TTD to Link Lord Venkateswara Temple Services to Aadhaar for Transparency

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to link Lord Venkateswara Temple’s services like darshan, accommodation, laddu distribution, and Srivari Seva to the Aadhaar card. The move is aimed at enhancing transparency in services being made available at Tirumala.

Responding to queries during the "Dial your EO" programme in Tirumala on Friday, TTD executive officer J. Syamala Rao disclosed that the central government has approved this Aadhaar-based initiative. However, notification by the state government is pending.

He highlighted the recent decisions made by the devasthanam to benefit devotees, including the rationalisation of laddu distribution from August 29. “This has been done to combat black market of laddus. TTD will now give ticketless devotees only two laddus per Aadhaar card, while those with darshan tokens can receive unlimited laddus based on availability, plus one free laddu. This measure has been introduced to ensure that genuine pilgrims receive the sacred prasadam,” the EO underlined.

He outlined efforts to improve the quality of offerings. Tender conditions for ghee have been changed to enhance ghee quality, which directly impacts the taste of laddu. Additionally, committees have been formed to study and improve the procurement process for ingredients of Annaprasadam as well as the quality of organic materials used in Naivedyam. Plans for modernising the kitchens in Tirumala are also underway, based on recommendations of an expert committee.

Syamala Rao disclosed an increase in issue of Sarva Darshan tokens from 1.05 lakh to 1.65 lakh per week over the past three months. Over 22.42 lakh devotees have had the darshan of Lord Venkateswara in the month of August, with Hundi offerings reaching Rs 125.67 crore. The temple sold 1.06 crore laddus. Annaprasadam has been taken by 24.33 lakh pilgrims. And, 9.49 lakh devotees offered their hair at the Kalyanakatta as part of their vows. The EO informed that preparations are on for the annual Srivari Brahmotsavams from October 4 to October 12, with the Garuda Seva on October 8.

In a significant development, Syamala Rao announced the recommencement of Tirunama Dharana – the practice of applying Tirunamam on devotees' foreheads. This service had been started in 2017 but got suspended during the Covid pandemic. It is now being resumed after a four-year hiatus. Srivari Sevaks will perform this service daily at key locations in Tirumala, including Supatham, entries of Vaikunta Queue Complex, and the Rs 300 special entry darshan line.