Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam completed 33 years this April. Lord Balaji’s Annaprasadam holds a special significance among millions of devotees who vouch for its divinity and heavenly taste together. The tradition of Annaprasadam is centuries old.
The concept of offering rice to the Lord was initially conceptualized by Saint and poetess Tarigonda Vengamamba way back in 18th Century. As per the revered Hindu Sanatana Dharma, there is no better Puja or ritual than feeding a hungry living being. Annadanam is considered to be the highest or “Mahadanam” and a vital part of Hindu tradition. The famous Annadanam at TTD was initiated 33 years ago by then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri N T Rama Rao.
On the occasion of 33rd anniversary of Annaprasadam, the JEO had Annaprasadam in Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex (MTVAC) in Tirumala on Friday. Speaking to media on this occasion, the JEO said, SV Annaprasadam is unique among all the donation trusts that are being run by TTD. Started on a small scale in 1985 on April 6 with just 2000 pilgrims today Annaprasadam is being served to over 1.5lakh devotees in Tirumala every day”, he added.
He said at present the trust holds Rs.937crores in the form of fixed deposits in different nationalized banks and the interest on this amount is used by the Annaprasdam department to serve food to unlimited number of pilgrims every day. With the support of donors, today there is no dearth for vegetables also. The pilgrims are being served with tasty menu at regular intervals in complex, compartments, queue lines etc. in Tirumala”, he maintained.
Tarigonda Vengamamba
The great poetess of 18th century, Vengamamba was the first to conceptualize the idea of rice offering. She used to live in a small thatched hut during the era when Goddess Padmavathi Devi accommodated her in what is the now called Rambageecha gardens.
The poetess used to perform deep penance under a tamarind tree that was present near her hut. Every Narasimha Jayanthi in the month of May, she used to serve hundreds of pilgrims who visited Tirumala at her residence for ten days.
Vengamamba was given many Danapatras by some of the pilgrims between 17th and 18th century. She carried out her Anna Prasada Vitarana till her last existence on earth. Vengamamba was fondly referred to as ‘Matrusri’ because of her motherly disposition and nature, taking care of all living beings.
History of Annadana Scheme
The process of Annadanam was intercepted in Tirumala since 1985. The tradition underwent plethora of changes since years, but the soul remains to be the same. The new Annadanam complex is also renamed as Annaprasada Bhavan.
Every year, as the number of pilgrims keeps increasing at Tirumala, the quantities of Annadanam keeps growing to meet the need. Donations keep pouring in for the Annaprasadam Trust that was incorporated towards the cause. Apart from donations in money, the trust also accepts vegetable donation that helps provide food every day to thousands of devotees.
Srivari Sevaks
Volunteers are also welcome to participate in the Srivari Annaprasada Seva, performing duties like vegetable cutting. Many volunteers are deputed every day in the temple premises, to render services at the Annadanam complex, queue lines and other prime areas. The volunteers are fondly referred to as Srivari Sevakulu.
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