On the occasion of the birthday of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, on April 20, the Chairman of Bhashyam Educational Society, Guntur, Sri B. Ramakrishna, donated a sum of ₹44 lakh towards the one-day Srivari Annaprasadam distribution in Tirumala.
The donation was handed over in the form of a Demand Draft by the donor to TTD Deputy Executive Officer (Annaprasadam), Sri Rajendra Kumar, on Sunday evening at the Additional EO Camp Office in Tirupati.
TTD officials appreciated the noble gesture and stated that the support of donors is vital for the successful conduct of the Annaprasadam programme, which serves tens of thousands of pilgrims in Tirumala every day.
They further stated that such acts of charity inspire many more to contribute towards the devout service.
“Tiru” means “Sri” (sacred), and “Namam” means “Tilak.” Tirunamam is also referred to as “Srinamam.” In the Hindu Sanatana Dharma, Tirunamam is considered an auspicious symbol that is applied on the fore head.
Devotees who wear Tirunamam feel that Sri Venkateswara Swamy is always with them, guiding and protecting them. It inspires them to lead a life of righteousness and devotion.
To promote this sacred tradition among devotees visiting the world-renowned pilgrimage center Tirumala, TTD is facilitating the application of Tirunamam.
In Tirunamam, the central red line symbolizes the soul. Some devotees also apply Tirunamam on their shoulders, chest, and lower back.
Typically, it is worn on the forehead from between the eyebrows upwards. Pilgrims wearing Tirunamam can easily be identified as ardent devotees of Sri Venkateswara. It is believed that applying the Tilak on the forehead protects one from negative influences.
For preparing Tirunamam, Namakopu and Sindoor are used, both of which are received as donations from devotees. Many devotees also believe that applying Tirunamam provides a cooling effect.
Tirunamam Seva :
The main deity of Sri Venkateswara is adorned with Tirunamam once a week on Fridays after Abhishekam, using sandalwood powder, camphor, and kasturi in the center. On Thursdays, during the ritual removal of ornaments, the Tirunamam is slightly reduced to make the eyes of the deity visible. This sacred adornment, known as “Tirumanikappu,” enhances the divine pppradiance of the Sri Venkateshwara face.
For this purpose, approximately 16 tulas of green camphor and 1.5 tulas of kasturi are used.
Locations of Tirunama Seva in Tirumala
Tirunamam is being applied to devotees at multiple locations across Tirumala, including:
Approximately 168 Srivari Sevaks are rendering this service daily in two shifts.
Free Service for Devotees:
Devotees are not required to pay any fee for Tirunamam. TTD appeals to all devotees to avail this free sacred Seva offered by Srivari Sevaks and receive the divine blessings and grace of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.