CHAPTER - I TIRUMAL-A TIRUPATI DWASTHANAMS - An Ovewlew
1.1. Introduction
Tirupati is'one of the most ancient and spectacular places of pilgrimage in India.
It is situated in Chittoor District in southern Andhra Pradesh. The town owes its
existence to the sacred temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara situated on the
Tirumala Hill adjoining it. With a history that dates back to over twelve centuries,
the temple is the jewel in the crown of ancient places of worship in southem
India. The name Tirupati, meaning the 'the Lord of Lakshml' should have been
appropriately applied to the village on the Venkatachala Hill, the abode of the
Lord. However, it has been popularly assigned to the Municipal town at the foot
of the Hill, while the village around the Hill near His temple is called Tirumala (the
Sacred Hill).
The Tirurnala Hill is 3200 fl above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area.
It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adlsesha, thus
earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri,
Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Nanyanadri and Venkatadri. The ancient
and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak,
Venkatachala venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lles on the southern banks of
Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala, that he
has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also
called the Lord of the Seven Hills.
The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religbus
lore. The Sasttas, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally
declare that, in the KaU Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkab
Nayaka or Sti Venkateswara. The beneflEs acquired by a pitigrimage to
Venkatachala ere mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranae. In them epics, Sri Vwhteswara le desaibed as the great M o w e r of boons. There are
several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala. The
temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the
principles of equality and love, and prohim animal sacrifice. The sanctum
sanclonrrn which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is
situated 10 the main temple complex of Tirumala. There are several legends
associated wkh the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala.
1.2. Temple Legends
Sfi Venkatachala Mahatmya is referred to in several Puranas, of which the most
important are the Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana. The printed
work contains extracts from the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana,
Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa, Vamana Purana, Brahma
Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Adiia Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara
Purana. Most of these extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the hills
around Tirumala and the numerous teerthems situated on them. The legends
taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to
the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest.
According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested Himself on the western
bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswam came to
mide on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini. One day, Rangadasa, a
staunch devotee of Vishnu, in the course of his pilgrimage, joined Vaikhanasa
Goplnatha, who was going up the Tirumala Hill for the daily worship of Lord
Venkateeware. After bathing in the Swami Pushkarini, he beheld the lotus-eyed
and blue-bodied Vishnu beneath a tamarind tree. Vishnu was exposed to the
sun, wind and rain and was only protected by the extended wings of Gatuda.
Rangadaaa was astounded by the wonderful sight. He raised a rough wall of
stones around the deity, and started supplying flowers faithfully to Gopinatha
everyday for Vbhnu'a worship. One day, Rangadam was distraded by a
Gandharva king and his ladies. Consequently, he forgot to supply fkwers to
Gopinatha for Vlshnu's worship. The Lord then revealed Himsedf and told
Rangadasa that He had been testing the laWs continence, but Raqadasa had
not been steadfast and had succumbed to temptation. However, the Lord
accepted and appreciated Rangadasa's devoted sewiw to Him till then, and
blessed Rangadasa that he would be reborn as an affluent ruler of a province
and would enjoy the earthly pleasurecs. He wwld continue to serve the Lord,
construct a beautiful temple with a vimana and high surrounding walls, and
thereby earn eternal glory. Rangadasa was reborn as Tondaman, the son of the
royal couple, Suvira and Nandini. Tondaman enjoyed a pleasurable life as a
young man. One day, he set out on a hunting expedition on the Tirumala Hill, and
with the help of a forester, saw Wshnu under the tamarind tree. Tondaman
returned home, deeply affected by the vision of Vishnu. Tondarnan later lnheritsd
his father's kingdom, Tondamandalam. In accordance with the directions given
by Adi Varaha to a forester, Tondaman constructed a prakeram and dvara
gopura, and arranged for regular worship of the Lord (according to Valkhanasa
Agama). In the Kali Yuga, Akasaraja came to rule over Tondamandalam. Hls
daughter Padmavathi was married to Venkateswara. The marriage, officiated by
Brahrna, was celebrated with great pomp and splendour.
According to a centuriesskl belief, Kubem, the Hindu god of wealth, gave a huge
amount as a loan to Balaji or Venkateswara Swamy when he was marrying
goddess Padmavathi. Balaji promised Kubsra that in return, the aflerings made
by his devotees would go to him. If one were to eetimate the the wealth d Balajl
in Tirumala, it would not be wrong to condude that all the dues have not only
been paid in full, but in far excess as well. The Hindu scriptures say the Md of
Balaji emerged here on its own.
1.3. Tmpb Hktoy
Then, Is ample l i and spigm tsstlmMIy to the antlqufty of the temple of
Lord Sri Vsnkateswara. All the Bre;it dynastba of nrkn d tho mdhem penkrruts havepaklhomagstaLordSriVenkrtsrrwwainIhhendent~.ThsPakm
of KEnchbepuram (9th century AD), the Choh of thanjavur (8 W r y later),
Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th
century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in
endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions. It was during the rule
of the Vljayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple inaeased. Sri
Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals
of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue
of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.
ARer the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, nobles and chieftains from all parts
of the country continued to pay their homage and offer gifts to the temple. The
Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent
endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable
jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald which is still preserved in a box
named after the General. Among the later rulers who have endowed large
amounts are the rulers of Mysore and ~ad&l .
After the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Kamataka and then the
Britlshers took over, and many of the temples came under their supervisory and
protective control. In 1843 AD, the East India Company divested itself of the
dlrect management of nonChristlan places of worship and native religious
institutions. The administration of the shrine of Sri Venkateswara and a number
of estates were then entrusted to Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at
Tiwmala, and the temple remained under the administration of the Mahants for
nearly a century, till 1933 AD.
Vljayanagar King Krishna Devaraya built two prakarame or outer walk to the
shrine. He visited the temple whenever he had to wagti a war. And everytime he
won a war, he attributed hls succe~88 to the blessings of Balaji.
The Qth century temple is the jewel in the crown of Hlnduim. Lying 3,200 feet
above sea level and having an area of about 10.33 square miles, it is the M s
most active religious destination attrading more than 55,000 pilgrims from all
over the world every day.
Before the 908, a majority of the devotees wen from the southem states.
Devotees come from all over the world and every year, more than 1.80 crore
devotvs offer money and gold to make Tirumala the richest Hindu shrine.
During the curtent year (2006-07), the temple's earnings have already crossed
Rs 900 crore against Rs 675 crore during the last year. Total collections from
Hundi offerings alone are Rs 360 crore till now, while Rs 226 crorcss accrue
annually from bank deposits. Even three yeam ago, 7TO used to dear the Hundi
only once or twice in a day where as they have to do It at least 10 times in a day.
Comprising the lion's share of the wealth are the jewellery and the fixed assets.
Interestingly, several medieval Muslim rulers and Chtistian colonial rulers hove
made rich donations in this respect. For instanoe, Mughal ruler Shahjahan
donated an eight-layered gold chain that wei~hs over 100 kg. Jehangir too
donated gold omaments studded with valuable stones. Later, King George and
Queen Victoria also donated several gold ornaments embossing their names on
them. Traditionally, the ornaments are used during annual Brahmotsavams every
year.
1.4. Tlrumela Tlrupatl Devruthmams Formatton and Ib growth
In 1933, the Madras Legislature passed a special act, w h i i empowered the
Tinrmala T i~pat i Devasthanams (TID) Commmsb to control Md administer a
fwd group of temples in the Tirumale-Tirupoti ares, through a Commiuionsr
appointed by the Government of Madras. Thb cammiltee was mirted by a Religious Advisory Councl for religious mettsrs and a Ryob Advisory Councll for
the management of TTD's estates. In 1951, the Act of 1933 wee repleeed by an
enadment whereby the a d m i n m of TlD war enbwted to s Boorrl of
Tnmbm, gnd an Exeu#ve Ofiicer was appdntsd by the Owbmmmt . In 1956,
tfre state of Andhra P r a m war formed, Hid the TTD Board cemb urdsr L govemance.TheprwlsknsoftheAdof~851 wen,rsts i l rc ldbythe~ble
and R d i g i ~ ~ Endowmenb Ad, 1966. Today, TID is a Eonglomsretlon of
temples, brought under the First Schedule 2 of Act 30 of 1987. Even a rough
estimation of the assets or properties of Lord Balaji put the total value at
anywhere between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 75,000 crore. This includes fixed
assets like lands, buildings, jewellery and Hundi collections and donations.
Balaji temple is the richest shrine In India possessing abundant wealth and
according to sources in the Finance Department, the value of the gold ornaments
donated by King george and Queen Victoria could be more than Rs 30,000 crore.
There are five diamond crowns for the lord and two sets of gold ornaments adorn
the idol from top to toe. Although the Devasthanam does not accept silver
ornaments, devotees still drop hundreds of kilos of silver in the Hundi every year.
The Gold and Diamond Treasury of the Lord is getting fuller by the day. More
than Rs 10 wre worth of jewellery gets added up every year. In addition various
types of jewellery, even from designers from all over the country are offered.
The TTD keep all its money in various Public Sector Banks. The schemes
started by the Devasthanam like Nithya Annadaanam (Rs 120 crore), Praana
daanam (Rs 100 crore), Bala Mandali, homes for the destitute and homes for the
old have been ovedlowing with funds. The TTD spends a part of its funds on its
Educational Institutions besides several of its schemes. Of late, it has started
performing Kalyanotsavas in the areas where dalis are prominent in number.
The TTD offers free meals to more than 40,000 pilgrims every day and sells
more than 1,50,000 laddoos, the most sought after prasadam of the Lord. The
sale of kddoos fetches around Rs 28 wore to the TTD annually.
The Tm runs more than TOO kalyana mantapams (marriage halls), cottages and
homes all owr th state. More than 25,000 employee8 am on its payrolls. Aa per
Ule sources of lTD, "People fsel and t m t their lord is Mllllhg their wishes. That
I8 why b ~ b w pilgrim viaits llrumda mars than once".h donatiom am
secondary, the solace that the devotees get from the Lord is what keeps
Tiimala thriving.
1.6. Temples under the mapagement of TTD
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) maintain8 twelve temples and their sub-
shrines in the Tirumala-Tirupati area. The Tempks in and around Tirumala an,
Sri Venkateswara Temple , Sri Varahaswami Temple, Sd Eedi Anjaneyaswami
Temple and Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple. The Temples in and around Tirupati am
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple,Tiruchanoor, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple,
Tirupati, Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Tintpati, Sri Kapileswaraswami
Temple, Tirupati, Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraewami Temple, Srinlvaea
Mangapuram, Sti Kafyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Naryanavanam, Sri
Vedanarayanaswami Temple, Nagalapuram, Sri Venugopalaclwami Temple,
Kametinagaram, Sri Prasanna Venkateswananr~mi Temple, Appalayanagunta,
Sri Chennakesavaswami Temple, Tailapaka, Sri Karlyamanikyaswomi Temple,
Nqiri, and Sri Annapuma Sameta Kasi vbwemvara$wami Temple, Bugga
Agraharam., Sri Venkateswara Temple, Riahlkesh, Srl Chandrarnoulse-
waraswami Temple, Rishikesh and Sri Pattabhifamaswami Temple, Vayalpad.
The oganisation structure of this mighty temple with so much of wealth, so many
activities to take can, of are depicted in the fOmr of organisation chart shown
Maw.
1.6. Devoteas Facilities:
TTD provides a wide range of facilities to make pilgrimage a unique spiritual
experience. Special facilities an, being provided by ll3 to meet the
requirements of pilgrims expected to visit Tirumaia duhg summer,
Brahmostavas, New Year and on other festival days.
1.6.1. Transport The transport facilities provided by ll3 will help ths devotees
to move around Tirumala and Tirupati quickly and in an organised manner.
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation runs Bus Services for the
convenience of passengers from the Railway station, Tirupati Bus stand to
Tirumala and back. On an average a bus per minute is operated from Ti~pat i to
Tirumala Hills based on the floating of the Devotees. Free bus service fadltty is
provided at Tirumaia as per prescribed timings (these buses pass through
cottages, choultries, temples and other places in flrumela). APSRTC runs Bur
Services for the convenience of air passengem from the airport to Tirumalp and
back. The Railway Booking Office is located at the Central Reception OfAce building, and issues tickets for trains and road cum rail journeys. In case of
vehicle breakdowns on the ghat roads, one can contact the Toll Gatsr either at
Tirupati or at Tirumaia. A mechanic will be sent in a mobile van equlpped M h
spares, to attend to the problem.
1.6.2. Accommodation TTD ensures that comfortable accommodation is
provided to pilgrims at a reasonable cost. It has conrtructsd over 5600 cottages,
gusa houses and choultries both at TirupPti and Ti~mnla. TTD pravkka
m m o d a t i o n free of cost to pilgrims who cannot a M to poy for their stay hr
lhpati and Tirumala. Further, to ease the demand for Pccornmdath, TTD h#
built Wic Amenlhieo Complexes at both Tirupati and Tin#nals, whidr provide
dormitory-typeaccommodationwlth~,~ofcort.
1.6.3. Food FaoUllk. A whokwrms vtbgapr(on mcuk h pmvhd fm of cost to drwotsc#, in the Sri VenbteswOTP Cantm CompkK, from 10.00 hn to 23.00
hrs, everyday. One can avail of this facility on produdion of the free meal coupon
which is distributed inside the temple after worshipping the Lord. About 20,000
piligrims avail this facility every day.
1.6.4. Darshanams The entrance for darshan is through the Vaikuntam Queue
Complex. The complex is a series of inter-connected halls that leads to the main
temple. An efficient queue system ensures that pilgrims move in an orderly
fashion through the Queue Complex, towards the main temple.
The halls in the Queue Complex are clean, spacious and airy. TTD provides a
wide range of facilities in the Queue Complex like food, soft drinks, milk, toilets,
Medical facilities, sale of TTD publications. In addition facilities for depositing
footwear and Cloak rooms are also provided at free of cost. There are officers to
look after the facilities in the Vaikuntam Queue Complex to regulate the queues
and attend to complaints.
Sawadananam means 'darshan for all'. The timings for Sawadarsanam are
different on different days of the week. On normal days, about 18 hours are
allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, It is open for 20 hours. Around
50,000 pllgrims visit the main temple every day.
Special Danhan The entrance for Special Darshan is through the PPC (Queue
Complex). The queue merges with the Sawadarsanam queue at Bangannrakili.
Pilgrims who use this queue will have a shorter welting time. Special darshan, is
charged at Rs.501- per head. The danhan timings are the same as that for
Sawadananam,
Sudaanarn Token System was introduced to minimise the waiting time for
Sawadarsanam, Special Oarshan and other pakl darshanleevass with the
features of the time of damhan i8 indicated on the tokens. Pilgrims a n enter the
Vaikuntam Qwue Complex at Tinmala at the time indicated on the tokens, they
can have darshan within two haum of entedng the Queue Compbx., As thk
system saves on waiting time, it p r o w s pilgrims with enough time to visit
temples in the vicinity like Sri Govindamjaswami Temple and Kapila Teertham at
Tinrpati, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple &t Ti~chanur and Sri Kalyana
Venkateswara Swami Temple at Srinivasa Mangapurarn.
To help TTD keep a track of the number of pilgrims and ensure thelr smooth flow,
one token is issued per head. Collective tokens for groups an, not issued.
The tokens are available free of cost at the First Choultry (opposite the Tirupati
Railway Station), Second Choultty (behind Ule Railway Station), Alipiri Bus
Stand, Tirupati, Vaikuntam Queue Complex, Pilgrim Amenitii Centre (Near
CRO) and near the Rambagicha Guest House in Tirumala.
Special Danhan for the Physically Disabled and the Aged This special
dershan Is arranged for the physicaly disabled and the aged through a separate gate at the Maha Dwaram,the main temple entrance. If necessary, wch pligrime
can be accompanied by an attendant.
1.8.5. Vow Fulfilment - Facllltler TTD has provided wven l Mibier to help
devotees to fulfil their vows in Titumala.
Walking up the Hllb Many pilgrims walk up the Mlk to fuHU vow they ham
taken, for which TTL) has con- a lootpath from AHplrS to Tlnrmala. TTD provides the following facilities for pilgrims who walk up the hills: TranoportaUon
of luggage, free of cost, to Titumala. Pilgrims will be given a taken whsn they
deposit their luggage at any of the droufMas in TItupati, or at the Toll Gate in
Alipiri. They can tokb ddiecy of their luggage at the Central Remptiarr Ollloe
Counter at Tirumah; Orinking water along ths foot~th; Toikb, 8heka Pn hnportent points along the way for ~ W n g ; Conaant patrol by le#ir#y iorcrmcl to
prevent pitgrim8 tram bedng cheated or robbed by uruaupulaur ebment8; R d y
d rdigkw programmes b done throu(ph the bcal bmdcadng syrtnm, Twenty-
four hour medical assistance all along the route, shops and vendors sell
refreshments.
Tonsuring The place where pilgrims fulfill their vow of tonsure is called Kalyana
Katta. Over 500 barbers, operating in three batches round the clock, are
available at Kalyana Katta, to perform tonsure.
To reduce the waiting time for tonsure during the peak season, over 100
additional barbers are engaged. The building is equipped with two big tonsure
halls and two side balcony tonsure halls with platforms to seat both the pilgrim
and the barber. There are four waiting compartments and a well-organised queue
system. Tonsure done free of cost at Kalyana Katta. Antiseptics are mixed with
water and applied to the head before tonsuring to prevent skin-related and other
diseases. Bathrooms, with geysers for hot water, are provided for the pilgrims
who have their heads tonsured. A computerised system is in place to issue
tokens for tonsure There are 16 mini Kalyana Kattas at important places in
Tirumala which function from 6 am to 6 pm everyday, to perform tonsure for
pilgrims staying in cottages and guesthomes. The fee charged at these locations
is Rs. 101- per head. The places at which mini Kalyana Kattas are located are: Sri
Venkateswara Guest House, N.G.G.H, Sri Varahaswami Guest House, Ram
Bagicha Guest House (RBGH)-I, RBGH-II, RBGH-Ill, SPTC, MBC, TBC, SMC,
ANC, HVC, Sri Padmavathi Guest House, Mysore Choultry, Sapthagiri Satramulu
and 1st N.C.
Angapndrkshlnam is when pilgrims lie prostrate, and then roll around the
temple, chanting the Lord's name. It is petformed in the Vimana Pradakshinam,
one of the pathways around the temple. Pilgrims who wish to undertake the Angapradakshinam will have to bathe In the Swami Pushkarini, and reach the
Main Temple Complex by 0200 hrs (through a special queue that gtarts from the
PPC Sheds). Angapradakshinam is generally restricted on the weekends
(Saturdays and Sundays). It is also restricted when there is hewy innux of
pilgrims.
Tulabhanm is offering to the Lord, one's wight in c;oins or other ltems such as
sugar candy. Tulabharam is generally pesforrned for children. Pilgrims can weigh
their offerihgs in the temple complex. The coins can be deposited In the temple
hundi and other Items can be handed over to the temple authorities wsent. The
queue for Tulabharam is the regular queue that starts from the Vaikuntam Queue
Complex or PC Queue Complex.
Niluvudopidl is offering to the Lord the ornaments, etc., that one Is wearing
when one takes the vow. Niluvu Dopidee is a ritual in which devotees giving
away all the ornaments on their body at the Hundi. bvoteea promlm to the lord
that they would drop all their ornaments in the Hundi if their wlshea are fuirlfllled.
Not less than 100 Niluvu Dopidees take place every day. All the assets are In the
name of Lord Balaji only. Even the Trumala belongs to Balajl. Since centuries,
devotees have been donating valuable land to Balaji. They simply drop land
documents in the Hundi. Ofhdals of Hundi keep them safely in the l o c h . Some
devotees have donated hundreds of acres of their land, an asmsmmt of whlch
is not possible. It is said by the TlD Executive Officer that OM) life tlme I8 not
enough to put the documents in order, let alone asmdng the value of lands.
T O have sold out some of the lands which were in far off placss and dsporlted
the m a y in banks. But they h m not completed the task of doarmentlw all tho80 papers.
1.6.6. Pnudam After dmhan, a mal l quantity of -dam b diJlrMfJutsd ftw
of cost to each pilgrim. Prasadams am roM on 1 days, the camtom oukids
the temple. Tokem for buying Prmdamr can k &hod at tho bonk counter
located dong the queue.
1.6.7. Medical Facilities l l D maintains several hospitals and dispensaries at
Ttrupatl, Tirumala and Tiruchanoor for the benefit of its employees, pilgrims and
the local population. Hospitals and Dispensaries under TTD are Aswini Hospital,
Tirumala, Central Hospital, Tirupati, Dispensary at the Vaikuntam Queue
Complex, Tirumda, Employees Dispensary in Tirumala, Dispensary at INC,
Tirupati, Dispensary at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanoor, Health
Centre at Padmavathi Women's College, Tlrupati, Dispensary in
Balragipatteda.Besides, the following medical facilities are available in Tirupati - Sri Venkateswara Institute for Medical Sciences - A superspeciality hospital,
Balaji lnatitute of Surgery, Rehabilitation & Research for the Disabled, Sri
Venkateswara Poor Home, Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Sri
Srinivasa Ayurveda Pharmacy. Pilgrims are given free medical aid at the Aswini
Hospital near Seshadri Nagar in Tirumala. Twenty-four hour medical assistance
is provided to pilgrims all along the footpathfrom Alipiri to Tirumala.
Health and Sanltatlon It is one of TTD's priorities to ensure hygienic conditions
both at Tirumala and Tirupati. The quality of food supplied at all TTD canteens
and private hotels at Tirumala is constantly checked by food inspectors. The
Quality Control Department operates out of a fully-equipped laboratory at
Tirumala, to ensure the supply of pure drinking water, and the use of goodquality
provisions. TTD also takes measures to prevent the spread of contagious
diseases In T imala and Tirupati.
1.8.8. Other Facilltier:
Sale of Ookl and Silver Dollars with the images of Lord Venkateswara and
Goddess Padmavathi are sold at l l D Counters, both inside the temple (near the
vimana of the Lord) and outside (at the TTt) AdministrrrWle Buildin$, Tlrupati).
In Publkatlot\o Stab All religious books puMtshsd by TTO am sold at the
APSRTC Bus Stand in'llrumah ,Near Sri Govindarajaswamy temple, in Tirupati,
Railway station in Tirupati and also at all lnfonnation centres upread across the
country.
TTD has organised a Purohit Sangham to help pilgrims condud Vedic rituals
like sankalpam, namakarana, chaulam, upanayanam, kalyanam and pinda
prasadam 'at Tirumala. The Sangham has learned and experienced purohits.
Fees for such services are fixed by TTD. One can approach the Purohit
Sangham through TTD's enquiry counters at the Central RscepMon Office,
Vaikuntam Queue Complex and opposite the Sri Venkateswara temple. There
are 84 purohii at the Purohii Sangham, Tirumala who perform the following
functions and pujas for visaing pilgrims by colleding the prescrlbad charges.
There are 16 ear-boring acharier who work at the Ear Boring Acharies
Sangham,
llD provides round-the-clock security at all guest houses In Tirumala, along the footpaths, and at other important places both wtttrin and out6idb the main
temple. The security is strengthened during festivals. There are thtw tom gates
operated by l lD - one at Alipiri while going to Tintmala ,#re second at Gerudadri
Nagar Cottages while descending from Timala and the thlrd one on the way to
Papavinasanam.
Subscriber Trunk Oialing/lntemational Subscriber T m k Wing (STDn%O)
booths function round the dock, at different place6 in Tirumala. The Po& &
Tdepphs Office is lacated mar the Central Recaption Ofllce kr fkumals
llD has constructed a number of Kalyrnr Msndrprm, and Infondon Contma at impMEant placss throughaut India. Some Dwobeeo twp~du& liom south India prafer to perform the mardagm of their chHdrcrn in nrupatl near the Padmavathi A m m h T e n ~ l ~ and some p f W fO pwfim in Tkwnola. The
n w n b e r o f 8 u c h ~ i s e v e r ~ n g . To catertothe rsqukembnb ofwdr
devotees TTD has constructed several marriage halls in Triupati and a few
&ages in Triumala were earmarked for performing marriages at Tirumala.
TTD has dedicated itself to sewing pilgrims who visit Tinrmala 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.
In view of financial resources availability at the disposal of TTD, in addition to
maintenance of temples under its purview and providing facilities to its devotees
R undertakes various Social, Environment Protection, Educational, Dharmic,
Religious, Publications and Literary Research activities. Social service initiatives
are in the areas of education, medical treatment, and rehabilitation of the
physically challenged and economically backward. It provides aid to authors and
subsidized equipment to other temples, Social Activities, Educational Activities,
Religious Adivitiis, Publications and Literary Research
1.7. Social Activities TTD has vast financial resources at its disposal, Hence in
addition to providing facilities to devotees they also take important social
acth~ities for the benefit of all people. A few important social activities are as
follows.
The objective of the Balajl Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation
for the Dlsabled (BIRRD) is to provide medical treatmentlfaciliies to those
suffering from polio myelitis, cerebral palsy, congenital anomalies, spinal injuries,
and the orthopaedically handicapped, particularly the poor, irrespective of
religion, caste or creed. In 1994, BIRRD was converted to a Trust. TTD provides
a matching grant to the Trust, equivalent to the donations it receives. BIRRD
operates from a spacious hospital with a capacity of 250 beds, built at a cost of
Rs. 4.5 m. It h w five operation theatres, a modem Artilidal Limb Fitting
Cenke (that provides a@ and appliance$, free of cast, to physicslRy handicapped
patients) and a sophisticated Physiotherapy Department. Research is also
conducted here. Currently, BIRR0 is in the process of cdlgctlng data pertaining
to polio-affected children in Andhra Pradesh, after which it will start screening
patients at the district level. With the help of voluntary organisations, t h m
districts have already been covered under this scheme. BIRR0 proposes to star! a Total Spinal Trauma Care Centre with comprehensive rehabilitation. It also
plans to introduce post graduate and graduate coumes In Physiotherapy.
Sri Venkateswara Poor Home IS a hospital that caters to the needs of leprosy
patients. It is one of the largest of its kind in India, and admlts persons suffering
from various forms of leprosy, from all over India. The hospital Is weliaquipped,
with twenty inpatient wards. The outpatient block has an operation theatre and
physiotherapy section. Patients are treated with intensive multidnrg therapy and
given physiotherapy. They are also educated about the prevention and care of
leprosy. The average duration of treatment varies from six to eighteen months.
During treatment, patients also undergo occupational therapy where they are
trained in skills like carpentry, shoe-maklng and weaving. The training helps in
the patients' rehabilitation in society. The inpatients are given training in
agricutture. They are trained to grow dif'ferent crops. The produce is used by the
hospital; the excess produce is sent to the other institutions of TTD. TTD set up
the Leprosy Rehabilitation Pmmotlonal Unit (LRPU) in lQ86 in the Sri
Venkateswara Poor Home campus at Tirupati under the NPtlonal Leprosy
Eradication Programme of the GovMmnsnt of India. The Government of India
provides full financial assistance - Rs 4 lakh annually. The objbcthre of LRPU is
to p r o w reconstructive surgery and artifidal prosthetic support to leprosy
patients end hetp them in rehabilitation. Patients are provkld 8areral facilitks
indudi ftbe food and accommodation. The Poor Home har 8et Ib slghtn an the
total eradiatkn of leprosy In India. tt aim to incnrrrrs waremew among the
public about leprosy through health education. It kssps ebrssrt with the late6t
tsdrnioal know-how by dsputing its crtPn' to varkur medical indlhrtionr, and
umducting seminars periodiceny to foam on the lrrtest trsndr In trsPbMmt and
rehabilltation measures. TITI has been inspired by Mother Teresa who once
remarked, ' M e n I am washing the wounds of a leper, I feel I am doing great
service to the Lord ".
Sri Venkabwara Bala Mandir (SVBM) is an orphanage established in 1943, Its
objective is to identify destitutes, feed and educate them, and work towards their
rehabilkation in society. SVBM is a charitable institution run with TTD funds.
SVBM looks after the boarding and lodging of the destitutes during the course of
their study. Separate accommodation is provided for boys and girls, in a spacious
building. The number of inmates is restricted to 500. Children should be in the
age group of five-ten years at the time of admission. Further, they should have
no record of crime, for which suitable evidence needs to be produced. Besides
the regular subjects of study, vocational courses like tailoring and typing are
included in the curriculum. SVBM organises special feeding for destitutes, on
festivals and other important national holidays.
Srl Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) caters to the medical
needs of the poor and needy in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
The objectives of SVlMS are to render high-technology medicine and develop
patterns of teaching at postgraduate (PG) level in super specialities and to
impart high standard of medical education, to render services to the people of
Rayalaseema area and the surrounding districts in medical super-specialities at
affordable cost., Apart from patient care, teaching and research is an important
activity here. The faculty actively participates in National and International
Conferences and presents research data. SVIMS was upgraded to a medical
university in 1995.
Srl Venkatoswam School for the Deaf was established in 1974. The school
imparts free general education and vocational training to deaf children, prov'kba
placement, and guides them towards becomii independent indi iuak. l lw
school has 35 teaching and 30 non-teaching staff. Its management governs thtee
schools for the deaf - at Tinrpati, Bhimavaram and Warangal. Free boarding end lodging facilities are provided to boarders and free midday meals are provided to
day scholars. The teacher-to-pupil ratio is maintained at 1:10. Teachers interact
with parents of the children on a regular basis. Yoga is taught to help In the
physical and mental development of the children. ChiMren are trained in varioua
sports and compete with normal children in inter-school cultural and wort8
competitions. Many students have secured jobs in TTC) and other organisations.
The management proposes to upgrade the school to a junior college. it also
plans to start a separate schaol for deaf girls. It will soon go in for group hearing
aids, impedance audio meters, induction loop system and other hearing aids.
Sd Venkateswara Tralnlng Centre for the Handlapped plays a major mle in
sensitising the public to the needs of the orthopaedically and visually
handicapped, and hearing impaired. It provides aide to the handicapped, ollsnr
vocational training and counselling services, and assists its wards In securing
employment. Vocational training is provided In three areas: Group Production
Oriented Training (like cane weaving, electronic assbmbling and packing works),
Group Home Bound lndividual Programmes (like rope making), Group Urban-
oriented lndividual Schemes (like typewriting, vulcanising, rubber atamp making
and training for the Shorthandlofhca histant profession). Candldatee !mined in
the Engineering trades appear for examinations conducted by U16 lndlan
Technical Institute. Candidates trained in typewriting take examinations in Lower
and Higher grades (both English 8 Telugu) conducted by the State Board d
Technical Education & Training, Hyderabad.
1.8. Environmental Actlvitht:
~ r v r t i o n of Wabr and Forests -The Harlthr Project we8 launched by
TID at a cost of 1.5 crore to m e r v e ground water m o u m and the fomt6 on the Tbumala HiL. Developmental odMtier are kin^ taken up on e mrwhrs
scale under thk project by the TTD FoFest l h ~ h ~ N besed on ths rstsaite image of the areas provided by the Stab Forwt Ospartment with the obJdv08
to consewe rain water and improve the ground water level, to plant about 1 crore
saplings, to green 29,500 acres of forest area, belonging to TTD and the State
government, within 3 years, to protect the forests from fire and to develop the
areas adjoining the important tirthas. TTD has constructed several cement
checkdams, contour trenches, masonry embankments and percolation tanks to
prevent the rain water from draining off the Seshachala Hills. Eighty kilometre
long peripheral trenches have been dug from Rangampeta to Kodur. Besides, 89
checkdams, 136 Gabrion checkdams, 3884 rock fill dams have been built. Check
dams have also been constructed on the first and second ghat roads from
Tirupati to Tirumala to prevent the draining of water and the erosion of soil.
These sustained efforts have contributed in a substantial improvement in the
ground water level. A report given by the Department of Groundwater mentions
an increase of 3.155 million cubic metres and 6.59 mlllion cubic metres of
recharge in groundwater in the years 2000..and 2001 respectively. Over 65 lakh
seedlings such as those of Red Sanders, Margosa, Teak, Sampangi, Tamarind,
Gooseberry and Blackberry have been planted under the Haritha project. Over
40 tons of seeds of Margosa, Tamarind and Blackberry have also been planted.
To protect the forests on the hills from fires, 130 kilometre-long fire lines have
been constructed, besides 60 kilometre-long fire walls. A special squad canying
walkie talkies has been appointed to report forest fires, facilitating immediate
action. One of the main objectives of the Haritha Project is the development of
areas around the important Tirthas on the Tirumala Hills. 20,000 saplings have
been planted in the premises of S.V. Ruia Hospital, BIRRD, SVlMS and the
Ayuweda Hospital. Avenue plantation has been carried out on the Tirupati - Renigunta road and Tirupati - Tiruchanoor road, covering a distance of 15
kilometres
1.9. Educedlonsl AcUvilles In 1876, when the temple administration was under
the control of the Mahant of Hathiramjee Mutt, an educational institution called
the Hindu High School was founded in Vellore (North Arcot District, Tamilnsdu).
In 1886, another Hindu High School was estabbhed in Tirupati. After TID came
into being, the names of both schools were changed to SV High School. Today,
TTD runs separate degree colleges, junior colleges and high schools for boys
and girls, in and around Tirupati. It also runs a degree college in New Delhi. With
a view to propagate and popularise Sanskrit and other andent languages, Tm
has established the Sri Venkateswara Onental High School and Sri
Venkateswara Oriental College at Tirupati, and the SVWS College at
Hyderabad. TTD also runs a Music and Dance college to impart ancient Indian
Arts. TTD maintains a Vedapatasala and Sculpture Training Centre. TTD has
also founded an Ayuweda College, to train students in India's age old medical
system.
The list of the colleges promoted and maintained by the 'llD management is as
follows.
Unhrersities: Sri Venkateswam Institute of Medical Sciences,Tirupatl, Sri
Venkateswara Vedic University, Tirupati.
Professional Colleges Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College,Tlrupati , Sri
Padmavathi Women's Polytechnic, TirupaU, Sri Venkateswara Yoga Institute,
Tirupati , Sri Venkateswara College of Musk and Dance, Tirupeti
Oriental Colleges Sri Venkateswan Oriental College, Tirupatl, Sri
Venkateswara W S College, Secunderabad
Degrw Colleges Sri Venkateswara College, New Rlhl , Srl Venkatewara Me
college, Tirupati, Sri Padmavathi Women's College, Tirupati , Srl Govlndaraja
Swami Alts Cdfege, Tirupati,
Junior Collegs, Sri Venkateswara Junior College, Tlnrpati, Sri Padmavathi
Women's Junior College, Tirupati
High &hook Sri Venkateswara Higher Secondary Schojl, Vehm, Srl
Venkatwara High School, Tirupeti , Sri Padmavathi Girls Hlgh School, hipat1 , sos ~ i h School, Tirupati , Sri Venkatewm Orlental High School, nrupeti ,
SKRS (EM) ~ i g h school, Tirupatr , Sri Venkslsrwara Hlgh School, Tirumah,
Elementary Schools Sri Venkateswara Elementary School, Tirupati, SKS
Elementary School, Thatithopu, Sri Venkateswara Elementary School, Tirumala , Sri Venkateswara Elementary School, Tirumala.
In addition to the above, TTD board allocates certain amount of grant to the
different universities in and around Tirupati viz., Sri Venkateswara University, Sri
Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Sri
Venkateswara Veterinary University to meet the expenses for their general and
specific activities.
1.10. Dhannlc Activities: TTD is interested in propagating Dharma Concept
among the masses. To achieve this they have taken initiative in establishing
Dharma Prachara Parishad (DPP), Sri Venkateswara Employees Training
Academy (SVETA) which have been assigned specific roles.
SV Central Library and Research Centre (SVCLRC) was established by TTD
in 1993. It houses approximately 40,000 volumes of rare and valuable books,
mainly on religion and philosophy.
The Research Wing of SVCLRC works towards studying and publishing material
related to Hindu religion and philosophy, and producing authentic papers on
original Sanskrit texts along with lucid translations. The objectives of the project
are :
To enable pilgrims to enjoy a memorable and soul-satisfying pilgrimage and
provide them with the facility of reference to such appropriate documents and
publications which will make the pilgrimage rewarding and purposeful.
To spread awareness of the glories of Sanathana Dharma and to resuscitate the
fundamental values based on Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram (Truth, Joy and
Beauty).
To spread the philosophy of Hinduism, Hindu culture, Epics, Puranas, History,
Sciences, Mythology, etc., alongwith the tenets of comparative Religion.
To promote art and culture and collect at one centre outatanding works,
treatises, publications relating to the various forms, styles and modes of
Presentation of art including fine arts, dance, drama, music, folk arts, folk musk,
marshal arts,paintings and the like.
To establish a well equipped library of lndology and a Reading Room. To establish a museum of manuscripts, historical records, coins, peintings and
other antiquities.
To provide pilgrims with the facility of referring to documents and publications
during their stay in Ti~mala and Tirupati
To establish a Religious centre to continuously produce such works that throw
light upon the various facets of Sanathana Manava Dhana.
To conduct lectures, seminars, study groups, workshops, etc., on problems
related to Sanathana Dharma.
To publish research papers, treaties, books and pfiodlcals and other lltenture
relating to Sanathana Dharma.
To work in collaboraUon with similar libraries, remarch centres and univsrsitlm;
to co-operate with other societies, institutions - national and International,
engaged in the pursuit of any of the said objectives.
To receive grants from the Titumala Ti~pat i Devasthanems, Central and State
Governments and gifts, donations, benefactions, bequeaths and transfers d
properties, both movable and immovable fmm donors, benefactors, te8tatm or
tmnsferers, as the case may be.
To propagate the ideals of l l D in furtherance of well-being to humanity.
To deal with any property belonging a vested in the Institute (Library) In any
manner, w h i i is considered nscessery for promoting the said ob)ects.
To demand and m t v e such fees, dsp4sb and other charges a8 may k prescribed by regulations.
TO do all other such deeds either singly or in COnj~ndiOn with othum are or incidentel or conductive to the of the 0bl)scbr sated herein of any of
them. TO en&r into an agreement w rn- with my 0 t h roday, fo~ndvtian lor
any other party having legal ent& or indiddual for the purposm of the roday.
Apart from publishing the Sapthagiri magazine and encouraging authors of
spiritual and religious literature through the 'Aid to Authors Scheme'.
TTD is involved In several projects pertaining to the following subjects:
Rigveda: l T D has published the entire Rigveda in Telugu running to five volumes
under the editorship of Dr. Vadlamudi Gopalakrishnaiah.
Yajurveda: The entire Krishna Yajurveda has been prepared by (Late) R Krishna
Murthy Sastri. Of the twelve skandas, 6 have been published.
Athanraveda: Five volumes have been published so far in Telugu under the
editorship of (Late) Vidwan Viswam.
Arsha Vignana Sarvasvamu: This is an encyclopaedia of ancient Hindu religious
literature running into ten volumes. Three volumes (Veda Samhita, Brahmanas
and Aranyakas) have been published so far.
Srimad Bhagavatham: This project involves bringing out a critique of the
Bhagavatham in Sanskrit with Advaita, Dvaita and Visistadvaita commentaries
under the editorship of Sri N C V Narasimhacharya. So far, the first skanda and
two parts of the tenth skanda have been released.
Bhagavatha Sudhalahari: This project involves translating the Bhagavatham to
Telugu. The first three kandas were prepared by Late Puttaparthy
Narayanacharyulu and the remaining skandas were entrusted to Sri M
Sarabheswara Sarrna.
Pothana Bhagavatham: has been brought out with prose rendition in Telugu
under the editorship of (Late) Karunasri.
Srinivasa Bala Bharati: The books under this series are exclusively meant for our
young readers. Of the proposed 200 titles, 75 titles have been published so far.
Kavitraya Bharatham: TTD seeks to publish the Kavitraya Bharatham in 15
volumes, with paraphrase, word-to-word meaning and special notes on the works
of Nannayya, Tikkanna and Erranna in Telugu, under the editorship of Sri GV
Subramanyam.
Publication and Reprinting of Agama books: l T D is involved in publishing books
on various systems of temple worship like Vaikhanasa and Pancharatra
Agamas.
In addition to these projects, TTD has published works like the Bharatha Kosa,
Bhagavad Gita, Maharshula Charitralu, Sangeetha Sourabhamu and
Bharatheeya Tatva Sastramu written by reputed scholars.
TTD publications will be in different languages viz., Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil,
Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, and English.
1.11. R eligious activities
The list of the religious activities done by l T D include Dharma Prachara
Parishad, Annamacharya Project, Dasa Sahitya Project , Alwar Divya Prabhanda
Project, Sri Venkateswara Veda Recording Project , Srl Venkateswara Video
Audio Recording Projed, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Traditional Sculpture and
Architecture , Temple Renovation and Reconstruction and Supply of Equipment
to Other Temples at Subsidised Rates
Dharma Prachara Parishad The Dharma Prachara Parishad (DPP) was
established to propagate the Hindu dharma, conduct religious programmes and
inculcate spiritual awareness among the people. It has 20 centres in Andhra
Pradesh and 3 centres in the neighbouring states. Under the Veda Parayana
Scheme, nearly 500 Vedic pandits render Veda Parayanam in temples and
receive Sambhavana as per the qualifications - ghanapati, kramapati and old
pandi. The Kumara Adhyapaka Scheme encourages students to learn the
Vedas, by paying them a stipend during the period of study. Dharma Prachara
Parishad maintains two Veda Patasalas, one at Dharmagiri in Tlmmala and the
other at Keesarsgutta in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pfedesh. The students
are paid a stipend for the entire course, besides free boarding and lodging.
Rnancial assistance is provided to organisations to develop Veda Pathasalas,
conduct Veda Sammelanaa, Yajnams, etc. DPP also maintains a Pouranika
Training Centre at Tinrpati to preserve the tradition of Purana Pravachanam.
Regular programmes like Harikathas, musical concerts and discourses are
conducted at Asthana Mandapam in Tirumala, Annamacharya Kala Mandiram,
Tirupati and surrounding places like Narayanavanam and Nagalapuram. DPP
organises Yajnams, Bhajan melas and Geeta Yajnams in selected towns like
Mumbai, Calcutta, Kolhapur, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam and Guntur with the co-
operation of local organisations. The field staff organise religious programmes in
remote villages. DPP distributes selected reading materials and conducts an
Epics Study examination for school-going children throughout Andhra Pradesh,
and presents awards to the top-rankers.Under this scheme more than 2 Lakhs
children are trained. DPP also conducts special religious programmes during
fairs and festivals, like Brahmotstava, Pushkaraotsava and at celebrations
conducted by other religious institutions.
Annamacharya Project Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya was a saint composer in
the fifteenth century, who hailed from the Tallapaka village, in the Rajampet
mandal of Cuddapah district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Annamacharya was the
very first vaggeyakara (composer) in Telugu and established a tradition which
was later followed by a number of saint composers like Tyagaiah and Kshetraiah.
Annamacharya composed 32,000 keertanas (devotional songs) in praise of Lord
Venkateswara. The Annamacharya Project was established in 1978 with a view
to propagate the tatwa and mahatwa of Lord Sri Venkateswara. Using the vast
creative literature of the Tallapaka poet, the Annamacharya project seeks to
inculcate Madhura BhaMi and Saranagati to Lord Venkateswara, amongst the
public. The project functions through three wings - Music, Research and
Publications, and Recording. Young and talented artistes, in both vocal and
instrumental music, form music troupes which perform across India - in temples,
music sabhas (concerts), important pilgrim centres, educational institutions,
villages and other cultural organisations.Every year Annarnacharya Vardhanti
festivals are conducted in Tirumala, Tirupati and Tallapaka, the birth place of
Annamacharya. Annamacharya Jayanti festivals are also conducted at the
national level. Group rendering of Annarnacharya Saptagiri sankeertanas by
eminent musicians and artistes belonging to the project is organised in Andhm
Pmdesh during the Annamacharya Vardhanti and Jayanti festivals.
Annamacharya Aradhana Festivals are also conducted every year.
Annamacharya keertanas are rendered daily during the Unjal Seva of Srivaru in
the l hma la temple, and in other local TTD-managed temples. Annamacharya
has composed a number of folk versions of his keertanas like, Jajaras, Dampulla
songs, Suwi songs, Elapadas and duets. Music concerts, Harikathas and folk
programs are conducted regularly. The Annamacharya Project plans to introduce
a two-year certificate course, in which young music artistes will be provided with
intensive training in Annamachalya compositions. The objective of this course is
to familiarise young artistes with the literature and music of Annamacharya
Vangmayam.
On behalf of the Annamacharya Project, research fellowships are granted to
young researchers who pursue doctoral programmes on Annamacharya's life
and works. To date, nearly 50 dissertations have been produced by different
universities. Efforts are on to obtain technical recognition from Sri Venkateswara
University to streamline research activities with a techno-academic outlook.
Annamacharya's compositions and the works of other Tallapaka poets are
printed and published from time to time, according to the demand from devotee8
and researchers.
To popularise Annamacharya's songs, audio cassettes are produced and
marketed. The recording work is carried out by the Sri Venkateswara Recording
project in coordination with the Annamacharya project. Artistes belonging to the
Annamacharya project, as well as other professional artistee lend their voices for
recotding. Music stalwarts like M S Subbulakshrni, M Balamurall Krishna, Voteti
Venkatmarlu, Nedunuri Krishnamurthy, Nookela Chlnna Sathyanarayana, Mani
Krishnaswamy, Vani Jayararn, Sobha Raju and others have lent their voices to
the cause of the project.
Ahar Divya Prabandha, Dasa Sahitya, Bhagavata, Veda Recording, and
publicatjons are coordinated and Uley are kept under the direct control of
Annamacharya Project.
Dasa SahiVa project The Dasa Sahitya Project propagates and ~o~ularises the literature of the saint composers of Karnataka, p0pularlY known as Kamataka
Haridasas, who enriched Kannada religious literature with their hymns.
Kamataka Haridasas who brought the esoteric Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas
within the reach of the common man in lyrical form in simple Kannada, composed
thousands of hymns in praise of Lord Sri Venkateswara, thus preaching devotion
of God. Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Vijayadasa, Sripadaraja, Vyasaraja,
Vadiraja, Gopaladasa and Jagannathadasa were some of the luminaries in the
galaxy of Karnataka Haridasas who treaded the path of dualism paved by Sri
Madhwacharya. This lineage of Karnataka Haridasas has produced around 400
saint-composers. The Dasa Sahitya Project aims at acquainting people with the
lives and teachings of Kamataka Haridasas; spirituality, righteousness and
morals preached by them, thus inculcating devotion in general and devotion to
Lord Sri Venkateswara in particular. This is achieved through Publications,
Exhibitions, Audio Cassettes, Religious and Cultural Programmes. The
publications of the Dasa Sahitya Project inc1ude:Abridged biographies of
Kamataka Haridasas for children in various languages, Biographies of Kamataka
Haridasas in the form of essays, Harikathas, Burrakathas, plays, ballets, etc.in
various languages , Kamataka Haridasa literature with exhaustive commentaries
in various languages , Hymns with musical notations , Sayings of the Kamataka
Haridasas in various languages in the 'Thus Spake' series , Booklets in various
languages with brief information on the main features of the Dasa Sahitya
Exhibition, such as the Process of Creation, Devatas, Ornkar, Kesava and other
forms of the Lord, Kamalas, Papapurusha Visarjana, etc.
Papers presented by scholars at seminars conducted by the project, Works of
comparative studies on the literature of Kamataka Haridasas and saint-
composers of other languages, Glossary of Kamataka Haridasas Literature ,
Rare, unpublished works of Kamataka Haridasas, Photos of Kamataka
Haridasas, in tricolour.
Photographs of places connected to the Kamataka Haridasas; idols of Gods and
Goddesses worshipped by them; articles used by them and photographs of
temples constructed by them Oil paintings depicting the teachings of the
Kamataka Haridasas; philosophy and the secrets of Creation as evinced by them
Audio Cassettes of songs composed by Kamataka Haridasas and their
biographies in the form of Harikathas by renowned singers are brought out.
The Project conducts the following religious and cultural programmes:
Amdhanas of Kamataka Haridasas: These programmes have religious
discourses, Harikathas, and musical concerts as main features, and Bhajans and
quiz contests as special attractions, arranged at various places in connection
with the VardhantislJayanthis of Karnataka Haridasas.
Summer Camps: Recitation of 'Harikathamritasara' discourses on Dasa Sahitya,
teaching of Haridasa compositions and religious texts are the main features of
the Summer Camp.
Metlotsavam: Climbing the Seven Hills in the traditional manner, as taught by the
Kamataka Haridasas; singing of Bhajans by thousands of members of the
Bhajan troupes attired in Haridasa-fashion, and processlon of Haridasa portraits
through the main streets of Tirupati. Bhajan and quiz contests are the main
features of Metlotsavam.
'Samyojana' of Bhajan Troupes: Teaching Bhajan troupes Haridasa compositions
according to the tradition introduced by the school; providing them with perfected
versions of Haridasa compositions in the order of Taaratamya; registering the
Bhajan troupes with h e project for achieving uniformity in Bhajan singing and
popularising sankeertans through Bhajans.
Seminars on Dasa Sahiia: Arranging discourses on 'Dasa Sahiia' by reputed
scholars and publishing the papen presented by them. Dasotsavams; Lectures
by scholars on the literature of 213 Kamataka Haridasas, based on comparative
study; music concerts and Bhajans comprising songs compoBed by Haridasas
and Harlkathas. The above programmes are arranged at various places every
year. Local Aradhana Comm.Mm, Bhajan troupe8 and other religious and
wltural associations are encouraged to participate and condud programmes The
easy path to deliverance, as shown by the Haridasas, is through Hari Bhajan.
They taught, "Hari Bhajana Maado Nirantara - Paragatigidu Nirdhara", meaning
perform Hari Bhajan always;The only way to Mukti is the preachings of
Haridasas. The great soul who introduced the Taaratamya-Bhajan was Saint
Purandaradasa, a pioneer of kamatic music. He spread the Taaratamya Bhajan
culture throughout the nation. However, the ethos and regulations he introduced
have since disappeared. The Dasa Sahitya Project has taken up the task of
popularislng the traditional Bhajan. Its main objectives are to: Inculcate dharma in
society through Bhajan Mandals, Establish Bhajan groups throughout the Nation,
Encourage existing Bhajan Mandals, Encourage Bhajan Mandals to celebrate the
Aradhanas of Karnataka Haridasas, Popularise the use of "Hare Srinivasa" as a
salutation among members of Bhajan Mandals. To turn out good quality work the
project has an Advisory Board and Expert Committee, comprising eminent
scholars, which reviews programmes and helps plan various activities involving
research, publication and propagation. -
Alwar Divya Prabandha ProJecf was launched by TTD in 1991. Its main
objective is to popularise the l ie and works of the twelve Alwars and other
Acharya Purushas who belong to Srivaishnava Cult. The programmes and
discourses are designed in such a way as to spread the message of Madhura
Bhakti and Saranagathi that was preached by the Saint Composer of Nalayira
Divya Prabandham. The programmes are arranged throughout the country. The
project emphasises the contribution of Sri Ramanuja, the great Srivaishnava
saint. He had travelled extensively in South India to popularise and propagate the
4000 Tamil hymns which are known as Nalayira divya Prabandham. Among the
4000, 206 hymns are in praise of Lord Sri Venkateswara and sung by nine
Alwars and Andal. The Tiruppavai discourses during Dhanurmasam (from about
December 16th to the middle of January), are being arranged in All India Level.
Sri Ramanuja also arranged and regularised several temple procedures, of which
the Divya Prabandham is given a unique honour in the daily rituals at the Sri
Venkateswara temple and other TTD temples. It is recited before the procession
of deities forming the Adhyapak Goshti, and the twelve Alwars belonging to the
6th and 8th centuries who are considered incarnations of the Lord's several
divine Ayudhas and attendants.
Srikrishnadevaraya festivals are also being conducted every year.
Srikrishnadevaraya is a distinguished ruler of Vijayanagara Empire who
contributed a lot for the promotion and propagation of Hindu Dharrna in general
and Srivaishnava cult in particular. The Avatharotsavams of the sages belongs to
Vaishnava tradition is also being conducted on behalf of this Project. Through
special programmes on specific occasions, publications and audio cassettes the
project popularizes the work of Alwars.
Veda Recording Project The Vedas which are a source of spiritual wisdom,
reflect the ancient culture of India. Out of 1100 sakhas, only a few of the original
sakhas survive today. They have been handed down orally from guru to sishya,
so as to preserve their correct rendering with proper accent and intonation.
The number of such preceptors who can render the different sakhas are
gradually dwindling due to economic and social changes. Reallsing the urgent
need for preserving the rendering of the surviving Vedic sakhas, TTD has taken
up the gigantic project of recording the rendering of Vedas available today, for
posterity.
Apart from recording, the rendering of the Vedas, chanting8 are also recorded.
Srl Venkateswara Recording Pmject was established in 1990 to group all the
activities of l 7 D relating to recording. l l D is focussing on the propagation of
Lord Sri Venkateswara's Bhakti Tatva through the compositions of Ahvan,
Annamacharya and the Kamataka Haridasas. Further TTD is also concentrating
on the propagation of vebic literature.
This project produces, distributes and markets TTD prs-recorded cassates (both
video and audio) of Vedas, Puranams, Sankeertanas, Pravschanams, Temple
chantings, Srivari Brahmotsavams and other ternpie rituals at s u b s i i rates.
srt Venkatesvm ~ n ~ t ~ t ~ t e of T d o n a / Scufpfure and Archifecfun was founded to preserve and promote the age-old cultural heritage of lndia in the areas of traditional scu$ture and architecture. This institute is the first of its kind
in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the second in India. The instit~tion was
started to train students in the traditional arts of stone carving, sudai (cement),
metal and wood sculpture, traditional painting and temple architecture. The
institute provides the skill base for renovating temples managed by TTD as well
as those that come under the governance of the Endowments Department,
Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Production Unit of the institute currently
deals in stone sculpture according to traditional Hindu mythology and Shilpa
Shastra. The unit is proposed to be expanded to cover metal and wood
sculpture, temple architecture and traditional painting. There are also plans to
start a degree level course in traditional sculpture and architecture The institute
sculpts stone idols based on specifications given by various temples in lndia and
abroad. Idols of Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru are supplied
and installed, free of cost, at different temples, on request. Other idols are
supplied at subsidized rates. The institute offers a certificate course in Traditional
Sculpture and Architecture (CTSA). It also offers a diploma in Traditional
Sculpture and Architecture (DTSA), which is affiliated to the State Board of
Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Hyderabad. Both courses are of four
years duration. Currently, the institute has 20 students for CTSA and 20 for
DTSA. The non-local trainees are given free boarding and lodging. Local
candidates are paid a stipend. Final year students are taken on an educational
tour to temples of historical importance across lndia for conducting a detailed
study of temple sculpture and architecture of the ancient dynasties.
Temple Renovathn and Reconstruction The Renovation sub-division of TTD
was established to restore Hindu sculpture and architecture according to the
Silpa Agarna Sastra. It safeguards and promotes ancient Hindu architecture.
Apart from the temples in the Tirurnala-Tirupati area, TTD also manages the Sri
Pattabhi Ramaswami Temple at Vayalpad, and the Sri Venkateswara Temple
and the Sri Chandra Mouleswaraswami Temple, both at Rishikesh.
Plans for the Future Redesign of the Putakulla Mitta area, construction of the
Kalyanotsava Mandapam at Tirumala , construction of an Aina Mahal at the Sri
Govindarajaswamy Temple and at Tiruchanoor, new steps to Pushkarini,
construction'of the second Prakaram around the Sriveri Temple at Tirumala,
rennovation of the gopuram and maha ratharn at the Sri Pattabi Ramaswami
Temple in Vayalpad, construction of the second Prakaram around the Srivari
Temple at Tinrmala , Cut stone steps to Srivari rnettu foot path and flooring at
Kalyana katta , Ornamental arches at important places at Tirumala and Tirupati
and Cut stone flooring at Kalayana Katta Annadanam, etc.
Supply o f Equipment to Other Temples at Subsidised Rates TTC) supplies
stone and panchaloha vigrahams (statues) at subsidised rates to other temples.
For temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, TTD supplies stone vigrahams of
Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, according to the height
specifications (the height of the vigrahams should not exceed five feet). These
vigrahams are supplied free of cost, on production of certificates and
recommendations from the officials (of the rank of Assistant Commissioner and
above) of the Endowments Department.
Stone and panchaloha vigrahams of other deities are supplied by l l D at a
subsidy of 50%. TTD also supplies microphone sets and temple umbrellas at a
subsidy of 50%. The microphone set includes an amplifier, two speakers, a tape
recorder and cable with some audio cassettes. Umbrellas include two six-span
umbrellas.
Seshavasthram is a silk saree that has been used once in temples of Srl
Venkateswara, Tinrmala and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple, Ti~chanoor.
These seshavasthrams are also supplied to temples. An application for the
seshavasthrams should be made by the wncemed temple authorities and is to
be routed through the State Endowments Department. Attematively, any sitting
member of the TTC] Trust Board can recommend the supply of such items.
An overview of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams covering the aspects of
Temple legends, history, TTD foramation and its growth, different temples under
TTD management, devotees' facilities, Social Activities, Environmental Activities,
Educational Activities, Dharrnic Activities and Religious activities is discussed in
this chapter.