, and bricks that were procured were difficult to get, but by the grace of the goddess, the trustee Kamatham Srinivasulu was able to get everything. The temple was completed successfully. On the 14th of February, 1977, the small temple rose by the will of God.

Sri Chandrasekhara Gurukkal who was the Principal of the Vedapatasala of Tirumala- Tirupati Devasthanams presided over the consecration and the Kumbhabhishekam of the temple took place for three days with great eclat.

During these auspicious days, Abhisheka Utsavam, Nitya Homa Mahotsavam and special AlankaraSeva were offered. During this Kumbhabhishekam, not only the villagers but devotees from other villages and nearby places came in great numbers and took part in the service of the Goddess.

Anna dana also took place in a very holy manner. Over time, when this original building fell into disrepair, one-night goddess Maremma appeared in the dream of the trustee’s wife, Smt. Lakshmi. The Goddess commanded that a new temple be consecrated. She told her husband Kamatham Srinivasulu of the vision. That is why the trustee Kamatham Srinivasulu decided to rebuild the temple.

Accepting the words of the gracious lady, Sri Kamatam Srinivasulu wore the garment of Deeksha (promise of doing the job) and laid the foundation stone for renovating the temple on 31stJuly, 2009. The villagers and others, and devotees from the surrounding villages took part in the function in large numbers. Though the work was begun with not even a pie in hand, the work proceeded with good speed and there were no hurdles.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

With the overflowing compassion of the Goddess Maremma, there were no problems and the work was finished by January 2011. For this newly reconstructed temple, the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams gave financial help. The chief priest of Tiruchanur Ayyappaswamy temple, Sri U. Tyagaraja Gurukkul and his son Sri U. Ranjit Swami along with their group of priests grandly performed the Kumbhabhisheka Mahotsavam for three days, i.e., from 18.3. 2011 to 20.3.2011.

Installation of 3 Shaktis

There were also homas. Apart from the images of Pothuraju and Goddess Maremma during the renovation, on the advice of Sri U. Tyagaraja Gurukkul, the figures of dwarapalikas for the Goddess, Sri Klashini Sakthi and Sri Harshini Sakthi were installed.

So also, in the pradakshina circle around the sanctum, images of the three Shaktis, Sri Saraswati Devi, Sri Vaishnavi Devi and Sri Durga Devi, were installed. The cost of renovation came to more than 25 lakhs. Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu said that this large amount came from the villagers, devotees of Goddess Maremma and his friends.

Consecrating the Image of the Goddess

In 1973, the temple trustee Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu and his friend M. Bhaskar went to the devasthanam of Goddess Maremma temple in Samayapuram near Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. There they had good darshan of the presiding deity, Goddess Mariamma.

Samayapuram near Tiruchirapalli

They decided to make in the same shape and with a height of two feet an image of Goddess Maremma and an image of Pothuraju with a height of one and a half feet.

So they approached the sculptor Sri Kannan of Narasingarayanipeta near Chittoor. With great devotion, sincerity and ritual purity, Sri Kannan made the sculptures of Goddess Maremma and Pothuraju. They were brought to the village with great care and were kept for forty-one days one mandalam in water and paddy. After all the preliminaries, they were consecrated after the newly constructed temple was completed. The images were reconsecrated in it in 2011.

Along with them, at the entrance to the sanctum of the Goddess, on the left and right side, Sri Klashini Sakthi and Sri Harshini Sakthi were placed as dwarapalikas, and at the centre of the Mukhamandapa facing the Goddess, the image of her mount, the Lion, and the Balipeetham were set up.

Outside the Mukhamandapa, in the front portion, the vigraha of Pothuraju and a Trident were installed. Thus, as soon as one enters the temple, devotees get the darshan of Trisool which is the divine weapon of the Goddess. Immediately after, they get to see Pothuraju, the brother of the Goddess. Later, in the pradakshina circle outside the sanctum, on the wall, we see Sri Saraswati Devi in the south, Sri Vaishnavi Devi in the west (the rear side of the sanctum) and Sri Durga Devi in the north.

Devotees who circumambulate in the temple get to see the Shaktis of the Trimurtis before seeing the Mahashakti, Goddess Maremma. They can pray to her also in the same way. That is, whoever does pradakshina in the temple stands to gain — those who want knowledge have Sri Saraswati; riches, health and gold who worship Sri Vaishnavi Devi, physical and mental health can be gained from Sri Durga Devi. And by worshipping Goddess Maremma in this temple, one gains everything and can feel fulfilled.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Amenities for devotees in the temple

Amenities have been made for devotees who come to worship daily, those who come to give offerings, and those from surrounding villages who come with their families. To prepare prasada (kitchen), a storeroom for groceries like rice and cereals for preparing prasada and dwelling places for archakas have also been provided.

There is also a wide cement platform around the temple for devotees to perform anga-pradakshhina. A variety of flowering plants are also being grown in the empty spaces of the temple. They are using these flowers for the daily worship of the Goddess.

Special Functions that take place in the Sannidhi of the Goddess

Every year one month after the Tirupati Tatayyagunta Gangamma jatra, villagers join to celebrate jatara for Goddess Maremma with great enthusiasm. They celebrate grandly the Navaratri festival for nine days.

  • The Goddess is decorated as Kamakshi on the first day,
  • as Balatripurasundari on the second day,
  • on the third as Annapoorneswari Devi,
  • on the fourth as Bhuvaneswari Devi,
  • on the fifth, it is Mamiti Seva (Siva Parvati),
  • on sixth as Lakshmi Devi,
  • on seventh as Ashtabhuja Durga Devi,
  • on eighth as Saraswati Devi.
  • On the ninth and last day, she is decorated as Goddess Maremma

and taken in procession through the streets of the village. The celebrations go on splendidly. With this the Navaratri festival comes to an end.

Apart from these, every Friday, on pournami and during other festival days, they do special decoration and pujas for the goddess.

Click here for the official website 

The Greatness of the Goddess

The Goddess fulfils the prayers of Her devotees. Many people desiring children come to the temple of the goddess and perform pujas. Unmarried people pray to the Goddess for getting married and when their desire is fulfilled they come with their family and fulfil their prayers to the Goddess. For this, the family of the Dharmakarta itself is an example! Earlier Kamatham Ankaiah Naidu of this family and his wife Kamatham Subbamma had no children and went to many temples to offer prayers. But they remained childless.

Once when a swamiji came to the village, they arranged for his food. He was happy with their hospitality and gave them some advice before leaving: “Both of you go to the temple of Sri Maremma in the village, bathe in the pure water in the temple well, go with wet clothes (at that time there was no temple; people used to worship the goddess beneath the neem tree) and pray to her sincerely. You will get children.” He then left the place.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Following the command of the holy man, the couple worshipped Sri Maremma. After that, they were blessed with a male child. He was named Maraiah by the family. After that, sons born in that family were given names to synchronize with the name of the Goddess. From then to this day they worship Goddess Maremma as their Kuladaivam. They fulfil the aspirations of the temple trustee without fail by helping with the daily pujas and serving the temple’s growth.

The villagers have realised the greatness of Goddess Maremma, convey to her their problems and get them solved. Some devotees who have fallen prey to the drinking habit wear a band and have given up the bad habit. Also, many devotees come and describe the marvels of the Goddess, her Shakti’s immensity and their visions.

Thus for the villagers in nearby places and devotees, the Goddess is verily a wish-yielding tree, a Mother who saves people in distress. The compassionate Goddess Maremma’s temple has several pujas daily and with offerings brought by devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled, is flourishing grandly.

Glory of Tirupati Gangamma Jatara

Glory of Tirupati Gangamma Jatara

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Tirupati Gangamma Jatara

The “Tathaiyagunta Gangamma Jatara” is one of the festivals celebrated in the mythologically significant, historically popular city of Tirupati, A.P. The main reason for the popularity of this jatara is that Gangamma is believed to be the younger sister of Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy.

During the days of jatara organized by the authorities of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams at the Tirumalesha Temple, various offerings are made to Gangamma on Saturdays as gifts from her parental house. These offerings typically include silk clothes, turmeric and kumkum, bamboo baskets, and symbolizing auspiciousness are brought and presented to Gangamma.

In Sanskrit, “jata” signifies ‘birth’.

From a historical perspective, there is no exact evidence of the beginnings of the Tathaiyagunta Gangamma fair. This ambiguity arises from the fact that for the first time, such a jatara is organised to commemorate the offerings from parents’ house to Gangamma.

Esteemed historical researchers and cultural authorities have authenticated this fact.

Tirupati Gangamma Jatara

Gangamma Jatara – Origin

Every idol worship tradition typically involves a narrative. Similarly, the origin of Tathaiyagunta Gangamma is accompanied by a legendary tale. Once upon a time, Tirupati was a humble village under the governance of a farmer who firmly believed in his sense of justice and righteousness. He held a position of power and with that power, he hurt women in many ways.

In those days, when the village chief’s word was law and few dared to oppose him openly, those suffering silently turned to prayers to Mother Goddess for intervention. Responding to these pleas, the divine power known as ‘Adiparashakti,’ incarnated in the village of Avila near Tirupati, resolved to end the tyranny of the village chief and deliver justice to the oppressed women.

In the guise of a woman, She entered the village chief’s household and confronted him with her formidable presence, instilling fear in his heart. Fearing for his life, the village chief fled his home, evading the pursuit of the divine entity. Unyielding in her pursuit of justice, Adiparashakti continued her search, assuming different disguises each day.

Seven days passed in this relentless pursuit until finally, near Tathaiyagunta, she apprehended the village chief and killed him, a fitting punishment bringing an end to his reign of oppression. This decisive act of justice occurred during the Tamil month of Chittirai.

As the unbearable hardships caused by the cruel landlord came to an end, the villagers fervently implored, “Mother, stay here and protect us always!” Their prayers were answered as the divine Parashakti manifested there thus transforming it into the revered site known as ‘Tathaiyagunta Gangamma’.

In commemoration of this heroic event, Tirupati hosts fairs for seven days, showcasing rural culture through various guises.

The Gangamma fair held in Tirupati stands out as a unique tradition not found elsewhere in the country. The bustling streets, filled with the daily hustle and bustle, wandering along the streets uttering scolds may appear strange to outsiders, yet within this rhythm, there are distinct moments of pause and reflection.

On the first day, individuals don the costume of a “Bairagi.” Humans, consider virtue, riches, and desires, as the ultimate goals in life. Salvation is the ultimate goal. To attain salvation, one must relinquish worldly desires, hence the choice of the “Bairagi” costume. He is likened to a drop of water on a lotus in the cycle of life and death (Samsara), symbolizing detachment.

On the second day, participants dress in the “Banda” (rock, boulder) costume. This attire embodies the idea of enduring hardships without affecting one’s inner peace like a rock that remains motionless. The purpose of this disguise is to promote tolerance.

The third day sees individuals dressing as a “fellow” (Thoti). Members of the Kaikala caste demonstrate their devotion by portraying women through this costume, while washermen adopt a masculine appearance. Even when engaged in professional duties, the essence of human service is emphasized, encouraging people to embrace a sense of service.

On the fourth day, participants wear ‘dora’ attire. Traditionally the Kaikala and Chakali clans wear this guise. It is customary for a Dora to dress as a minister if the Kaikalas opt for this attire.

The fifth day involves dressing up as “carrying lime pots.” Kaikalas place lime pots on their heads at the fair. The pot symbolises the body. Jasmine flowers adorning the pots represent goodwill, while instrumental chants signify blessings for the welfare of the community.

The sixth day features the “Matangi” costume, honouring the goddess of the thousand eyes. Similar to Vishnu with a thousand eyes, Gangamma also embodies the concept of Vishvarupini.

On the seventh day, participants dress up as “sapparala,” carrying spires resembling gopurams. This symbolizes dualism and serves to protect against negative influences.

Additionally, on Tuesdays, participants don the “Perantala” costume, worn specifically by the Kaikalas. The conclusion of the Jathara involves the ritual of cutting the cheeks of Chinagangamma, followed by Pedagangamma.

sri-tataiahgunta-gangamma - Tirupati
Chinagangamma – Tirupati

Among the devotees involved in crafting Gangamma dolls Dalits, potters, Kamsari, Mangali, and Golla communities play a significant role. Following the division of the universal form of the goddess by the Kaikala clans, devotees eagerly receive soil from that sacred source with deep reverence.

Subsequently, they take this soil to their homes, where it is kept for purposes such as warding off illness, fostering development, and resolving various pressing issues. Throughout the Ganga fair, the general public offers various customary offerings.

According to the religious beliefs of Adi Shankara, all village deities are considered forms of Kali.

Gangamma Jatara - Chempa Narakuta
The conclusion of the Jathara involves the ritual of cutting the cheeks of Gangamma called in Telugu Champa narukuta A view

Those on a pilgrimage to Tirumala to have a darshan of the Lord Srinivasa during the Gangamma Jatara, make it a point to visit Tathaiyagunta of Tirupati. They find it bewildering to hear the abusive words hurled by the participants in the jatara. There are reasons for this tradition.

This perplexity can be attributed to a cultural phenomenon observed in India, illustrated by the story of Duryodhana, who, fearing for his life after the demise of his family, concealed himself in a pond. When his adversaries hurt his pride by hurling abuses at him, he eventually emerged. Eventually, he gets killed at the hands of Bhima. This narrative serves as a metaphorical rebuke-strategy aimed at the dora, who must have hidden somewhere, to come out with his pride wounded.

Certainly, Gangamma holds a significant place as the village head deity. It’s wonderful to hear that the temple dedicated to her is experiencing gradual development. Such progress signifies the enduring devotion and reverence of the community towards Gangamma Tirupati.

As a testament to the devotion of the devotees, the Tathaiyagunta Gangamma Devasthanam was constructed. This sacred site saw the installation of Yantra, Vigraha, Shikhara Kalash, and the consecration ceremony, known as Maha Kumbhabhisheka Mahotsavam, took place from May 1st to May 5th, 2023. Tirumalesha made a significant contribution towards this endeavour.

To safeguard the village and ward off diseases such as smallpox, repel malevolent spirits, and shield against unfamiliar illnesses caused by insects, as well as invoke rainfall for lush and fruitful fields, the tradition of seeking the blessings of Gangamma is established.

Additionally, to protect crops from pest infestations and ensure auspicious outcomes, it is customary to visit Gangamma for divine intervention and favourable results.

Plentiful riches for those who worship,
bestowed as the Kalpavalli of divine blessings,
Amritavalli brings joy to devotees
dressed in jatara attires,
Asrayavalli, the refuge of Anantalwar,
revered as “grandfather”
by Lord Srinivasa

Nityannadanam by TTD

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Nityannadanam by TTD

In 2006, the then Chairman of the T.T.D. Trust Board provided the facility of offering Srivari ‘annaprasadam’ to all the devotees who came to Tirumala irrespective of the ‘Darshan’ of Srivaru. Later, the TTD started a new building complex for ‘Nityannadanam’. At that time, Matrusri Tharigonda Vengamamba, a devout devotee generously used to offer food to the devotees.

Later, the T.T.D continued the traditional culture of charity by offering food in Tirumala putting the name of Matrusri Tharigonda Vengamamba to the building complex. The scheme of Nityannadanam was also started in Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru at Tiruchanur in the past.

Recently on 29-02-2024 in Sri Govindarajaswamy temple in Tirupati the programme ‘Nityannadanam’ was started and going on well every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is the staunch wish of the TTD that all the devotees in Tirumala, Tirupati and other places should make use of the facility of ‘annadanam’ and get the graceful blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Tarigonda Vengamamba Annadhanam Annaprasada Building - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Food is Divine

‘Annam Parabrahmaswarupam’ is a spiritual saying of our elders. Of all gifts, charity is the greatest. Those who give charity will receive ‘Devalokapuja’. Food is the essential thing that sustains the human body for achieving ‘Purusharthas.’ Without food, animals will also die. Therefore, offering food means offering life. Food sustains life.

Giving life is giving all things to human beings. So they receive the fruits by the charity. It is said that whoever eats rice can perform any pious work with energy. Half of the virtue i.e., ‘punyam’ will go to the giver of the food and the other half of it will go to the person who has done the work.

Annaprasadam - Food is Divine - Nityannadanam by TTD

Service to man is service to God.

Offering of food to the hungry is equal to performing a ‘yajna.’ One can satisfy others with food only. But one cannot satisfy others by offering gold, clothes, or anything else. People still want more and more. But one can hear the word ‘Enough’ from them by just offering a meal.

It is said that by doing ‘annadanam’, fame, radiance and strength will be attained in all three worlds. ‘Vedokti’ emphasizes that the first entry into heaven is for those who conduct ‘annadanam.’ The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams put this maxim into practice.

Eham and Param

There is a concept of ‘Eham’ and ‘Param’ regarding the consumption of ‘prasadam’ in temples. Offering ‘prasadam’ is an orthodox tradition for those who perform puja and other rituals and to the devotees visiting the temple. Some of the festivals are entirely related to ‘annadanam.’ ‘Thiruppavada’ in Tirumala is similar to this practice.

Sri Saluva Narasimharaya built choultries for doing ‘annadanam’ to satisfy the hunger of the devotees in Tirumala. Under the supervision of Srimad Kandadai Ramanuja Iyengar, ‘Ramanujakutamulu’ were formed. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the world’s largest spiritual organization, has been serving the devotees by offering food freely to them for a long time.

Resuming the tradition of our ‘sanatana dharma,’ the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams initiated this auspicious deed on 06-04-1985. Initially started with a mere two thousand devotees, the scheme gradually became a major programme. Earlier, this ‘annaprasadam’ scheme was applicable only to the devotees who visited the Lord in the temple.

Dry Flower Technology by TTD

Dry Flower Technology by TTD

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Dry Flower Technology

The optimum utility of flowers and garlands used in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams -run temples to make divine portraits besides household materials like paperweights, key chains, table calendars, pendants etc. using the traditional Dry Flower Technology method, has been a major hit with devotees.Namami Govinda Products - Key chain and others

Namami Govinda Products (Using Dry Flower Technology) – Key chain and others

Appreciation from State CM

The products have also earned the appreciation of the Honourable CM of AP Sri YS Jaganmohan Reddy and other Ministers from the State and Central. TTD and Dr YSR Horticultural University signed an MoU on September 13, 2021, for providing Dry flower technology to make popular products including portraits of the Hindu deities including Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Padmavathi Devi, Sri Rama etc. that would attract the devotees in a big way.

Training and Equipment

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has also succeeded in the process as there is a huge demand for the DFT (Dry flower technology) portraits among devotees. As part of the agreement, the first batch of women workers were given training in making products at the Citrus Research Station.

From September 28 2021 onwards the training classes commenced.

As many as 340 women from self-help groups were provided training and roped in by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to produce the artefacts. One person could make two portraits daily and another 3-4 days to deliver the final product. Till now, these trained women have made 22,219 portraits of A4 size and 850 other artefacts all worth Rs. 1.19 crores.

Dry Flower Technology

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has spent ₹88 lakhs on the equipment besides training SHG women. TTD has commenced the sale of these portraits and artefacts to devotees from January 25. The artefacts are made available at TTD information centres in Tirumala, Tirupati Local temples, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Chennai.

Following the growing demand for DFT products from the pilgrim public, TTD has decided to construct a permanent shed to manufacture the artefacts which will soon be built at the Citrus Research Station.

TTDevasthanams - The New Mobile App

TTDevasthanams – The New Mobile App

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TTDevasthanams

TTD inaugurated a new Mobile app TTDevasthanams for the convenience of devotees.

Most of the pilgrims do not know where to stay in Tirumala or how to buy tickets for Srivari ‘darshan.’ Many incidents emphasized the fact that many innocent pilgrims were cheated by the mediators in many ways in Tirumala.

TTDevasthanams - The New Mobile App

For such devotees, the App is very useful.

  • Devotees can book their cottages for their stay through this App.
  • They can also buy tickets for the ‘darshan’ of the Lord by using this magnificent App.
  • They also buy special tickets for ‘Special Darshan’ for differently-abled persons and senior citizens.
  • They can also book Kalyana Mandapas online through this special App.

The T.T.D has shown a way to the devotees who want to offer donations / Trusts / Schemes etc. to the Lord directly from home through this App. The special App has been designed as if it has handed over the responsibilities of the pilgrims to the Lord.

Importance of TTDevasthanams – Mobile App

We know that a mobile application is called an App. Today there are many Apps with us in the fields of diet, health, entertainment and education. There is no one without a smartphone nowadays. Smartphones have become a necessity.

The T.T. Devasthanams Mobile App has been designed to make it compatible with the operating systems used in different Mobiles, Tablets and other devices. This app is developed with the support of the Jio platforms.

For this App, the T.T. Devasthanams spent crores of rupees. The effort made by T.T. Devasthanams is praiseworthy as it has brought a wonderful App that is unique in many ways with its wonderful features.

Some people think that it is not necessary to spend crores of rupees on an App. But this version is not correct. After the period of Corona, many modifications have taken place in the matter allowing the devotees to Srivari grand ‘darshan.’ Online ticket booking has become compulsory for ‘darshan’ at that time.

TTDevasthanams - The New Mobile App

Previously this procedure was already on the website for implementation. This factor depended on the choice of the devotees. After the outbreak of the Corona, online booking became mandatory but not a choice.

In the present age, everything depends on Mobile Apps. So the use of the Mobile App became inevitable. It is like an ‘amla’ fruit in the palm of every devotee.

Devotees of Lord Venkateswara wish to get the grand ‘darshan’ of the Lord many times in a comfortable and pleasant environment. The T.T.D is also trying its best to provide and enhance the facilities of the devotees from time to time.

To achieve the goal, the T.T.D. has planned an innovative and technological mechanism to provide a facility to get the ‘darshan’ of Lord Venkateswara easily. The recent modernized device is the T.T. Devasthanams Mobile App.

It is like a ‘Taraka Mantra’ to the devotees who wish to fulfil their desires in Tirumala with ease and comfort saving their time, money and energy. The Mobile App stands as a symbol for the services rendered by the T.T. Devasthanams. The T.T.D is concentrating on the modernization of the systems and institutions by streamlining the old policies, correcting defective procedures and purifying the polluted environment in the temple.

Its service is highly responsible and requires a sense of dedication and commitment. To the utmost extent, the T.T.D. is playing a vital role as a coordinator between the Lord and His devotees. Bringing the T.T. Devasthanams Mobile App into existence is a commendable attempt to bring the T.T.Devasthanams nearer to the devotees.

As the Gita says:
Ananyas chintayanto
mam ye janah paryupasate
Tesam nityabhiyuktanam
yoga-skhemam vahamy aham.
– (The Gita:9-22.)

Lord Venkateswara will look after the ‘Yoga’ and ‘Kshema’ (welfare) of His devotees. Valuable and comprehensive information about Tirumala is available in the App for the convenience of the devotees.

Besides ringtones, videos are also available on this App. The Brahmotsavams of the Lord, the Brahmotsavams of Goddess Padmavathi, Pavitrotsavams, and other videos related to Srivari ‘sevas’ are available in the App. Through this App, the devotees can follow valuable suggestions and advice in the form of videos.

Most of the devotees do not know what to do and what not to do in Tirumala. Though they make mistakes unknowingly, they cannot get the grace of the Lord. In this regard, full information is available in the videos in the App.

Previously called Govinda App

The main aim of the App is that the devotees should not feel any inconvenience in Tirumala. Previously, there was a Mobile App called ‘Govinda App’ and now on 27-1-2023, T.T.D. inaugurated this new mobile App with the name ‘TTDevasthanams’.

Many new applications were added to this App and modernized as ‘TTDevasthanams Mobile App’ Devotees can see the programmes in the S.V.B.C. through live streaming with the help of this App. They should enter OTP with the User Name to log in. Entering a password is not necessary. The T.T.D has designed it so that even the devotees who do not know how to use a computer can also utilize this App very easily.

TTDevasthanams – Downloads

On the day of its inception alone, lakhs of devotees downloaded this wonderful App which is considered a great privilege.

The most valuable information about

  • Sundara Kanda Parayana,
  • the Bhagavad-Gita,
  • Adiparvam,
  • Vedaparayanam,
  • Bala Kaanda,
  • Virata Parva,
  • Sabha Parva,
  • Sampurna Sundara Kaanda and

many other programmes are found in the App in the form of videos.

Besides these, books relating to Srivaru, and other spiritual publications are also found in the App.

TTDevasthanams - The New Mobile App

Downloading PDF files, Ringtones and Wallpapers

There is a facility to download these PDF files freely in the App. The qualitative wallpaper photos of Lord Venkateswara are put in the App. These photos in many forms will surely attract the hearts of the devotees.

Devotees can download the ringtones of Lord Venkateswara through this App. Highly melodious musical ringtones are also available on the App and devotees can share those ringtones with others.

They can share their grievances through the Toll-free number in the App and email IDs with the authorities concerned. They can ask the officers for solutions. They can buy the ‘Panchagavyas’ products through this App.

The T.T.D. is appealing to the devotees to utilize the new Mobile App and not to entertain the mediators and make their spiritual trip comfortable and auspicious.

OM NAMO VENKATESAYA!

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) - Schemes and Trusts

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) – Schemes and Trusts

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Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) – Schemes and Trusts

Philanthropy is one of the major sources of revenue that drives the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in its endeavor to benefit society. More than the money involved, it is the offerings made by the devotees, right from a normal person to a multi-millionaire, in fulfillment of their vow that matters.

Any devotee can simply drop his offerings into the ‘Srivari Hundi’. Besides, they can also contribute a significant amount to the scores of schemes and trusts run by the TTD as part of its social responsibility. By contributing to the schemes, every devotee can become a partner with the TTD’s objectives to reach out to society.

Sri Venkateswara Anna Prasadam Trust

Going by the adage ‘Manava Sevaye Madhava Seva’ (service to humanity is service to the Lord), the TTD launched Sri Venkateswara Anna Prasadam Trust, which is a major source today in providing meals to the tens of thousands of devotees visiting Tirumala every day.

Every morsel of food provided to the common public is viewed as ‘Srivari Prasadam’ and hence is accepted with utmost devotion.

Tarigonda Vengamamba Annadhanam Annaprasada Building - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

One-Day Donation Scheme

T.T.D. has introduced a scheme towards a one-day contribution of the donation amount for serving Annaprasadam at Tirumala. The devotees can contribute towards the entire one-day Annaprasadam or breakfast, lunch, or dinner the name of the donor will be displayed at MTVAC, and the donor is permitted to serve the Annaprasadam on any chosen date.

The contributions will be treated as corpus donations and uniform privileges will apply to the donors like darshan, accommodation, etc.

Sri Venkateswara Pranadana Trust

The TTD has several hospitals under its umbrella, which provide free medical treatment and even conduct surgeries for the deserving poor. Sri Venkateswara Pranadana Trust was formed with the noble aim of providing free medication to poor patients afflicted with life-threatening diseases related to heart, kidney, brain, etc.

Beneficiaries are identified transparently by a team of medical experts and the treatment or surgery is done free of cost.

With medical care becoming increasingly unaffordable, this trust has proved to be a savior for many.

click here to know more about donations towards Paranadana Trust

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

This trust is yet another forum that plays a very important role in the protection of cows, which is of paramount importance in Hindu Dharma. The TTD established a dairy farm called ‘Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshanasala’ in Tirupati in the year 1956 and formed the trust in 2002 to meet its needs.

Panchgavyas - TTD Namami Govinda

Devotees can also help in the protection and propagation of endangered varieties of native cows such as Gir, Sahiwal, Kankrej, Ongole, and Punganur, as TTD management has taken up the massive responsibility with the contribution received by this trust.

Click here for more details

Sri Venkateswara Vidyadana Trust

This trust was formed in the year 2008 to sanction scholarships to 1000 meritorious students living below the poverty line. Students studying in Zilla Parishat, municipal corporation, private aided, and even the schools run by the TTD management are eligible to get the scholarships.

By providing education to a single student, the TTD aims to better the lives of an entire generation.

Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled (BIRRD)

Physical disability is one major impediment that ruins one’s life. To come to the rescue of such disabled persons, the TTD formed the Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled (BIRRD) Trust to treat patients suffering from polio mellitus, cerebral palsy, congenital anomalies, spinal injuries, and other orthopedic disorders.

BIRRD

With state-of-the-art equipment and modern operation theatres, the BIRRD hospital is comparable to the best orthopedic super-specialty hospitals in Asia. The treatment is provided free of cost at this hospital to the deserving persons.

Sri Venkateswara Veda Parirakshana Trust

Vedas are at the root of Hindu Dharma. The Sanatana Hindu Dharma is identified through the Vedic tradition. To preserve the ancient Vedas, Sri Venkateswara Veda Parirakshana Trust was formed in the year 2007. With this, the TTD runs Veda Patasalas and provides financial emoluments to aged Vedic scholars to let them share their rich knowledge with the younger generation.

Donating to this trust is synonymous with protecting the ancient Vedic civilization. As repair, renovation, and revival of ancient temples is the key to protecting the Hindu Dharma, Sri Venkateswara Heritage Preservation Trust was introduced in 2006 to protect dilapidated temples and other heritage structures. Donations to this trust will directly help in protecting our ancient temple tradition.

Sri Venkateswara Sarvasreyas Trust

The TTD established Sri Venkateswara Bala Mandir in the year 1943 to take care of orphaned children. It was later renamed as Sri Venkateswara Sarvasreyas Trust, which provides shelter to boys and girls who have no parents or those with parents who are not able to bring them up due to financial constraints.

Such children are admitted to this school and free education is provided to make them bright and responsible citizens.

Sri Venkateswara Alaya Nirmanam (SRIVANI) Trust

Sri Venkateswara Alaya Nirmanam (SRIVANI) Trust has been formed in recent years to construct, maintain, manage, and administer Sri Venkateswara temples and their properties. Various religious rituals pertaining to the temples will also be performed with the funds donated to the trust.

Click here for more details.

Sri Balaji Arogya Varaprasadini Scheme

It was formed in the year 2007 in Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), the TTD’s super specialty hospital. The funds received by this trust are used to conduct medical research and provide medical treatment to deserving patients.

How to Make Donation

For all the above trusts, devotees can issue a cheque or draw a demand draft in favor of ‘The Executive Officer, TTD, Tirupati’ and send it to the address ‘The Chief Accounts Officer, Centralised Donor Management Cell, TTD administrative building, Kapila Theertham Road, Tirupati – 517 501’.

All donations are exempt under Sec 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.

Privileges to Donors

The TTD also provides certain privileges to the donors contributing to the above schemes.

1 to 5 Lakh

According to the information provided by the TTD, philanthropists donating any amount between Rs.1 lakh and Rs.5 lakh will be allowed for Darshan through ‘Supatham’ for one day in a year (subject to availability) for their family of five persons. They will also get free accommodation for five persons or VIP accommodation on a payment basis once a year.

Six small Laddus will be provided to them during their visit for Darshan, apart from one Dupatta, a blouse piece as ‘Bahumanam’. These privileges will be extended during the lifetime of the donor in case of individuals or for 20 years, in case of firms, companies, and joint donors.

5 to 10 Lakh

Those who donate an amount between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.10 lakh will get Darshan through ‘Supatham’ for three days in a year (subject to availability) for five members of their family. Free accommodation will be provided for three days or VIP accommodation on a payment basis.

Ten small Laddus are provided during two visits to the temple, at the rate of five each time, apart from Dupatta, blouse piece as ‘Bahumanam’. A silver coin weighing 50 grams will be given once in their lifetime.

10 Lakh to 1 Crore

Donors donating an amount between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1 crore will be provided break darshan for three days in a year (subject to availability) for their family of five persons. They will be provided accommodation three times a year in any room with a tariff value of Rs.500. A gold dollar weighing 5 grams and a silver coin weighing 50 grams will be given once in their lifetime.

1 Crore and Above

Those donating Rs.1 crore and above will get VIP break Darshan for three days a year free of cost for their family of five persons. This apart, the donor’s family will also be provided Suprabhatha Seva for any three days other than the VIP break day. They will get accommodation in a VIP suite having a tariff value of Rs.2500 for three days a year.

‘Veda Asirvachanam’ will be performed free of cost at Ranganayakula Mandapam by Vedic Pundits on any day chosen by the devotee once a year. Ten big Laddus will be provided to them every year, at the rate of five per visit for two times.

They will also get one gold dollar weighing 5 grams and a 50-gram silver coin once in their lifetime.

Devotees donating Rs.10000 to SRIVANI Trust will get the privilege of VIP break darshan. One VIP break darshan ticket is given for every donation of Rs.10000, subject to a ceiling of nine persons. Donors will have to redeem the privilege by paying Rs.500 per ticket.

In all the above cases, room is not provided to a single person arriving at Tirumala.

Sri Venkateswara Aapanna Hrudaya Scheme

Donors can sponsor the cost of a child’s heart surgery by donating Rs.1 lakh to the hospital under the Sri Venkateswara Aapanna Hrudaya Scheme for children treated at Sri Padmavati CHildren Heart Centre, Tirupati. Donors can be individuals, corporate firms, or trusts.

Donors will get a one-time break darshan for a family of five persons (subject to availability). For firms and trusts, five persons will be allowed for Break darshan on payment of Break darshan charges.

Devotees can donate to any of the above trusts/schemes to directly contribute to the TTD’s activities to make the world a better place to live in.

SriVari Seva - Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)

SriVari Seva – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)

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SriVari Seva Services

Intending to offer better services to the pilgrims who come from far-flung parts of the country and across the globe to Tirumala for darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) has launched “Srivari Seva” voluntary service in the year 2000.

The services of Srivari Sevakulu are being utilized in over five dozen areas in Tirumala with major pilgrim interface areas including Vigilance, Health, Annaprasadam, Garden, Medical, LadduPrasadam, Temple, Transport, Kalyanakkatta, Book Stalls etc

According to Hindu scriptures, Seva is seen as the highest form of Dharma (righteousness). The concept of Seva which means Service is considered as one of the most important tenets of Hindu Sanatana Dharma.

Serving other people without seeking anything in return is considered an essential devotional practice of indirectly serving the Supreme God. In other words, Seva is simply defined as the ‘Selfless Act’ that is performed without any hopes of reciprocation, monetary benefits, awards, or rewards.

SriVari Seva - Tirumala Tirupati

Origin of SriVari Seva

Every day tens of thousands of devotees throng the holy shrine of Sri Venkateswara. The devotees never mind to wait for long waiting hours in serpentine queue lines extending up to some kilometers from Tirumala shrine, to catch a glimpse of Srivaru for a fraction of a second.

Apart from darshan queue lines, Tirumala witnesses a heavy influx of devotees at the accommodation, Kalyanakatta, Annaprasadam, Laddu Complex, luggage counters, and everywhere To meet the requirements of ever-increasing pilgrim crowd to Tirumala, TTD has tossed the idea of a Voluntary Service initially in 1998 to offer services to the fellow devotees on a trial basis as “Srinivasa Seva”. Later during the year 2000 in November, “Srivari Seva” was launched in a full-fledged manner in Tirumala.

Beginning with just 200 numbers of Srivari Sevaks, today on any given day not less than 2000 sevaks render service to their fellow pilgrims in Tirumala. During the peak days like summer vacation, annual Brahmotsavams, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Rathasapthami, etc. the figure doubles.

The Srivari Sevaks, a brigade of volunteers, are not just from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but hail from Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, New Delhi, Chattisgarh also.

Since its inception, so far 12.50 lakh Srivari Sevaks (till June 2022) belong to 95 thousand odd teams with 8.60 lakh female and 3.90 lakh male. Srivari Sevaks have rendered impeccable services to their fellow pilgrims in the last 22 years.

Journey From a small chamber to a 100 Crore MASSIVE BUILDINGS

During the initial days, the Srivari Seva office used to be in a small chamber located adjacent to the main Kalyanakatta in Tirumala. Along with the time, there has seen a lot of transformation in the last two decades of its journey.

Click here for the Google Maps location ( Srivari Seva Sadan)

Srivari Seva Sadan Block

Considering the importance of Srivari Sevaks, TTD has constructed twin buildings opposite Sri Varaha Swami Rest House and behind the Kalyana Vedika in Tirumala at an expense of Rs.100 crores to accommodate both the female and male volunteers separately with well-furnished accommodation and other facilities.

SERVICE TO MANKIND IS SERVICE TO GOD

“Manava Seva ye Madhava Seva” – the service to Humanity is service to Divinity is a famous saying in the Hindu scriptures. Sticking to this noble ideology, TTD commenced the Srivari Seva Voluntary Service. Devotees from across the country of their own volition are making use of this opportunity to serve their compatriot devotees selflessly.

A Supporting Arm to TTD

The services of Srivari Sevaks are being utilized at different areas in TTD among which the prominent ones include Vigilance, Health, Anna Prasadam, Garden, Medical, Laddu Prasadam, Srivari Temple, Transport, Kalyanakatta, Book stalls and Agarbatti- Panchagavya sales while the professional sevas includes Parakamani and Navaneeta Seva.

SriVari Sevaks Distributing Food

Some areas where Srivari Sevaks render services

  1. Queue lines, and compartments to regulate devotee crowds
  2. Serving drinking water, buttermilk, snacks, milk, and Anna Prasadam in the VQC Compartments, Narayanagiri Garden Sheds, outside queue lines, food counters, etc.
  3. Serving at Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Anna Prasadam Complex (MTVAC), PAC-II.
  4. Scanning the luggage of devotees.
  5. Preparation of Garlands, and plucking of flowers at the Garden department.
  6. Sale of religious books, TTD calendars and diaries, Panchagavya, Dry Flower Technology photo frames, Agarbattis, etc.
  7. Assisting the aged and handicapped devotees at Darshan queues and hospitals.
  8. Sale of Coconuts and biodegradable covers in laddu counters.
  9. Splitting of Cashew nuts for making Laddu Prasadams and Anna Prasadams.
  10. Getting feedback from devotees for the betterment of the system.

SriVari Seva during Garuda Vahanam

SPECIALIZED SEVAs

Apart from the general sevas, TTD has also introduced specialized sevas including Parakamani and Navaneetha Sevas.

Parakamani Seva

Parakamani is the counting and accounting of the currencies and coins offered by the devotees in Srivari Hundi. The Parakamani Seva was commenced by TTD in August 2012. Only male sevaks aged between 25 years and 65 years are eligible to apply for Parakamani Seva.

Navaneetha Seva

To render service to Gomatathe cow, as per the traditional practices mentioned in the great epics and scriptures of the Hindu Santana Dharma, Navaneetha seva was commenced by TTD in August 2021 on the auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami at S.V. Gosala in Tirumala.

This unique seva includes cleaning the Gosala premises, drawing Rangolis, making cakes with cow dung to use as fuel material, feeding fodder to cows, churn butter through traditional means, etc.

Devotees who are willing to render the Navaneetha Seva shall have to apply only online. Only women sevaks aged between 35 years and 50 years are eligible to apply for Navaneetha Seva.

Vishnu Nivasam - Tirupati
Vishnu Nivasam – Near Tirupati Railway station

SRIVARI SEVA IN TIRUPATI

After the successful implementation of Srivari Seva in Tirumala, the same Services has been commenced in Tirupati also in the year 2014. The services of Srivari Sevaks are being utilized at Tirupati, Tiruchanoor, and local temples viz. Srinivasa Mangauram, Appalayagunta, Central Hospital, DPW Stores, Marketing Godown, S.V. Gosala, Rest Houses of TTD, Annaprasadam etc. The women and men volunteers are being provided accommodation at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati located opposite the Railway station.

BHAJAN AND SATSANG TO SRIVARI SEVAKS

TTD intends to imbibe service orientation, and religious motivation among Srivari Sevaks by providing training to them. Every day Bhajana and Satsang classes are being conducted to Srivari Sevaks along with orientation on Do’s and Don’ts at Tirumala Seva Sadan both in the morning and in the evening. Similarly, every Tuesday and Friday, the Bhajana and Satsang Classes are held in Sevaks at Tirupati Vishnu Nivasam.

Hindu Sanatana Dharma

Apart from rendering services at various points in Tirumala and Tirupati, the Srivari Sevaks are voluntarily taking part in various spiritual and Dharmic activities mulled by TTD across different parts of the country.

Be it the opening of Sri Venkateswara Divya Kshetrams at Visakhapatnam, Bhuvaneshwar, Amaravati, or religious programs like Karthika Deepotsavams, Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavams, Srinivasa Kalyanams etc. taken up by TTD, everywhere Srivari Sevaks have been offering dedicated services to the local devotees, thereby acting as the “Torch Bearers” of Hindu Santana Dharma.

Instructions to SriVari Sevaks

  1. Only Hindus shall apply for Srivari Seva.
  2. The Srivari Seva is a free service intended to serve fellow pilgrims.
  3. Sevaks will be allowed to book for General Seva / Parakamani Seva / Navaneetha Seva again only after 90 days from the performance of their last seva date.
  4. Devotees who are willing to perform General Srivari Seva have to apply either online or offline.
  5. The minimum strength for a group is 10 and the maximum is 15 which can be booked both off-line as well in online.

Offline Process

The sevaks who intend to perform Srivari Seva have to write a letter to the following address.

The Public Relations Officer,
TTD Administrative Building, Room No.60
K.T. Road, Tirupati- 517501
Phone: 0877 – 2264217

The selected Srivari Sevaks shall receive a copy of proceedings from the Office of PRO, Tirupati inviting them for Srivari Seva and also a confirmation SMS will be forwarded to their registered mobile Number.

Online Process

To avail Srivari Seva, one has to register online by login to srivariseva.tirumala.org. (The instructions and procedure to apply online are available on the TTD official website).

The age limit for applying (as an Individual or group) Srivari Seva (General) for a period of 7 days is 18 to 60 years.

Sri Vari Sevaks Dress Code

For Women Volunteers:
Orange saree with Maroon border and Maroon blouse or
Orange top with Maroon dupatta and Maroon Pyjama

For Men Volunteers:
White Shirt with White Pants or Dhoti

ONLINE SYSTEM INTRODUCED TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY IN SRIVARI SEVA

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