Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has witnessed one of the largest donation drives in its history and received nearly ₹97 crore from devotees in 24 hours.
The temple trust received ₹96.98 crore from 2,460 donors on July 15 as thousands rushed to make contributions before TTD’s revised donor policy officially came into effect.
According to TTD officials, the record-breaking collection was driven by devotees who wanted to maintain the benefits of the last donor scheme. The new policy which came into effect from midnight on July 15 also sets out a much-needed framework for donor privileges.
Why did donations surge
The announcement of TTD’s new donor policy triggered an overwhelming response from devotees across India and abroad. Many of the donors made contributions before the deadline because those who donated under the previous scheme will still benefit from the benefits that were available at the time of their donation.
The temple trust said that 2,460 devotees made contributions during the 24-hour period.
Among them :-
1,212 devotees donated between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh. 1,246 devotees donated between ₹10 lakh and ₹25 lakh. Two devotees donated more than ₹1 crore each.
A large portion of the donations were made through TTD's online payment portal and banking channels, while several devotees donated directly at the temple.
What is the new TTD donor policy
TTD has revised its donor policy to make contributions more transparent and easier to recognise and to make temple administration more efficient.
Under the previous policy, donors who contributed above certain amounts received lifetime privileges such as preferential darshan and other temple-related benefits. Those who made contributions before the change will continue to receive those benefits.
However, donor privileges were reorganized into four categories of structured donation. The policy also distinguishes between individual and institutional donors; rather than having broad lifetime privileges, benefits were linked to each category.
TTD officials said the revised framework is meant to balance donor recognition with the needs of millions of pilgrims who visit Tirumala every year.
One of the World’s Richest Temples
The Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is one of the world's richest and most visited Hindu pilgrimage centres. Every year, millions of devotees give money, gold, jewellery and other precious items in the form of donations as a sign of faith and gratitude.
The temple trust uses these funds to manage religious activities, maintain temple infrastructure, support educational institutions, operate hospitals, run charitable programmes and provide various welfare services.
Looking Ahead
The new donor policy will help improve crowd management and improve donor recognition transparency and fairness for all pilgrims visiting Tirumala, officials said.
The record collection of nearly ₹97 crore in one day shows the devotees’ abiding faith and dedication to Lord Venkateswara and the continuous support of pilgrims to one of India’s most renowned temples.
This new donor policy is going to help TTD to create a more balanced system for contributors and the millions of devotees who visit Tirumala every year.
