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CHAPTER 11
A Profile of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
I n this chapter, an attempt is made to present the profile of the Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The shrine of Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala has a
unique history. The Lord of Seven Hills has been the inspiring deity in South India
for many centuries. It is one of the foremost sacred Srivaishnava temples of South
India, the other three being Srirangam, Kanchi and Melkote. The traditions
concerning the temple are scattered over twelve Puranas and Upa-Puranas. Lord
Venkateswara is a powerful deity having a firm hold on the faith of millions of people
all over the country for centuries. No other temple in South India is attracting so
many pilgrims or has been more opulent. According to the legends, Tirumala is the
most sacred of all places on the earth. The temple attracts large multitude of
pilgrims. On an average, more than 30,000 pilgrims visit the holy shrine everyday.
During peak season i,e., summer, the average goes upto 50,000 per day. I f there is
any place in the whole of India to which pilgrims from all over the country resort to
in millions all over the year, it is only Tirumala. Even to the Buddhists, Tirumala, the
abode of the Lord, has an attraction. I t was the place where the grammarian and
philosophe;. S'l~armakirti was born. While the temple of Tirumala belongs to the
Hindus, it has a special appeal for Srivaishnavas. The great acharyas beginning
from Nadarnuni Alwar have been closely associated with the worship of Lord
Venkateswara on the hill. A great grandson of Nadarnuni, known as Tirumalanambi,
devoted himself to the service of Lord Venkateswara. Later on, his nephew, Sri
Ramanuja, the great reformer and preceptor undertook the task of establishing the
daily ritual and modes of worship in the holy shrine which are in vogue even today1.
1. Location: The eastern ghats run close to the coast upto the river Krishna and
then take an inward bend. They then break off into three ranges - one running
along the coast up to Ponneri, another running into the Kurnool and Anantapur
districts and the third or central range starting in Kurnool and meeting the hills
round about Tirupati. These ranges form almost a mountain wall stretching from
the Mysore plateau in the west to Ponneri in the east. This constituted the ancient
border between the Tamil country in the south and Vadugu by which name, the
modern Kannada and Telugu speaking region to its north, was then known.
Vengadam of the Tirumala hill was a prominent outpost on this border. The Puranas
compare the central range to a huge recumbent serpent and locate the Mallikarjuna
temple of Srisailam on its tail, the Narasimha temple of Ahobilam on its back, Sri
Venkateswara temple of Tirumala on the back of the hood and the Kalahastiswara
temple of Sri Kalahasti at its mouth.
Tirumala is in the eastern ghats at an altitude of 3,000 feet above the sea level
with a maximum temperature of 9 8 ' ~ and a minimum of 54'~. The Tirumala hill
range has seven principal peaks such as Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Neeladri,
Seshadri, Garudadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. Sri Venkateswara abides on the
seventh range, Venkatadri. By residing at Venkatadri, the God received the
appellation of Sri Venkateswara. The name, Tirupati (Sri-patipura), which means
'town of the Lord of Lakshmi', should appropriately have applied to the village on
the Venkata hill where the Lord Venkateswara stands in His temple. The Tirupati
hill, which is also known as the Venkatachala or the Venkatadri, is called Vengadam
by the Vaishnava Alwars and Acharyas. It is a hill on which abides Sri Venkateswara
in his 'Divya Ananda Nilaya Vimana'. It has acquired a unique sanctity in the Indian
religious lore from immemorial times and is even looked upon as one of the most
sacred centres of pilgrimage in South India. It has been considered to have been
the 'Kridadri' (sporting hill) of Sri Maha Vishnu in Sri Vaikunta on which He used to
sport with Sri Maha ~akshmi~.
2. Temples: A brief account of the important temples managed by the TTD is
presented in the following pages.
2.8 Srivari temple: The celebrated temple of Sri Venkateswara stands on a hill
named Venkatadri which looks like a depression surrounded by high hills on all
sides. Lord Venkateswara is 'Swayamboo' (self - manifestation of Lord \Jishnu). I n
Archavathara, He is within the easy reach of human beings who desire to worship
Him in Kaliyuga. The entire temple is surrounded by a prakara built of large blocks
of stone rivetted into each other. The temple has sub-temples like Sri
Varahaswamy, Sri Bhashyakarulavari Sannidhi, Sri Bedi Hanumantharayaswamy, Sri
Kshetrapalaka, Sri Deva Bhashyakarulu and Sri Anjaneyaswamy. The Puranas state
unequivocally that the image of Sri Venkateswara is self-manifest and not prepared
by any mortal. It is said to have laid in an ant-hill under a tamarind tree on the
bank of Swamipushkarini at ~ i rumala~, Tradition has it that Sri Venkateswara is
self-manifested Brahma who came to Tirumala for our salvation. The idol of
Venkateswara was not wrought by the hand of man and the supreme Lord
manifested Himself in a form which could easily be comprehended by human
beings4.
There are numerous collections of legends and stories about Tirumala and its
God, Sri Venkateswara. But it is very difficult to determine the date of the temple.
There is no direct evidence to show when and by whom the temple was built.
Inscriptions found in the temple only refer to its renovation and rebuilding and the
addition of later structures. They do not state when the original temple was built.
The earliest mention of Sri Venkateswara in the epigraphs is in connection with a
proxy temple, Tiruvilan Koil at Tiruchanoor and not in association with the temple on
Tirumala. The first mention of the temple on the hill is to be found in an inscription
assignable to 970 AD*.
The ritual worship is done strictly according to the Vaikhanasa Agama. The
daily sevas of the temple, along with the amount coilected, are shown in Table 2.1.
The temple rituals start with suprabhatham. The Lord is awakened from His
conscious sleep. The pandits recite the heartening Sankrit slokas of the suprabhata
stotram. The Lord is now ready to receive and bless His devotees. After Suddi
(cleaning of sanctum sanctorum), Thomala seva commences. After Thomala
seva, Koluvu takes place when Koluvu Srinivasamurti is brought to the Tirumamani
Table 2.1, : Daily Sevas in the Srivari Temple a t Tirumala
Notes : (i) Sarvadarsanam IS from 7.30 AM to 7.00 PM; and 8,00 PM to 1.00 AM; and (ii) On lean days Sarvadarshanam will be for about 16 hours and on peak
peak days 18 - 20 hours. Source : l l - D Information to Pilsrims to Tirumala, Tirupati, TTD, 1999 and ------., TTD Dairy,
Tirupati, TTD, 2000,
Name of the seva Suprabhatham Thomala Archana Archananantara Darshanam Kalyanotsavam A j itha Brahmotsavam (Vahana) Sahasra Deepalankara (Unjala) Ekantha
Mandapam. An abstract account of the previous day's collections in the
hundi, arjitham receipts etc., are presented. After this, Srinivasamurti is taken
, Time 3.00 AM 3.45 AM 4.45 AM 5.30 AM
12.00 PM 1.00 PM 5.30 PM 1.30 AM
back to sanctum sanctorurn. Sahasranarnarchana (archna) is done to Srivaru for
Amount (Rs) 1
120 220 220 100 750; 2500
1,000 1,000
120 -
the material and spiritual welfare of the world. Archanananthara darshanam
commences after sahasranamarchana. Suddhi and Naivedyam follow later. After
Sattumurai - when the Jeeyangar and Srivaishnavites recite portions of Divya
Prabandharr,, pilgrims are let in to have a free darshan of the Lord. Kalyanotsvam is
performed everyday at the Kalyanamandapam, when Sri Malayappaswamy (Utsava
murthy), along with His consorts, is brought from the sanctum sanctorum. The
regular marriage rituals associated with the Hindu marriage are performed.
Arjitha Brahrnotsavam is also performed for one day in an abridged manner within
the temple premises. This is performed after the performance of Kalyanotsvam. Sri
Malayappa Swamy with His two consorts is worshipped in the Kalyanamandapam
with vedic mantras and rituals and mounted on three vahanams. Unjala seva is
performed when Sri Malayappaswamy together with Bhudevi and Sridevi seated on a
cradle at aina mahal (mirror hall) and swung to the accompanient of
vedaparayanam and mangala vadyam. The last one for the day is Ekanta seva.
After it, the temple doors are closed. The amount collected for each of
Suprabhatham, Thomala, Archana, Archanananthara and Ekantha sevas is in the
range of Rs.100 - Rs.220. It is Rs.l,000 for each of Arjitha Brahrnotsavam and
Sahasra Deepalankara sevas. Two kinds of amounts are collected for Kalyanotsvam
i.e. Rs.750 for small and Rs.2,500 for big, For the former, two persons are allowed
while for the latter five persons.
Sudarsanam token system was introduced during 2000 for both free and
paid darshans of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy to minimise the waiting time of the
devotees in the queue. The tokens are issued free of cost at first and second
choultries, Alipiri bus stand at Tirupati, at Patha Pushkarini complex (PPC) sheds and
Amenities complex, Tirumala. The tokens are issued for each and every individual
and not for groups. The time of darshan is indicated on the token. This system
saves much time and provides ample opportunity to pilgrims to visit the temples in
and around Tirupati.
Weekly sevas performed to the Lord are presented in Table 2.2. Visesha
puja, which includes abhishekam, purnahuti, stalasuddhi, shanti hornam etc., is
performed on Monday. The amount to be paid is Rs.3000. Ashtadala
Padapadmaradhanamu is performed on Tuesday. One hundred and eight flowers of
gold will be offered to the Mulvirat during the second archana when each of the one
hundred and eight names of the Lord is recited. This is performed for 15 minutes.
An amour~t of Rs.3,500 is collected for this seva. On Wednesday, Sahasra
kalasabhishekam is performed for the benefit of devotees at a cost of Rs.5,000. The
Table 2.2. : Weekly Sevas in Srivari Temple at Tirumala
Source : As in Table 2.1.
vedic mantras are recited to consecrate the water in 1008 vessels placed on paddy,
spread as a bed on the floor, With the water thus consecrated, abhishekam is
performed to Bhoga Srinivasa, Malayappa, His two consorts and to Vlshwaksena.
This is the only occasion when Bhoga Srinivasa is brought outside the golden
doors. Thiruppavada seva is performed on Thursday. A huge quantity of cooked
rice known as pulihora, and some sweets, arranged in a pyramidal shape, are
offered to the Lord. The amount payable for this seva is Rs.5,000. This is done at
Name of: the day
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Time
6,00 AM 10.00 AM 5.30 AM 5.30 AM 3.30 AM 3.30 AM
; Name of the seva
Vishesha Ashtadala Padapadmaradhanamu Sahasra Kalasabhishekam Thiruppavada Abhishekam Vastralankara
Amount (Rs)
3,000 3,500 5,000 5,000
150; 350; and 750; 12,500
Tirumamani mandapam. Abhishekam to the main deity is performed on Friday.
The custom of abhishekam on Friday appears to have been started with the
consecration of Bhoga Srinivasa (966 A.D.) whose abhishekam might have fallen on
a Friday. There are three varieties of abhishekams and so the charges are Rs.150,
Rs.350 and Rs.750. I n Vastralankara seva, devotees carry vastras (clothes) on their
head to offer to the God. After abhishekam, the vastras carried by the first devotee
(on the basis of seniority) will be used for decorating the main deity. The cost of
this seva is Rs.12,500. Thus, the TTD conducts various weekly sevas in the Srivari
temple at Tirumala between Monday and Friday.
The sevas periodically performed in Srivari temple at Tirumala are furnished
in Table 2.3. The Koil-alwar Thirumanjanam is a purificatory function performed on
the day before each of Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha
Ekadasi. The walls and floor of the temple are cleaned with water, scraped and
painted with a mixture of turmeric paste, camphor etc. The annual Vasantotsavam
is celebrated for three days in the month of April. The silver car procession, which is
the main attraction during these celebrations, is held on the second day. On the
third day, not only Sri Malayappaswamy and His consorts but also Sri Rama, Sita,
Lakshmana, Sri Krishna and Rukmini are also taken out in an impressive procession.
The pavitrotsavam is performed with an objective to expiate the sins of commission
and omission arising in the daily worship and other religious rites performed in the
temple. The Pushpayagam is a spectacular celebration which consists of offering
different kinds of fragrant flowers to the Lord on Sravana Nakshatram day. Float
festival is celebrated for five days in the month of Phalguna. The deities, after
being decorated with glittering jewels and colourful flowers, are placed in the
illuminated float and towed round in the Swamipushkarini. The Padmavathi
Parinayam is an important seva performed for 3 days in the month of Vaisakha
during 'Sukla Navami, Dasami and Ekadasi". The Pushpapallaki is performed on
Anivara Asthanam day. On this day, Sri Malayappaswamy is brought along with His
Table 2.3 : Periodical Sevas in the Srivari Temple at Tirumala
Name of the sewa Period 1 Time I Amount /
Koil-alwar- thirumanjanam Vasantotsavam
Pavithrotsavam
Pushapayagam
Float festival
Padmavathi parinayam
Pushpa Pallaki
Abhidheyaka abhishekaln
Four times in a year Three day festival in the month of April Three day festival in the month of August Sravana Nakshtram day after Bra hrnotsavam Five days in the month of February/ March Three day festival in the month of May Anivara Asthanam day in the month of July Three day festival in the month of June
Source : As in Table 2.1.
consorts in the golden Sawabhoopala Vahanam which is decorated with different
kinds of flcwers and durbar is held in a grand manner. The Abhidheyaka
abhishekani i.4 performed for three days in June. The abhishekam to the deity is
performed with water from 108 silver kalasas.
The Tirumala temple is also famous for the festivals conducted in addition to
the aforesaid sevas. These festivals are celebrated with increasing popularity even
today. The greatness of a temple is generally appreciated by the grandeur of
festivals celebrated and the congregation of devoted pilgrims attracted by them.
Though everyday is a festival day in Tirumala, the following are some of the
important festivals. These include Brahmotsavam, Adhyayanotsavam, Sankranti,
Grishmotsavam, Kodai-tirunal, Anna Unjal tirunal, Tiruppali-odam-tirunal, Jayanti
festival, Kalyanotsavam, Rathasapthami festival, Lakshmi Devi Mahotsavam,
Pallavotsavam, Phalotsavam, Visesha Tirunal etc.
2.2 Sri Govindarajaswamy temple: The Sri Govindarajaswamy temple is the
main attraction for the pilgrims at Tirupati. It is the biggest of all the temples in the
town. Its imposing tower can be seen even from a long distance. This is an
important temple consecrated by Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavacharya. The
daily rituals in the temple are performed according to Vaikhanasa Agama. The
festivals and functions in this temple are conducted more or less on the same lines
as in Srivari temple.
2.3 Sri Kodandaramaswamy temple: The Sri Kadandaramaswamy temple is
situated in the heart of Tirupati town. The main deities are Sri Rama, Sita and
Lakshmana. According to legends, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama
to Tirupati. The worship in the temple is according to Vaikhanasa Agama. The
Ugadi and Sri Rama Navami festivals are conducted on a grand scale in this temple.
2.4 Sri Kapileswaraswamy temple: This is a temple dedicated to Sri
Kapileswaraswamy. It is the only Siva temple among Vaishnava temples at Tirupati.
The legend relating to this temple is intertwined with that of the Padmavathi
Srinivasa Kalyanam. It is situated about 3 kms. to the north of Tirupati at the foot
of Tirumala hills where a sacred and beautiful waterfall, known as 'Kapilatheettham',
can be seen. The worship and rituals in this temple are carried on in accordance
with Saiva Agama.
2.5 Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru temple : The temple of Sri Padmavathi
Ammavaru, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, is situated about 3 kms to
the south of Tirupati at Tiruchanoor. According to legends, Goddess Sri Lakshmi
revealed Herself in a golden lotus in the Pushkarini known as Padma Sarovaram. It
was said to have been dug by the Lord with His Gadayudha when He came in search
of Sri Lakshmi. The worship in the temple is according to Pancharatr'a Agama.
Among the festivals celebrated here, Panchami Thirtham, celebrated during Kartika
Brahmotsavam, is famous. On that day, Pasupu, Kumkum, Pattu Saree, Flower
garland with Laddu padi are brought from Srivari temple, Tirumala, vvith temple
honours.
2.6. Sri Venkateswaraswamy temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram: The Sri
Venkateswaraswamy temple is located at Srinivasa Mangapuram which is about 10
kms to thc west of Tirupati. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord
Venkateswara, According to the legends, this temple was built by the Maharaja of
Chandragiri. The temple was taken over by the 7TD during 1967, 'Sakshatkara
Vaibhavarn', the day on which the Lord revealed Himself and blessed the priest,
namely, Sri Sundara Ramanujacharyulu, is an important festival celebrated at the
temple. This is celebrated on Uttara Phalguna Nakshatra day in Sukla Paksham of
Ashada. Besides, all festivals of Srivari temple are celebrated here.
2.7 Sri Vedanarayanaswamy temple, Nagalapuram: The Sri Vedanarayana-
swamy temple is located at Nagalapuram which is 60 kms from Tirupati. This is on
the way to Chennai. This temple was taken over by the TTD during 1967. One
peculiar feature of the idol is that the Sudarsana Chakram is in 'prayoga' (ready for
releasing) position. The most important festival associated with this t m p l e is the
annual 'Surya Puja' which is usually conducted in the last week of March. The sun's
rays fall on the deity at about 5 p.m., denoting worship by Surya Bhagavan.
2.8 Sri Malyana Venkateswaraswamy temple: The Sri Kalyana Venkateswa-
raswamy temple is located at Narayanavanam which is at a distance of 30 kms from
Tirupati. This the only temple where one can find both Lord Srinivasa and His
consort, Padmavathi, on the same pedestal. The legend says that Sri Akasaraju
ruled Narayanavanam and performed the wedding of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru
with Sri Venkateswaraswamy. I n this temple, daily rituals are performed according
to Pancharatra Agama.
2.9 Andhra ashram: Andhra ashram is situated at Rishikesh which is on the
way to Badrinath in Uttaranchal, a newly formed state. During 1969, the
management was taken over by the 7TD along with property worth B.20 lakhs.
The TTD had constructed Sri Venkateswaraswamy temple on one side of the ashram
and Sri Chandramouleswaraswamy temple on the other side, Sri
Venkateswar.?swamy Brahmotsvam is conducted here on a grand scale annually.
2.18 Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswsmy temple: Sri Prasanna Venkateswara-
swamy temple is an ancient temple located at Appalayagunta which is 15 kms from
Tirupati. Festivals like Brahmotsvam and Theppotsavam are celebrated here on a
grand scale. The idols of Goddess Padrnavathi and Sri Andal are also seen. The
Rajas of Karvetinagar have constructed the temple. The TTD took over the
management of the temple during 1988.
2.11 Sri Venugopalaswamy temple: The Sri Venugopalaswamy temple is
situated in Karvetinagar which is 58 kms from Tirupati. The main deities of the
temple are Lord Venugopalaswamy, Rukmini and Satyabhama. I n the olden days, it
was managed by the rulers of Narayanavanam. Today, it is under the control of the
TTD .
3. Educational institutions: The TTD is managing the following educational
institutions. I t runs over 30 educational institutions. The TTD runs more number of
temples of learning than temples as such.
3.9 Secular education: The Sri Venkateswara High School, Tirupati; Sri
Padmavathi Girls High School, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara High School, Tirumala; Sri
Venkateswara Higher Secondary School, Vellore; Sri Govindarajaswamy, tligh School,
Tirupati; Sri Kodandaramaswamy High School, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara
Elementary School, Tirumala; Sri Venkateswara Elementary School, Tirupati; Sri
Kapileswaraswamy Elementary School, Thatithopu; Sri Venkateswara Arts College,
Tirupati; Sri Govidarajaswarny Arts College, Tirupati; Sri Padmavathi .Women's
College, Tirupati; and Sri Venkateswara Junior College, Tirupati offer secular
education, Apart from this, there is an institution in Delhi called Sri Venkateswara
College. For this institution, the TTD is providing funds.
3.2 Sanskrit and vedic education: The Sri Venkateswara Oriental College,
Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Vedantha Vardhini Sanskrit College, Hyderabad; Sri
Venkateswara Vedapatasala, Narasingapuram; Sri Venkateswara Oriental High
School, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Vedapatasala, Dharmagiri, Tirumaia; and Sri
Venkateswara Vedantha Sanskrit Pathasala, Keesaragutta provide education in
Sanskrit and Vedas.
3.3 Technical education: The Sri Padmavathi Women's Polytechnic College,
Tirupati is the only institution which imparts technical education.
3.4 Ayunedic education: The Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College, Tirupati,
offers instruction in ayrurvedic education.
3.5 Yoga: The Sri Venkateswara Yoga 'Institute and Allied Sciences, Tirupati, is
the only institution run by the TTD which imparts training in yoga.
3.6 Fine arts: The Sri Venkateswara College for Music and Dance, Tirupati and Sri
Venkateswara Sculpture Training Centre, Tirupati, provide skills in fine arts,
3.7 Ckarkable institutions; The Sri Venkateswara Balamandir, Tirupati, is the
only charitable institution under the control of the TTD,
3.8 Phy.sically handicapped: The Sri Venkateswara School for Deaf and Blind,
Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Training-cum-production centre for Physically
handicapped, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara School for Deaf at Bhirnavaram; and Sri
Venkateswara School for Deaf at Warangal render service to physically handicapped
persons.
4. Others: The other establishments of the TTD include the following:
4.1 Medical: The history of the TTD hospitals dates back to 1920 when the first
dispensary was started at Tirumala. The constant increase in the influx of pilgrims
has necessitated the expansion of the TTDfs medical activities meant not only for the
pilgrims but also for the increasing staff of the TTD. The following are the hospitals
and dispensaries maintained by the lTD . Aswini Hospital, Tirumala; Dispensary at
Vaikuntam Queue complex, Tirumala; TTD Employees' Dispensary, Tirumala; Central
Hospital, Tirupati; First New Choultry Dispensary, Tirupati; Tiruchanoor Dispensary;
Health centre at Sri Padmavathi Women's College, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Poor
Home, Akkarampalli; Central Drug Stores, Tirupati; and Balaji Institute of Surgery,
Rehabilitation and Research for the Disabled (BIRRD), Tirupati.
4.2 Public relations: The Department of Public Relations came into being during
1976. It has expanded into a full-fledged unit with several wings under its control.
This is under the control of Public Relations Officer. It serves as a liasion between
the public and the TTD with modern channels of publicity. The Public Relations
Officer maintains good relations with pilgrims in general and the press in particular;
co-ordinates and supervises the work of editor and the broad casting section;
oversees production and distribution of documentary films; propagates Srinivasa
Mission; attends to all advertisement activities; and conducts enquiry into
complaints from pilgrims.
4.3 Press: The TTD maintains a modern press. It publishes books on religion,
Indian culture and philosophy and prints registers, forms, account books, invoices,
ledgers etc., required for day-to-day use. It had acquired one photo composing
unit with six key boards like printer for proofs to improve the quality and reduce
manpower requirements in the press. This is the third such machine of its kind in
the country and the first in South India.
4.4 Broadcasting: The TTD has a broadcasting unit to broadcast its day today
programmes; relay of devotional songs; operates closed circuit television system in
the queue complex; supply of mike sets to other ternpies etc,
4.5 Engineering: The TTD is a vast institution dedicated to the service of pilgrims
and it performs several tasks with a view to improve the amenities at Tirumala and
Tirupati. It manages not only temples but also various other organisations and,
therefore, there is an inherent necessity for an engineering department. It meets the
requirements of pilgrims and undertakes construction, maintenance and renovation
of temples. It is broadly divided into three wings such as civil, water works and
electrical departments.
4.6 Welfare: The TTD has a welfare department which was established during
1977. It looks after the maintenance of staff quarters; operation of employees
welfare fund; conduct of sports, games and cultural programmes; redressal of
employees' grievances; supervision of the TTD information centres and
kalyanamandapams situated outside Tirupati and Tirumala etc.
4.7 Marketing: During 1976, the TTD has started a separate marketing
department to effect savings in purchases. This is possible as it makes purchases
directly from manufacturers without the involvement of middlemen. It purchases
rice, sugar, ghee, saffron, sugar candy etc.
4.8 Forest: The forest department procures and supplies fuel; protects the TTD
forests; undertakes tree plantation; and other activities. The department has divided
the entire Tirumala hill area into 33 vanams as per the bio-aesthetic plan. Each
vanam is divided into a number of upavanams. Each of these upavanams is under
the charge of a TTD official.
4.9 Treasury: Pilgrims from various quarters of the country put their offerings,
including jewellery and costly diamonds, in the hundi. These are kept under the
safe custody of Treasury Department until a decision is taken to dispose off them as
per the established procedure. I n addition, treasury department maintains an
account of jewellery with the archaka mirasidars.
4.10 Health and sanitation: The TTD bestows the utmost care on the upkeep of
Tirurnala and its sorroundings , The aim is to make Tirumala a safe zone, free from
malaria or any other contagion. The health and sanitation department is responsible
for the maintenance of sanitation both at Tirurnala and Tirupati.
4.11 Canteen: The TTD runs canteens to cater to the needs of pilgrims. They
supply tiffin, coffee, tea, meals etc. at Tirupati as well as Tirumala.
4.12 Transport: The transport unit is headed by a General Manager drawn from
the Andhra Pradesh (AP) State Road Transport Corporation on deputation. The total
fleet strength is 202. The TTD operates 4 free buses at Tirumala for the convenience
of pilgrims. Apart from day to day activities, it renders free service to sick private
vehicles plying on both the ghat roads. For this purpose, transport department
organises an automobile clinic.
4.13 Law: The law department deals with litigation concerning encroachments,
land acquisitions, leasing, service matters, alienation of gifts, employee relations,
criminal cases, appeals etc. of the TTD.
4.14 Editorial: The TTD has an editorial wing headed by the Editor. He is
~nct~arge of publication and circulation of 'Sapthagiri magazine'. It also helps in
providing financial assistance to the authors of religious books etc.
4.15 Revenue: The revenue department deals with the matters relating to
acquisition and alienation of lands, gifts, removal of encroachments, lease of lands
and buildings, allotment of quarters etc. A t present, the TTD has 3,016 acres of
land at Tirupati and 1,581 acres of land outside Tirupati.
4.16 Information dissemination: The TTD has dharmasalas,
kalyanamandapams, information cetres etc at different places within and outside the
state of AP so as to popularise its activities.
4.17 Vigilance and security: The TTD has Vigilance and Security Department
mainly to provide security to the properties of the TTD, belongings of pilgrims and
to maintain order for the smooth conduct of temple rituals, This Vigilance
Department also takes up the task of providing security to the various other
institutions managed by the T fD.
4.18 Kalyanakaaa: Devotees fulfil their vows of tonsure in the kalyanakatta.
During 1984-85, a two storeyed building was constructed especially to house
kalyanakatta. It is well equipped with solar water heaters, fans, attached bath and
toilets. This complex accommodates nearly 1,000 pilgrims at a time.
4.19 Dairy: The Sri Venkateswara Dairy caters to the daily needs of milk and
other dairy products of the TTD. The farm also maintains a large rw-nber of animals
like elephants, horses and bulls required for temples.
4.20 Garden: The Garden Department supplies flowers to decorate temples on all
occasions. The Garden Department has bagged many prizes at the state and
national levels through participation in flower-shows.
4.21 Panchayat: The Executive Officer (EO) looks after the civic administration of
Tirumala. The EO, in turn, entrusts it to the Panchayat Department. This
Department levys and collects property tax; leases the TTD land to Mutts and
Government organisations; acquires land for pilgrim purpose; issues license for
hawking; allots shops and houses to the landloosers; and provides amenities to local
residents.
4.22 Inventory and inspeaion: As the TTD runs several institutions covering a
wide spectrum, it is necessary to undertake physical stock taking periodically.
Hence an inspection and inventory section was created by the TTD.
4.23 Jewellay: Among the various departments of the TTD, the Jewellary
Department functions with all the glitter and splendour associated with ornaments
and decoration items. But it also deals with loha idols pertaining to temples.
4.24 Museum: The l T D has established two museums, namely, the Hall of
Antiquities at Tirumala and Sri Venkateswara Museum of Temple AIZ at Tirupati.
These museums are under the control of the Chief Museum Officer. They serve
academic as well as cultural purposes.
4.25 Dharma Prachara Parishad: The TTD has created Hindu Dharma
Prathisthanarn in 1969 to preserve and propagate Vedas, Hindu religion and
philosophic thought. Consequent upon statutory change, it became Hindu Dharma
Rakshana Samstha in 1979. As a result of further statutory change, in 1987, it was
renamed Dharma Prachara Parishad. Its main objectives are as fallows: (i) to
promote and propagate the Hindu Dharma; (ii) to establish and maintain institutions
imparting the Hindu Dharma; (iii) to prepare, publish and disseminate literature
relating to Hindu Dharma; (iv) to train Dharmacharyas, Dharma Pracharaks etc; and
(v) to organise and maintain institutions imparting knowledge of Vedas, agamas and
powrohityam. The Secretary manages the affairs of the Dharama Prachara
Parishad. He oversees administration, dharmic programmes and finances. The
parishad's activities are carried out district-wise by Organisers/Co-ordinators. Its
main activities include: (i) to conduct sankeerthanas, music programmes, purana
pravachanam and hari katha through Sri Venkateswara Arsha Sadassu in Asthana
Mandapam at Tirumala and at other temples of the T D ; (ii) to hold examinations
on epics to school going children; (iii) to select Veda pandits as Ghanapaties,
Kramapaties and old pandits to undertake vedaparayanam; (iv) to organise and
maintain vedapatasalas; (v) to provide financial assistance to dharmic institutions;
(vi) to establish and maintain purana pravachanam schools for giving training in
purana pravachanam; (vii) to help temples to make available finance to melam staff;
(viii) to provide financial aid to vedic and sanskrit institutions; (ix) to publish books
on religion, Sanathana Dharma and to distribute them free of cost to the public;
and ( x ) to give financial assistance for performing yagnas.
5. Management: The history of the management of the TTD is reviewed in the
following pages.
5.1 Kings and rulers: The Tirumala-Tirupati region is situated in what was
familiarly known as 'Thondamandalam ' for a long time and as the Carnatic in later
times. The early history of this region is lost in obscurity and only a few glimpses of
it can be obtained6. To the north of Thondamandalam, there flourished the great
Andhra-Satavahana empire. Gautamiputra 'Satakarni', the greatest king of this
family ruled between 78-102 AD. Thondamandalam was included in the Satavahana
empire towards the end of the first century AD. By the beginning of the third
century AD, Thondamandalam and its neighbourbood were under the domination of
the Nagas.
5.1.1 The Pallava period: The age of Pallavas constitutes the first important
landmark in the history of Thondamandalam and the Tirumala-Tirupati region was
included in it. The founder and first ruler of this dynasty was Simhavarrnan.
5.1.2 The Chola period: Thondamandalam became a part of the Chola empire
after its conquest by Aditya I and remained so till about the middle of the thirteenth
century. There are three inscriptions of Rajaraja I (985-1014) in this area, Of
these, one (1-14) from the temple in Tirumala states that a queen of Parantaka I1
gifted a pattam of gold. There are eleven inscriptions of Kulottunga I (1-21-32)
(1070-1120) in the temples of the Tirumala and Jogimallavaram. There are seven
inscriptions of Rajaraja 111.
5.1.3 The Pandyan interlude: The power of the Cholas declined about the
middle of the thirteenth century and the Pandyas invaded Thondamandalam. There
are several tecords of the Pandyan king in the Tirumala temple (1-44-55 and 56).
5.1.4 The transitory period: The period intervening between the time of
Sundara Pandya and the Vijayanagara rule is a period of transition.
5.1.5 The Vijayanagara period: Thondamandalam was included in the kingdom
of Vijayanagara from the time of its foundation and continued as part of it till the
time of its fall. The period of the rule of the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu
dynasties of Vijayanagara constitutes the most brilliant epoch in the history of the
Tirumala-Tirupati region and of its temples. Devaraya I1 (1406-1447), the greatest
ruler of the Sangarna dynasty, was a great devotee of Sri Venkateswara. He visited
the temple and worshipped the God in November, 1428 AD and made a substantial
gift for the restoration of vedeparayanam in the Tirumala temple.
The temple of Sri Venkateswara reached the acme of its glory during the
reign of the illustrious emperor, Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva or third dynasv of
Vijayanagara (1509-1529)'. His first visit to the temple was on loth February, 1513.
He visited the temple eight times between 1513 and 1521. During every visit, he
made costly presents. He came with his two queens on loth February, 1513 and
each of these queens presented golden bowls for offering milk to the Lord in the
evening. Probably, in commemoration of their visit, their royal statues have been
put up in the Srivari temple at Tirumala.
5.2 Period of Muslim rule: The Tirumala-Tirupati region was conquered by
the Sultans of Golconda by the middle of the seventeenth century and remained
under the Muslim rule for about a century and half. After the fall of Hindu kings, the
management of the temple came into the hands of Sultans of Golconda and Nawabs
of Arcot. This was a period of confusion, chaos and disorder and there was
practically no government worth the name in this region.
5.3 Rule of the Company: After the advent of the British, the management of
the temple passed into the hands of the East India Company during 1801. During
1803, Sri G.Stratton, the then Collector of North Arcot, after investigation and
enquiries, reported to the Board of Revenue about the sources of revenue of
Tirupati temples. He made several recommendations and suggestions with regard
to the management of Tirupati temples. I n pursuance of the recommerldations of
Sri G.Stratton, the task of collecting revenue due to the temples was entrusted to
the Tahsildar, Tirupati. Subsequent to the passing of the regulation VII of 1871 of
the Madras code, the management of temples was carried on under the control of
the Board of Revenue through the Collector of the district. Even in those days, the
temple was visited by multitudes of pilgrims from all parts of India. From the
offerings of devotees, temples derived an annual income of more than Rs.2 lakhs.
The temples were managed under well-defined rules contained in 'Bruce's code' -
drawn up in 1821 based on previous usages. The parapatyadar was made Joint
Treasury Officer. The Tahsildar and the Jeeyangar were associated with the
administration of all religious matters in the Srivari temple.
5.4 Management by Mahants: With reference to a directive received from the
Court of Directions during 1841, prohibiting all sorts of interference by the
Government Officials in the administration of religious institutions in the country, the
management of the Devasthanams was transferred during 1843 by a Sannad
(decree) to the head of the Hathiramji Mutt, Tirupati. The successive Mahants held
the office as Vicharanakartas. After the management was transferred to the
Mahant, a number of allegations of mismanagement, abuse of powers and
misappropriation of funds etc. were levelled against the mahant in-charge of
administration of the temple. Suits were filed at different periods from several
quarters in different courts of law against the Mahant. There was a lot of litigation
between the Mahant and the aggrieved parties in District Courts, High Court, Federal
Court and the Privy Council. Finally, a scheme of administration was drawn up by
the then Government of Madras as per the directions of the then Privy Council
mentioned in Madras Hindu Religious Endowment Act of 1927. During the period of
Mahants, the income of the temples steadily increased. I n 1930, it reached an
amount of Rs.11 lakhs. The Privy Council scheme was found in practice to be
defective in many respects and the Madras Hindu Religious Endowmeni:~ Act was
found to be inadequate in carrying out the necessary reforms. Keeping this in view,
the TTD Act of 1932 was passed to provide better administration and proper
utilisation of funds.
5.5 Management under State Acts: The TTD Act of 1932 entrusted the
administration of the Devasthanam to a Committee. The Committee was constituted
as a corpo:.atc- body having perpetual succession and common seal and it carried on
the admillistration through a commissioner appointed by the Government. The TTD
Act of 1932 was replaced by an enactment in I951 and the administration of the
TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees. The EO was appointed by the State
Government. After the formation of Andhra State in 1956, the aforesaid Act was
adopted by the Andhra Government. Subsequently, the Government of AP replaced
it by a comprehensive enactment, namely, the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious
Institutions and Endowments Act, 1966, which came into force on 26-1-1967.
Chapter XIV of the Act referred to dealt with the administration of the TTD subject
to other general provisio.ns of the Act. Even under the Act of 1966, the
administration happened to be under the control of the Commissioner of
Endowments, AP. It was considered that the full control and supervision, which
were found to be effective in the case of such religious institutions, were working as
administrative disincentives for the PTD. Hence, the legislature had enacted the
ITD Act of 1979, which came into force with effect from 18-5-1979. According to
the enactment, the TTD means the temples specified in the First Schedule and the
endowmen:., and properties thereof and shall include the educational institutions
and other institutions mentioned in the Second Schedule and the endowments and
properties thereof. The administration of the TTD was thus run according to the Act
and the rules made there under. The TTD Act of 1979 was replaced by the Act of
1987 to consolidate and amend the law relating to the administration and
governance of the TTD. The Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and
Endowments Act of 1987 came into force with effect from 25-5-1987 in AP. Now
the TTD is run as per provisions of this Act. Chapter XIV of the Act exclusively deals
with the administration of the TTD.
6. Organisational hierarchy: The administrative set up of the top level
management of the TTD under the provisions of the l T D Act of 1979 was as
follows:
Government V
Board of Trustees
B
Management Committee
v Executive Officer
I n the organisational hierarchy, Government of AP is at the top followed by the
Board of Trustees, Management Committee and EO. The present organisational
structure of the TTD under the Act, 1987 runs as follows.
Government
Y
TTD Board of Trustees
V
Executive Officer
6.1 Board of Trustees: There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of not more
than 13 members including the Chairman. They include: Commissioner who shall be
a member, ex-officio; EO who shall be the member secretary, ex-officio; one shall
be a person belonging to the Scheduled Castes; the remaining 9 members include
the Chairman and one woman member to represent women. The person appointed
as member shall be a person professing Hindu religion. The administration of the
TTD shall vest in the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees shall for the
purpose, in addition to the powers conferred and functions entrusted to it, exercise
such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed. The Board of
Trustees shall manage the properties, funds and affairs of the TTD and arrange for
the conduct of daily worship and ceremonies in every temple according to its
customs and usages. The Board of Trustees shall have power to fix fees for the
performance of archana and of any sewice or ritual connected with the TTD. The
Board of Trustees shall have power to call for such information and accounts as may
in its opinion be necessary for reasonably satisfying itself that the TTD is properly
maintained, the endowments thereof are properly administered and their funds are
duly appropriated to the purposes for which they were founded or existed. The
Board of Trustees shall exercise the general superintendence and control over the
administration of the T D . The Board of Trustees shall fix the dittarn in the temples
specified in the First Schedule and the endowments attached thereto. The Board of
Trustees may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may lay down,
delegate to the EO such of the powers conferred on it by or under the Act, as i t
may consider necessary.
6.2 Executive Officer: Government shall appoint an EO, a Joint EO and a Special
Grade Depiity EO. Every officer appointed shall be a person professing Hindu
religion. The conditions of service of the officers appointed shall be determined by
the Government. Every officer appointed shall be a whole-time officer and shall not
undertake any work unconnected with his office without the prior permission of the
Board of Trustees. Any officer appointed shall be paid out of the funds of the TTD
such salary as may, from time to time, be fixed by the Government. The EO shall be
the Chief Administrative Officer of the TTD. Subject to the control of the Board of
Trustees, EO has power to carry out the other provisions of the Ad . He shall be
responsible for the proper maintenance and custody of ttg*recprds a ~ d ??perties of
the TTD and shall arrange for the proper collection i f u t he offerings made in the
ten~ples. He shall exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as
may be prescribed, He may delegate any of the powers conferred on him to the
Joint EO or special grade Deputy EO or to such other officer of the TTD as the EO
may deem fit subject to such restrictions and control as the Government may, by
special or general order, lay down and also subject to such limitations and
conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order of delegation. The EO may
delegate powers to the heads of departments.
6.3 Staffing pattern: The staff pattern in the TTD at the end of 2000 is
provided in Table 2.4. The total number of persons working in the TTD during 2000
is 15,000. Tile officers include Deputy EO, Assistant EO, Welfare Officer, Law
Table 2.4 : Staff pattern in the TTD at the end of 2000
Source : Compiled from the records of the TTD, Tirupati. *,!
-- Category of staff Officers Engineers Medical Superintendents Junior and Senior assistants S h roffs Class I V Teachers Archa kas and Vedaparayanadars Barbers Security Guards Others Total
No of Persons 86
261 48
208 1308 594
5365 926
75 650 527
4952 15000
O/O to total 0.57 1.74 0.32 1.39 8.72 3.96
35.77 6.17 0.50 4.33 3.51
33.02 100.00
Officer, Public Relations Officer, Marketing Officer, Editor, etc. The officers constitute
0.57 per cent of the total staff of the TTD. The percentage of Engineers, Medical
officers and Superintendents is 1.74, 0.32 and 1.39 respectively. Both junior and
senior assistants form 8.72 per cent whereas shroffs account for 3.96 per cent.
Here class IV means sweepers, attenders, mazdoors, servers, cleaners etc. The
proportion of class IV employees is 35.77 percent of the total number of employees
which is very high when compared to the remaining categories of employees.
Teachers include Principals, Headmasters, Readers, Lecturers etc. Their
percentage in the total is 6.17. The Archakas, Barbers and Security Guards
constitute 0.50 per cent, 4.33 per cent and 3.51 per cent respectively. Others mean
electrician, draughts man, telex operator, telephone operator, tracer, carpenter,
water works staff, sthapathi, gardeners, nadhaswaram players, dolu players etc.
These form 33.02 per cent of the total workforce. I t can be concluded that class IV
employees rank first, followed by others while medical personnel are the least in
number.
REFERENCES:
1. C.Anna Rao, Administration of Temples, Tirupati, TTD, 1991 (part 111), p.3.
2. S.Subramanya Sastry, Tirupati Sri Venkateswara, Tirupati, T D , 1981, p.2.
3. M.Rama Rao, Temples of Tirurnala, T i ru~at i and Tiruchanoor, Tirupati,
TTD, 1982, p.45.
4. N-Rameshan, The Tirumala Temple, Tirupati, 77-0, 1981, p. 102.
5. M.Rama Rao (1982), Op.cit., p.42.
6. M.Rama Rao (1982), OP. Cit. P.2.
7. u., p.12.