Reliance Industries to Construct Mega Annaprasadam Kitchen for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
In a significant development for the sacred site of Lord Venkateswara, Indian multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries has committed to building a mega annaprasadam kitchen for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) at Tirumala. This initiative was announced following the TTD trust board meeting held on Saturday, with board chief BR Naidu revealing that the Reliance group will invest Rs 120 crore towards establishing the kitchen on a completely donation basis.
Enhancing Devotee Services and Infrastructure
The TTD trust currently provides free food through its annaprasadam wing to nearly one lakh devotees daily, with numbers soaring to over three lakh during major festivals such as the Srivari annual Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Radhasapthami. The new mega kitchen is expected to significantly enhance this service, ensuring efficient and hygienic food distribution for the massive influx of pilgrims.
In addition to the kitchen project, the TTD trust board approved the Srivari Mudupu Pathram initiative, which offers a digital platform for devotees to make donations via UPI and other payment gateways. Devotees can obtain a receipt certificate of equal denomination and deposit it into the Srivari Hundi during their darshan. Multiple counters will be set up at Tirumala and Tirupati to facilitate this process, streamlining contributions and improving transparency.
Substantial Investments in Education and Temple Upgrades
The board also sanctioned Rs 118 crore to upgrade infrastructure across all educational institutions managed by the Tirupati trust, aiming to enhance learning environments and facilities. Furthermore, Rs 4 crore was allocated for electrical and civil works at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in Vontimitta, Kadapa district, in preparation for the upcoming Sita-Rama kalyanam festival on April 1. TTD chairman noted that over 70,000 devotees are anticipated to participate, with the trust planning to distribute one Srivari laddu free of cost to each attendee.
New Initiatives and Modernization Efforts
Other approvals included the launch of the Akshara Govindam initiative, allowing Hindu devotees to perform Aksharabhyasam for their children at the Vakulamatha temple near Peruru on the outskirts of Tirupati. The TTD also allocated funds for various modernization projects: Rs 11 crore for Goshalas, Rs 8 crore for X-ray baggage screening equipment at the Alipiri security checkpoint, and Rs 10 crore for a centralized command control center at the TTD administrative building in Tirupati.
Strict Measures Against Sanctity Violations
Addressing concerns over the desecration of Tirumala hills, the TTD chief issued a stern warning against individuals shooting reels or engaging in activities that compromise the sanctity of the site. Legal proceedings will be initiated against anyone found indulging in such acts, emphasizing the trust's commitment to preserving the spiritual integrity of the holy abode.
