Introduction to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is a renowned Hindu temple complex that attracts millions of devotees each year. Situated in the pilgrimage town of Tirumala, this historic temple complex is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple's daily income is a matter of keen interest, and in this article, we delve into the financial aspects of this religious hub.

Daily Devotee Traffic

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sees an impressive influx of devotees, with an average of 82,000 to 109,000 worshippers visiting the temple every day. This number significantly increases during the cooler months from November to February, when adverse weather conditions make other pilgrimage sites less accessible.

Major Source of Income

The primary source of income for TTD is the donations made by devotees. It is estimated that the temple receives around 20-30 crores (Rs. 200-300 million) in donations each day through various channels, including cash, kind, and online donations. In some exceptional days, especially holidays and festivals, the income can exceed Rs. 2.5 to 3.0 crores.

Recent Financial Highlights

There have been significant changes in the temple's financial scenario over the years, which is influenced by various factors. For instance, the reopening of the temple post-lockdown saw a spike in donations; on a specific Saturday, the TTD temple recorded a commendable daily hundi income of Rs. 1.02 crores. In 2021, the hundi income alone stood at Rs. 104 crores, and TTD had estimated an income of over Rs. 1300 crores from hundi offerings. However, due to the second wave of the pandemic, the estimates fell to Rs. 725 crores, necessitating a revision of the annual budget to Rs. 2553 crores.

Trust Board and Management

To ensure the smooth running of the temple and its financial operations, a trust board was established under the aegis of the Andhra Pradesh government. This board comprises a chief administrative officer (I.A.S.) and several other officials. The current chairman of the trust board is Mr. Y.V. Subba Reddy. The board is responsible for managing the temple's affairs, including overseeing hundi collections, the sale of laddus and other offerings, and other temple-related services.

Historical Context

During the British era, the government set up a board to oversee the administration of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala. Post-independence, this role was carried forward by the Andhra Pradesh government. The temple's management body has evolved over time to ensure transparency and efficient management of the vast resources it receives.

Annual Budget and Operations

On a typical day, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam receives between Rs. 2.5 to 3.0 crores in income. This includes collections from havans, devotional offerings, and various services provided by the temple. During festive and special occasions, the income often surges to even higher figures. In 2011, the temple garnered an astounding Rs. 1700 crores, with Rs. 1100 crores coming from cash donations and interest from gold investments. Other sources of income included the sale of tickets for rituals and darshan, which fetched more than Rs. 200 crores.