TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) witnessed a historic year in 2024, receiving an astounding Rs 1,365 crore in hundi offerings and welcoming over 2.55 crore devotees for Srivari darshan. This remarkable feat highlights the unwavering faith and devotion of millions who visit the sacred Tirumala temple every year.
Devotees’ Heartfelt Offerings
Contributions poured in from devotees of all backgrounds, reflecting their deep reverence for Lord Sri Venkateswara. These offerings included not only cash but also farm produce, jaggery, nava dhanyas (nine types of grains), cattle, gold, precious stones, foreign currency, and even land. Such donations underscore the unique connection between devotees and the divine.
Among these acts of devotion, approximately 99 lakh pilgrims participated in the traditional practice of tonsuring their heads, with 9 lakh devotees offering three symbolic cuts of hair as part of their offerings.
Record-Breaking Contributions
A significant milestone was achieved with immovable assets worth ₹150 crore donated by devout followers. The temple also reported that since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, daily hundi collections have consistently crossed ₹3 crore.
The average daily income from hundi offerings now stands at ₹3.6 crore on weekdays and ₹3.85 crore on weekends. On December 31, 2024, the temple recorded an extraordinary ₹4.10 crore in a single day, marking a new high in its financial contributions.
Visitor Experience and Challenges
While the temple welcomed over 2.55 crore devotees for darshan in 2024, many pilgrims expressed concerns over the waiting times caused by the current system. Under the YSRCP government, the daily visitor limit was reduced to 70,000 post-pandemic. This has led to longer waiting times, with break darshan stretching into the afternoon, often until 1-2 pm.
Many devotees have urged temple authorities to revert to the pre-Covid system, which allowed over 80,000 visitors per day for darshan. This would help manage the growing influx of devotees and reduce waiting times.
Feeding Millions with Prasadam
The temple’s Srivari Anna Prasadam service continues to be a cornerstone of its operations, providing meals to millions. In 2024, over 6.30 crore devotees, including pilgrims and volunteers during Brahmotsavams, received Anna Prasadam. This initiative reflects the temple’s commitment to serving the community with love and devotion.
A Testament to Faith
The record-breaking achievements of TTD in 2024 are a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of millions of devotees worldwide. The combination of spiritual commitment and meticulous management ensures that Tirumala remains one of the most revered and well-organised pilgrim destinations in the world.
As the temple moves forward, there is hope that further enhancements will be made to improve the darshan experience for devotees, ensuring that this sacred tradition continues to thrive for generations to come.
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