Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Saturday, announced that the State Government has kicked off ‘operation cleansing’ in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), emphasising that there’s no compromise on the quality of ‘Prasadam’ offered to Lord Venkateswara’s devotees.
While inaugurating the Vakula Matha Vantasala (kitchen) atop Tirumala Hills, constructed at a cost of ?13.4 crore, Naidu stated that devotees’ opinions would also be considered as new guidelines are introduced after the cleansing operation. The CM expressed happiness in inaugurating the kitchen, which can now serve ‘Anna Prasadam’ to 1.25 lakh devotees, and mentioned that food for 18,000 people can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
With the upgraded kitchens of Vengamamba, Akshaya, and Vakula Matha, the ‘Anna Prasadam’ can now be supplied to around three lakh devotees daily, Naidu said.
“We will ensure no compromise on quality, from the raw materials to the final preparation,” he assured.
He proudly pointed out that no one can replicate the quality of Lord Venkateswara’s Prasadam, which holds a patent. “Our Laddu, Mysorepak, and Vada are one of a kind,” he added with a smile.
On the environmental front, Naidu highlighted that greenery on the Hills has already reached 72%, with efforts to push it up to 90%. “We’re committed to maintaining a serene environment atop Tirumala, and the Prasadam will always respect the traditions and sentiments of the devotees,” he stressed. The Chief Minister also said that steps are being taken to restore Tirumala’s past glory, ensuring the sanctity of the site is never compromised.
He reflected on his personal devotion, mentioning how he often prays to Lord Venkateswara upon waking and during difficult times. He urged those serving on the Hills and all devotees to maintain utmost sanctity.
Naidu recalled that the ‘Anna Danam’ scheme, initiated during NT Rama Rao’s era for a few thousand devotees, now feeds around three lakh devotees
daily.
He also instructed TTD officials to improve the management of queue lines, noting that devotees are satisfied with both the Prasadam quality and TTD services.