ttd news

Tirumala, 03 Feb 2012(P.R.O) The monthly "Dial Your EO" programme held at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Friday where in the Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Sri LV Subramanyam directly attended the calls made by the pilgrims from across the country. Some of the exerpts:

Responding to a caller Ms Geetha from Anantapur, the EO said, TTD has not yet regularised the teachers who are working on contract basis in all its educational institutions as it can be processed only by the way of Government Order. Answering a caller Vijay Kumar from Manchiryala, the EO said TTD will very soon streamline the queue line system of current booking system of Arjitha Seva tickets in Tirumala. Inviting the suggestion of a pilgrim caller Krishna from Tirupati who suggested to construct another auditorium in Tirupati for the sake of visiting pilgrims and arrange spiritual programmes for them, the EO responded positively and assured to look into the suggestion.

Reacting to a caller Raju from Hubli, EO assured that shortly TTD will introduce other bank cards also under payment gateway besides the existing Citibank cards for the convenience of the pilgrims who book the arjitha seva tickets online. Welcoming the suggestion of a pilgrim caller Rani from Hyderabad, the EO appreciated her idea to design programmes exclusively for children in SVBC including serials on Bhakta Prahlad, Bhakta Markandeya, sacred rivers of India, various dialects, different arts etc. so as to enhance spiritual values among the young generation. The EO assured another caller Gayatri of Chandragiri that TTD will also introduce traditional dress code to the pilgrims. "We have now implemented traditional dress code for arjitha seva devotees. We will implement the same slowly to general darshan pilgrims also", he added.

As the ambitious programme of TTDs, Srinivasa Kalyanam-the celestial wedding of Lord Malayappa and His two Consorts which is being performed in various cities across the country has been receiving overwhelming response from the local devotees, TTD is contemplating to set up an exclusive project to carryout these kalyanams in a much bigger way, said TTD EO Sri LV Subramanyam.

Addressing the pilgrims before receiving the calls from the pilgrims in monthly "Dial Your EO" programme held at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Friday, the EO said the Srinivasa Kalyanams which were performed recently in the state of Maharastra was a huge hit among the local masses as lakhs of devotees turned out for the mega religious event which took place at ten different places including the 100th Kalyanam in the temple town of Kolhapur. "We are planning to set up an exclusive project to carryout these kalyanams in a more effective manner in other cities across the country", he added.

"With an aim to enhance Srivari Seva voluntary service, TTD is working out on formulating new guide lines so that we can invite free services of professionals also", he said..

The EO said TTD has launched Govindam Paramanandam on SVBC on the auspicious day of Rathsapthami so that the piglrims across the globe can see the sevas being performed to lord sitting in their houses. "The Rathasapthami festival had witnessed sea of humanity as lakhs of pilgrims turned out to Tirumala to see the grandeur of Lord on seven different vahanams on a single day. In a similar way, we invite the pilgrims to take part in the Srinivasa Mangapuram Brahmotsavams which are set to begin from 12th of this month and last up to 20th of February and Kapileswara Swamy Brahmotsavams which are scheduled to take place from 13th February to 22nd February".

"To enable more number of pilgrims to witness the sevas of lord, TTD is negotiating with mobile companies also so that the pilgrims can see the SVBC telecast sevas on their mobiles itself", he added.

Tirumala Joint EO Sri KS Srinivasa Raju, CVSO Sri MK Singh and other officials were also present.

Tirumala, 28 Oct 2011(P.R.O) Here is a good news for the common pilgrims as TTD has decided to issue the rare seva tickets like Abhishekam and Vastram through random dip system by transfering the tickets of absentees who booked these tickets well in advance and the new facility will come into effect from November 1.

Addressing media persons at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Friday, the Joint EO of TTDs, Tirumala Sri KS Srinivasa Raju said, many of the rare arjitha seva tickets like Abhishekam and Vastram tickets are going waste with many of the pilgrims who booked these tickets well in advance are turning out to be absentees on the day of Seva. Every time we see nearly 30 to 35% of tickets are going waste. Therefore we have decided to transfer and issue such tickets through random selection under lucky dip system to avoid wastage. A board decision was also taken in this regard.

He said this will enable other pilgrims to witness these rare sevas and this new system will come into effect from November 1. "The advance booking tickets holders should report at MBC 34 a day before seva between 6pm to 8pm. If they fail to report before that time, they will be declared as absentees and the tickets will be automatically transferred to lucky dip quota. These tickets will be issued to the pilgrims who enrolled their names in lucky dip between 11am to 5pm on that day. The enrolled pilgrims will be issued these tickets at 8.30pm through random dip system. The pilgrims who obtained the tickets through lucky dip system have to get the tickets in CRO before 10pm failing which these tickets will be transferred to discretionary quota", the Joint EO added.

The Joint EO also said, with an aim to provide accommodation to more pilgrims, TTD has sought all the mutts in Tirumala to give their every day vacany report before 8am. "So that if any pilgrim approaches, we can also inform him about the available rooms in mutts. Upon his willingness, we will give him the allotment slip. The remaining activities including allotment of rooms and other financial transactions will be dealt by the staff of respective mutts alone. A constructive plan will be designed in next few weeks and later this will be implemented in a regular way", the JEO maintained.

TTD CVSO Sri MK Singh, ACVSO Sri Shivakumar Reddy, Estates Officer Sri Ramachandra Reddy and other officials were also present.

TIRUMALA, MAY 4: The temple administration of TTD has appealed to devotees to make use of the free digital lockers located at Tirumala to keep safe their valuables during their visit to Tirumala.

Addressing a media briefing at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala, the Joint EO of Tirumala Sri KS Srinivasa Raju said TTD has spent Rs.18lakhs and set up 126 highly secured digital lockers at GNC, ANC, SNC, Sapthagiri, VSGH and First NC cottages for the sake of pilgrims. “Apart from these lockers, 90 bank type lockers have also placed at GNC”, he said.

“Usually this will be of great use to the pilgrims who are coming to Tirumala with valuable items and jewels. These digital lockers are highly safe and secure”, he added.

He said owing to heavy influx of pilgrims with the advent of summer vacation, TTD has temporarily halted the ongoing renovation works on Second Ghat Road. “The works will resume likely in the first week of June after the peak season is over”, he maintained.

The JEO said, TTD has began issuing 25 each of Sahasra Kalasabhishekam and Tiruppavada seva tickets to the pilgrims under current booking.

Meanwhile addressing the media persons, special grade deputy executive officer of Reception Sri Lakshmi Kantham said, the digital lockers are available at the pilgrim disposal at totally free of cost. “The only thing they have to use, they should use a four-digit number secret code to lock and open their lockers or they can even use their debit cards to swipe the lockers”, he added.

Tirumala 30 Jan 2012(P.R.O ) Over two lakh pilgrims from all over the country witnessed the grandeur of the processional deity Lord Sri Malayapppa Swamy in different guises on the seven sacred vehicles as a part of the Surya Jayanthi Mahotsavam-‘Ratha Sapthami’ festival held at Tirumala on Monday.

The festival is being observed on the holy hills annually for the last several centuries where the Lord starting from Dawn to Dusk bless the pilgrims with his voluminous charm.

The festival commenced with the procession of ‘Surya Prabha Vahana’ and ended with ‘Chandra Prabha Vahana’ with Chinna Sesha, Garuda, Hanuman, Kalpavriksha and Sarvabhupala Vahanas in between. Sudarshana Chakra Snanam was also performed by 2pm.

All the galleries in the four mada streets are full to their capacities with pilgrim influx. The annual festival of Rathasapthami appeared like mini brahmotsavams with the heavy pilgrim crowd. The floral decorations added special attraction to the festival.

TTD Board chief Sri Kanumuru Bapiraju, EO Sri LV Subramanyam, board member Sri Muthyam Reddy, MP Sri Chinta Mohan, JEOs Sri KS Srinivasa Raju, Sri P Venkatrami Reddy, CVSO Sri MK Singh and other officers were also present.

Mumbai 28 Jan 2012(P.R.O ) The Capital city of Maharastra has been captivated by the charm of the celestial wedding of the deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy (Lord Venkateswara) with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on Saturday evening.

Among the series of Srinivasa Kalyanams performed by TTD in the state of Maharastra, Mumbai witnessed the 106th Kalyanam. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams with an aim to widespread the Hindu Sanathana Dharma has planned this “Divine Wedding” outside the Tirumala temple not only in the state of Andhra Pradesh but in all major cities across the country. The “Srinivasa Kalyanams” not alone spread bhakti in nook and corner of the country but also promoted spiritual values in masses especially among the youth.

The team of archakas headed by Agama scholar Sri Sundaravandanacharaya and Vadiyar Pundit Sri Kadiri Venkatacharya performed the celestial marriage which began with Vishwaksena Aradhana by 6.30pm followed by Punyahavachanam, Ankurarpana, Kanakana Dharana, Agni Pratistha, Mahajana Sankalpam and later the deities are adorned with silk vastrams. This ritual was followed by Kanayadanam and finally the much awaited moment Mangalya Dharana ceremony.

The glory of the divine wedding enhanced with the devotional music songs rendered by TTD’s Annamacharya Project artistes and local devotional bhajan artistes. The grand celestial wedding came to an end with Nakshatra Harati followed by Kumbha Harati and Maha Aradhana.

Sri L.V.Subramanyam, Executive Officer, TTDs, The Mumbai local advisory committee member Smt Geetha Kasturi, local philanthropists Sri Avinash Bhonsle of ABIL Group, Sri Ravindra Shinde of Sri Mahalakshmi Infra Projects Pvt.Ltd., members from Soma Group, Sri Prabhakar and his family were also present.

The Celestial marriage has provided a grand spectacle to the eyes of thousands of devotees who converged to witness the colourful wedding ceremony of “Mighty Lord Venkateswara” and sanctified their lives.

Tirumala 27 Jan 2012(P.R.O ) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board today decided to increase allocation for construction of Ramalaya temples in Harijanawadas from the present Rs. Five lakhs to Rs. Ten lakhs.

Briefing newsmen after a meeting of the TTD board the chairman Sri K Bapiraju said that higher allocation was aimed at spreading religious and devotional mission among the dalits in a big way all over the country.

He said the TTD has also decided to waive the administration cost levied on the sale of Gold coins of Lord Venkateswara in sizes of 5 and ten grams with immediate effect .Henceforth the gold coins will be sold at the prevailing market prices without the addition of administrative cost.

The board also decided to construct a ring road from the SNC circle to divert all vehicular traffic to make the periphery of Srivari Temple and also the surroundings of Four Mada Streets free from vehicular congestion besides noise and smoke pollution.’ We will call the ring road as Vaikunta Patham ‘, said the chairman.

The TTD governing body also decided to allow to enter the names of twelve members in the pass book to participate in the unique annual arjita seva –Udayasthamana Seva. ‘However under the new formula the seva ticket holders will be entertained six at a time, in two installments in a year”,he said.

The board also decided to speed up all development and dharma prachara projects of the TTD under way and ensure that they are completed on schedule and avoid all overlapping and overshooting time schedule.

Sri Bapiraju said that board members will meet on February 10 and 11 to review the functioning of all publications of the TTD and also take up proposals for more devotional and religious publications for consideration.

The Board will meet again on February 8th to review the status of facilities and processing of personal visits and also recommendations of MPs, MLAs and MLCs who were given preference in 17 and 25 th compartments in the VQC-1 complex .

The TTD chairman said that at its next meeting the board will also review a proposal to disband the project of Pustaka Prasadam (provision of text books to Intermediate students) and also replace it with a proposal to provide furniture to schools in remote areas and run for children of weaker sections.

TTD board members Sri Muthyam Reddy, Sri R Surya Prakasha Rao and Smt Rajeshwari, ex-officio members Ms. Chitra Ramachandran, Sri G Balaramaiah, TTD EO Sri LV Subramanyam, JEOs Sri KS Srinivasa Raju and Sri P.Venkat Reddy were also present.

Tirupati 26 Jan 2012(P.R.O ) Republic Day Celebrations held in TTD Adm Bldg, Tirupati on Thursday morning. TTD EO Sri L.V.Subramanyam hoisted National Flag and inspected guard of honor. The Executive Officer gave away 5 gm Gold Dollar and Merit Certificate & 5gms Silver medal and a merit certificate to employees for their impressive service rendered last year and followed by cultural programmes.

Sri Chinta Mohan, Member of Parliament, TTD Joint Executive Officers Sri K.Srinivasa Raju, Sri P.Venkatrami Reddy, C.V&S.O Sri M.K.Singh, V&S.O Sri Manohar, Spl DyEO's Smt. Suryakumari, Sri T.A.P.Narayana, Smt. Chenchu Lakshmi, Supdt Enggineers Sri Ramachandra Reddy, Sri Sudhakar Rao, employees and their children took part.

Nasik(Maharastra), 25 Jan 2012(P.R.O ) The famous temple city of Nasik in Maharastra has been captivated by the charm of the celestial wedding of the deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy (Lord Venkateswara) with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on Wednesday evening.

The Bhonsle Military Grounds in Nasik witnessed heavy influx of local devotees who thronged to see the grand divine wedding “Srinivasa Kalyanamahotsavam” of the deities performed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Among the series of Srinivasa Kalyanams performed by TTD in the state of Maharastra, the temple city of Nasik witnessed the 103rd Kalyanam. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams with an aim to widespread the Hindu Sanathana Dharma has planned this “Divine Wedding” outside the Tirumala temple not only in the state of Andhra Pradesh but in all major cities across the country. The “Srinivasa Kalyanams” not alone spread bhakti in nook and corner of the country but also promoted spiritual values in masses especially among the youth.

The team of archakas headed by Agama scholar Sri Sundaravandanacharaya and Vadiyar Purohit Sri Kadri Venkatacharya performed the celestial marriage which began with Vishwaksena Aradhana by 6.30pm followed by Punyahavachanam, Ankurarpana, Kanakana Dharana, Agni Pratistha, Mahajana Sankalpam and later the deities are adorned with new silk vastrams. This ritual was followed by Kanayadanam and finally the much awaited moment Mangalya Dharana ceremony.

The glory of the divine wedding enhanced with the devotional music songs rendered by the artistes of TTD’s Annamacharya Project and local devotional bhajan artistes. The grand celestial wedding came to an end with Nakshatra Harati followed by Kumbha Harati and Maha Aradhana. The Honourable local Member of Parliament Sri Sameer Bhujbal, Mumbai local advisory committee members Smt Geetha Kasturi, Sri Sameer Mehta, local philanthropists Sri Sudhir Pathak, Sri Nemichand Poddar was also present.

The Celestial marriage has provided a spectacle to the eyes of millions of devotees who converged to witness the colourful wedding ceremony of “Mighty Lord Venkateswara” and sanctified their lives.

Kolhapur(Maharastra), 21 Jan 2012(P.R.O ) The Silk Vastrams of from Lord Venkateswara have been gifted to His beloved Consort Sri Mahalakshmi Devi in temple city of Kolhapur amidst a grand traditional street procession on Saturday.

The Executive Officer of TTDs Sri LV Subramanyam accompanied by TTDs CVSO Sri MK Singh and President of Local Advisory committee Sri Ranganathan, member Smt.Geetha Kasturi participated in the colourful procession which started at 8am from Raghavendra Mutt towards Kolhapur temple. The streets of the famous temple city of Goddess Mahalakshmi Devi echoed with Govinda namas, devotional bhajans and traditional art forms. Hundreds of local devotees took part in this religious fete.

Western Maharashtra Devasthanam Samithi trustees Smt Padmaja Tule, Sri Pramod Patil, Manager of Sri Raghavendra Mutt Sri Rama Rao, Chief Priest of the Kolhapur Temple Sri Parful Munishwar also took part in the procession.

Tirumala, 18 Jan 2012(P.R.O) The 1985-Batch IAS Officer, Smt.Chitra Ramachandran, the Principal Secretary of Revenue Endowments, Govt. of AP, sworn in as the ex-officio member of TTD trust board on Wednesday and became the first woman officer to hold the position in the glorious history of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

The TTD Executive officer Sri LV Subramanyam administered the oath of office to Smt Chitra Ramachandran at the Bangaru Vakili of the Tirumala temple on Wednesday morning at around 9:50am. After fulfilling the formalities, Smt. Ramachandran offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara. Later the vedic pundits offered Veda Asirvachanams inside Ranganayakula Mandapam. Temple Deputy EO Sri P. Munirathnam Reddy offered prasadams, calendar and diary to the new ex-officio member.

Later speaking to media persons after coming out of the temple, Smt. Chitra Ramachandran said “This is a divine opportunity to serve millions of devotees who come to Tirumala to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The TTD as well as the Trust board will work together to provide better services to the visiting pilgrims”, she added.

Tirupati Joint EO Sri P.Venkatrami Reddy, CVSO Sri MK Singh and other officials were also present.

Tirumala, Jan 16, 2012

RELIGIOUS FERVOUR MARKS 'HUNT FESTIVAL'

Tirumala, 16 Jan 2012(P.R.O) The annual hunting festival of Lord Malayappa Swamy and Lord Srikrishna Swamy (Paruveta Utsavam) concluded on a colourful note in Tirumala on Monday as thousands of devotees enjoyed the "Celestial Forest Safari".

TTD has cancelled all the afternoon arjitha sevas including Kalyanotsavam, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva on Monday in the wake of Paruvetotsavam.

The hectic schedule of the day started with the Chief Pontiff of Pedda Jiyangar Mutt handing over the special garlands and garments to be adorned to the processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and Lord Sri Krishna Swamy. Later both the deities seated on separate palanquins went for a pleasure hunt to Paruveta Mandapam in Tirumala from main shrine on a colourful procession.

The Lord Malayappa Swamy in the avatar of Sarvabhoopala (the mighty universal emperor), sporting five weapons including conch, disc, gadha, bow and arrow accompanied by Sri Krishna Swamy, enchanted the devotees with his elegance. After the special pujas in Paruveta

Mandapam, the two processional deities went for a pleasure hunt in the thick forests of Seshachala ranges.

Temple priests and officials enacted on the behalf of Lord Malayappa and Lord Krishna Swamy participating in this mock hunt as a part of the festival on the Kanuma day, the next day of Sankranthi festival.

The HDPP, Annamacharya Project artistes performed special devotional cultural programmes matching the festive occasion.

Top brass officials of TTD Sri L.V.Subramanyam, Executive Officer, TTDs Joint Executive Officers Sri P.Venkatrami Reddy, Sri K.S.Srinivasa Raju, C.V&S.O Sri M.K.Singh, DyEO(Temple) Sri Munirathnam Reddy, Peishkar Sri Chandrasekhar Pillai and others took part.

After the divine safari and customary rituals the deities were taken back to the main temple. The festival provided a spectacular feast to tens of thousands of devotees who converged to see the Mighty Hunt.