Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday inaugurated the Vakulaamatha centralised kitchen established by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on the sacred Tirumala hills. The new facility is designed to streamline the preparation of food offerings for devotees visiting the renowned Lord Venkateswara temple.
Naidu also performed the symbolic ritual of offering “Pattu Vastralu” (silk robes) on behalf of the state government to Lord Venkateswara. This offering marked the commencement of the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams, a significant religious festival in Tirumala.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also launched the TTD’s 2025 calendar and diary, which are eagerly anticipated by devotees each year.
Focus on Quality and Spirituality at Tirumala
In a review meeting held with senior officials of TTD, Naidu praised the improvements in the quality of the laddu prasadam, a signature offering at the temple, which many devotees have complimented. He emphasised that this level of quality must be maintained, instructing officials to ensure that only the best ingredients are used for prasadams.
His remarks came amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged use of adulterated ghee during the previous YSR Congress regime—a charge that former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has denied. Naidu reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the temple’s standards, stating that the sacred offerings should reflect the highest purity.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to reduce VIP culture in Tirumala. He urged that when celebrities visit the temple, their presence should not disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. “There should be no hustle and bustle, and the decoration at the temple should be simple, spiritual, and free of unnecessary expenditure,” Naidu remarked.
He further suggested that TTD, as well as other temples across the state, should take into account the opinions and feedback of devotees to continuously improve their services.
Environmental Initiatives on Tirumala Hills
On the environmental front, Naidu advised officials to increase the forest area on Tirumala hills from the current 72 per cent to 80 per cent. This initiative aims to preserve the natural beauty and sanctity of the hills, which are considered sacred by millions of devotees who visit each year.
Naidu also expressed his vision that no other words should resonate on the Tirumala hills except the “Govinda Namam,” a sacred chant dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Brahmotsavams Begin
Naidu’s visit coincided with the start of the prestigious Brahmotsavams, an annual festival that draws thousands of devotees to Tirumala. The nine-day celebration is one of the most significant events in the temple’s calendar, featuring elaborate rituals and processions in honour of Lord Venkateswara.
The inauguration of the Vakulaamatha centralised kitchen and the launch of the TTD calendar and diary for 2025 mark important milestones in TTD’s ongoing efforts to enhance the spiritual experience for pilgrims while maintaining high standards of service and devotion at the revered temple.