TTD To Resume Laddu Prasadam Sale on Subidy To Devotees During Lockdown - TTD Chairman

In view of uncertainty existing over the ending of Corona COVID -19 Virus lockdown even after 2 months and resuming Srivari Darshan, TTD has decided to commence distribution of sacred Tirupati laddu Prasadam soon to devotees on reduced rates, said TTD Trust Board Chairman Sri YV Subba Reddy.

Speaking to media persons at Sri Padmavathi Rest House in Tirupati on Wednesday, the TTD Board Chief said the resuming of Srivari darshan to devotees depends on the Central Government decision to lift the lockdown. "We have been receiving mails and phones on when would we resume darshan. But it all depends on the Government's decision of lifting lockdown", he maintained. 

Adding further, the Chairman said, inspite of lockdown restrictions, the devotees are generously contributing through e-hundi and expressing their immense devotion towards Srivaru though they did not get to see Lord for over 60days as of now", he said. 

The Chairman said, during April 2020, the e-hundi collection stood at Rs 1.97 crore against the previous year's Rs1.79 crore for the same month with an increase by Rs18 lakhs. Responding to devotees generous contributions to e-Hundi, TTD has decided to resume laddu Prasadam sales and offered 50 % discount rates of Rs 25 per laddu for 175 gm instead of Rs50 which will continue till the darshan of Srivaru resumes.

"The laddu Prasadam will be made available at all TTD Kalyana Mandapams and information centres present in all the 13 District Head Quarters in Andhra Pradesh along with Hyderabad of TS, Chennai of TN and Bengaluru of Karnataka state shortly", he said.

Devotees requiring bulk quantity shall have to contact the Srivari Temple Deputy EO on 9849575952 and Potu Peishkar on 9701092777 for their additional requirement whose delivery would be made at the said TTD centers. The commencement of Laddu sale by TTD will be decided in two or three days time.

The Chairman ruled out the reports by a section of media and rumours in Social Media about the crunch of funds in TTD coffers for maintenance of the temple administration and even to pay salaries for its employees. "I have already clarified on this and reiterating now that we have no scarcity of funds and there will not be any problem to pay salaries and pensions to our employees as well for maintenance. As per State Government norms, we have paid March and April salaries and are ready to pay May salaries", he asserted. 

Additional EO Sri AV Dharma Reddy was also present.