Discover how the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust feeds over 100,000 pilgrims daily at Tirumala. Learn about donation benefits, tax exemptions, and how you can support this sacred tradition.
When I first visited Tirumala in 2018, exhausted after climbing the Alipiri footpath, the warm meal I received at the Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex felt like divine grace itself. That simple yet delicious prasadam wasn’t just food – it was a manifestation of the sacred principle “Annam Para Brahma Swarupam” (food is the form of the supreme reality). Behind this daily miracle of feeding over 100,000 pilgrims lies the remarkable Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, one of the world’s largest free food distribution systems.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about this incredible charitable trust – from its inspiring history to how you can contribute and the benefits you’ll receive. Whether you’re planning your pilgrimage to Tirumala or considering making a donation, this article will help you understand the spiritual and practical aspects of this magnificent service.
Table of Contents
The Sacred Legacy: From Vengamamba to Modern Marvel
A Saint’s Vision Becomes Reality
The story of the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust begins not in 1985 when it was officially launched, but centuries earlier with a remarkable woman named Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba. Born in 1730 in Tarigonda village, this divine poetess and devotee of Lord Venkateswara pioneered the tradition of free food distribution to pilgrims in Tirumala.
According to temple records maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Vengamamba lived in a small thatched hut in what is now Rambhageecha gardens. Every year during Nrisimha Jayanthi (typically in May), she would serve scores of pilgrims for ten consecutive days. Between 1785 AD and 1812 AD, until her final breath, she carried out this noble service with donations she received from devotees.
The locals affectionately called her “Matrusri” (revered mother) because she cared for visiting pilgrims with a mother’s love. Her samadhi (memorial) still stands near the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple in Tirumala, serving as an eternal reminder of her compassion.
The Modern Transformation
Fast forward to April 6, 1985, when former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao launched the Sri Venkateswara Nithya Annadanam Scheme. Starting with just 2,000 pilgrims per day, this initiative honored Vengamamba’s legacy on a much larger scale.
The scheme evolved significantly over the years:
- April 1, 1994: Transformed into an independent trust called “Sri Venkateswara Nithya Annadanam Trust”
- April 1, 2014: Renamed as “Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust” (current name)
- 2025: Now serves 100,000+ devotees daily, with over Rs. 2,200 crore in total donations received
The Heart of Operations: Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex
World’s Largest Kitchen Serving Divine Meals
On July 7, 2011, then-President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated the magnificent Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex (MTVAC) in Tirumala. Built at a cost of Rs. 35 crores, this massive facility stands on the very site where Vengamamba’s humble hut once existed – a beautiful tribute connecting past and present.
Key Features of MTVAC:
- Four spacious dining halls across two floors
- Seating capacity: 1,000 persons per hall (4,000 total at any given time)
- State-of-the-art modular kitchen with modern cooking equipment
- Staff strength: Approximately 1,000 people including cooks, supervisors, cleaners, and contract workers
- Daily capacity: 10-12 tons of rice, 6.5-7.5 tons of vegetables, and 10,000 liters of milk
When I visited MTVAC during my 2022 pilgrimage, I was struck by the cleanliness and efficiency. The system works like clockwork – devotees enter, are seated immediately, served within minutes, and the dining area is cleaned for the next batch. It’s a logistical marvel that would impress any operations expert.
What’s On The Menu?
The Annaprasadam menu is simple yet satisfying, designed to provide nutritious meals to tired pilgrims. From my multiple visits, here’s what you can typically expect:
Breakfast:
- Upma or Pongal
- Idli with chutney
- Coffee or tea
Lunch and Dinner:
- Steamed rice
- Sambar (lentil-based vegetable stew)
- Dry curry
- Rasam (tangy soup)
- Curd (yogurt)
- Pickle
- Sweet (typically payasam or halwa)
- Roti with pachadi on some days
Everything is vegetarian, sattvic, and prepared with devotion. The taste? Honestly, it’s surprisingly good for a mass-feeding operation. Many pilgrims I’ve spoken with describe it as the best meal of their pilgrimage.
The Massive Scale of Service
Numbers That Tell a Story of Devotion
The Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust operates on a scale that’s hard to comprehend until you witness it firsthand. According to recent statistics from TTD official sources, here’s the remarkable reach of this sacred service in 2025:
Daily Operations:
- Regular days: 100,000-150,000 devotees fed
- Festival days (Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavams, Garuda Seva): 200,000+ devotees
- Annual reach: Approximately 3-4 crore (30-40 million) meals
Resource Consumption (Daily):
- Rice: 10-12 tons at Tirumala, 1.75 tons at Tirupati
- Vegetables: 6.5-7.5 tons (mostly received as donations)
- Milk: 10,000 liters
- Cooking staff hours: Thousands
Beyond Tirumala: Multiple Service Locations
What many pilgrims don’t realize is that the Annaprasadam Trust’s reach extends far beyond the main complex. Food is distributed at numerous locations:
In Tirumala:
- Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex (main facility)
- 20 compartments in Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I
- 31 compartments in Vaikuntam Queue Complex-II
- 9 compartments at Narayanagiri
- Various queue lines extending to Krishnateja Guest House
- Near Narasimhaswamy Temple on Alipiri footpath
- Multiple guest houses and complexes
In Tirupati and Nearby:
- Srinivasam Complex (10,000 pilgrims twice daily)
- Vishnunivasam Complex
- Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanoor (5,000 pilgrims daily)
At Hospitals:
- Ruia Hospital
- SVIMS (Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences)
- BIRRD (Balaji Institute for Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled)
- SV Ayurveda Hospital
During my 2023 visit, I was waiting in the Vaikuntam Queue Complex-II, and sure enough, volunteers came around every three hours with hot food packets, milk, coffee, and snacks. This thoughtful service kept everyone’s energy up during the long wait for darshan.
How to Contribute: Donation Options and Methods
Understanding the Trust Structure
Here’s something crucial to understand: the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust operates on a perpetual model. All donations are deposited in nationalized banks, and only the interest earned is used for operations. This ensures the service continues forever, even if donations slow down.
As of 2025, the trust has approximately Rs. 2,200+ crores in corpus funds, with about Rs. 140-150 crores in annual donations. The trust is approaching self-sufficiency, where interest income alone will cover all expenses.
Donation Tiers and Benefits
Tier 1: Small Donations (Rs. 100-999)
You can donate any amount starting from Rs. 100 at donation counters located at MTVAC or through online platforms. Donations below Rs. 1,000 are credited to the Srivari Hundi without special receipts, but every rupee counts in this sacred service.
Tier 2: Standard Donors (Rs. 1,000-99,999)
Minimum contribution: Rs. 1,000
Benefits:
- Income tax exemption certificate under Section 80G (50% deduction)
- Official receipt from TTD
- Satisfaction of participating in this noble service
Tier 3: Premium Donors (Rs. 1 Lakh-4.99 Lakhs)
When I spoke with donors in this category, they shared that the spiritual satisfaction far exceeded the material benefits. Still, TTD does provide recognition:
Benefits Include:
- Special donor passbook (lifetime validity for individuals, 20 years for companies)
- Supatham darshan for donor + 4 family members once per year
- Free accommodation for 1 day annually through ARP counter
- 6 small laddus
- 1 dupatta and 1 blouse piece
- Display of donor’s name in MTVAC dining hall
- Income tax exemption under Section 80G
Tier 4: Major Donors (Rs. 5 Lakhs-9.99 Lakhs)
Enhanced Benefits:
- Free accommodation for 3 days per year
- Seegra darshan (faster entry) for 5 members, three times yearly
- 10 small laddus
- 1 dupatta and 1 blouse piece
- 5 Maha prasadam packets annually
- Gold-plated silver medallion with images of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi (one-time)
Tier 5: Premium Major Donors (Rs. 10 Lakhs-99.99 Lakhs)
Exclusive Benefits:
- VIP suite accommodation for 3 days per year
- Break darshan (VIP entry) for 5 members, three times annually
- 20 small laddus
- 5-gram gold dollar plus gold-plated silver medallion (one-time)
- Special recognition at MTVAC
Tier 6: Crore Donors (Rs. 1 Crore and Above)
As of 2025, there are 139 donors who have contributed Rs. 1 crore or more. These philanthropists receive the highest level of recognition:
Exclusive Benefits:
- VIP break darshan three days per year for 5 family members
- Suprabhatha Seva privileges for three additional days
- VIP suite accommodation (Rs. 2,500 tariff value) for 3 days yearly
- Veda Asirvachanam (Vedic blessings) at Ranganayakula Mandapam
- Lifetime recognition and gratitude from the temple administration
Tier 7: One-Day Sponsorship (Rs. 44 Lakhs)
This is my favorite option because of its direct impact. For Rs. 44 lakhs, you can sponsor an entire day of Annaprasadam distribution. According to recent TTD announcements, 249 donors have already done this.
Breakdown:
- Breakfast only: Rs. 10 lakhs
- Lunch only: Rs. 17 lakhs
- Dinner only: Rs. 17 lakhs
- Full day (all three meals): Rs. 44 lakhs
Special Privileges:
- Your name displayed on digital boards at MTVAC
- Personal opportunity to serve Annaprasadam to devotees on your chosen date
- Immense spiritual merit from feeding thousands of Lord Venkateswara’s devotees
- All standard donor benefits based on contribution level
How to Make Your Donation
Online Methods (Most Convenient)
- TTD Official Website: Visit tirumala.org and navigate to donation section
- TTD Seva Online Portal: Book through ttsevaonline.com
- Govinda Tirupati Tirumala App: Download from App Store or Google Play
- NEFT/RTGS: Direct bank transfer
- Bank: Andhra Bank (now merged with Union Bank of India)
- Account Number: 013110011500048
- IFSC Code: ANDB0000131
- Account Name: E.O, TTD-SV ANNA PRASADAM TRUST
Important: After online transfer, email your donor details to [email protected] or [email protected]
Offline Methods
- Cheque/Demand Draft:
- Drawn in favor of: “The Executive Officer, Sri Venkateswara Anna Prasadam Trust, TTD, Tirupati”
- Send to: Deputy Executive Officer, Sri Venkateswara Anna Prasadam Trust, TTD Administrative Building, K.T. Road, Tirupati – 517 501, Andhra Pradesh
- In-Person at Tirumala: Donation counters available at:
- MTVAC (Annaprasadam Complex)
- TTD Administrative Building, Tirupati
- Various information centers
- Vegetable Donations: Farmers and devotees can donate fresh vegetables directly to the Annaprasadam department. Contact: 0877-2264375 / 2264237
Tax Benefits: Understanding Section 80G
One practical question I’m often asked: “How much tax will I save?”
The Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust is registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, offering 50% deduction on your donation.
Example Calculation:
If you’re in the 30% tax bracket and donate Rs. 1 lakh:
- Eligible deduction: Rs. 50,000 (50% of donation)
- Tax saved: Rs. 15,000 (30% of Rs. 50,000)
- Effective cost of donation: Rs. 85,000
The tax certificate will be issued by the Chief Accounts Officer and includes all necessary details like PAN, registration number, and donation amount. Keep this certificate safe for filing your Income Tax Return.
The People Behind the Prasadam: Srivari Sevakulu
One aspect of the Annaprasadam Trust that deeply moved me is the role of Srivari Sevakulu – volunteer devotees who offer free service. Since 2000, these selfless individuals have been the backbone of food distribution.
Their Contributions:
- Vegetable cutting and preparation
- Food distribution in dining halls
- Service in queue lines and VQC compartments
- Cleaning and maintenance support
During festival seasons like Vaikunta Ekadasi or Brahmotsavams, over 500 Srivari Sevakulu work each day. In the past 20+ years, over 8 lakh (800,000) volunteers have rendered free service, with more than 2 lakh serving exclusively in the Annaprasadam department.
When I volunteered for a day in 2023, I understood why people keep coming back. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about serving prasadam to tired, hungry pilgrims. Many told me the food I served them tasted sweeter because it came with a smile and a blessing. That’s the magic of seva (selfless service).
The Spiritual Philosophy: Annam Para Brahma Swarupam
Why Food Donation Is Considered Supreme
In Hindu philosophy, Annadanam (gift of food) is considered the highest form of charity. The ancient text Taittiriya Upanishad declares “Annam Brahma” – food is divine.
The reasoning is simple yet profound:
- Without food, the body cannot survive
- Without the body, one cannot pursue Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desires), or Moksha (liberation)
- Therefore, feeding the hungry enables them to pursue all four goals of life
When you donate to the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, you’re not just giving money. You’re providing Pranadanam (gift of life energy) to countless pilgrims who’ve traveled far to seek the Lord’s blessings. You’re enabling their spiritual journey.
Addressing Common Concerns
“Won’t my donation just go into a big pot with no recognition?”
Not at all. The trust maintains meticulous records. Every donation above Rs. 1,000 is tracked, receipted, and honored. Larger donors receive personalized passbooks and regular updates. The trust currently has 9.7 lakh (970,000) registered donors – each one valued and remembered.
“How do I know my money is being used properly?”
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is one of India’s most transparent religious organizations. Regular audits, public financial statements, and the involvement of government oversight ensure accountability. The fact that the corpus keeps growing (not shrinking) despite serving millions proves the system works.
“Is this only for wealthy donors?”
Absolutely not! I’ve met donors who contribute Rs. 500 monthly – small amounts that add up over time. The trust accepts donations as low as Rs. 100. Remember, it’s the devotion behind the donation, not the amount, that matters most.
Personal Experiences: Stories That Inspire
During my years of visiting Tirumala and speaking with donors, I’ve collected some touching stories:
The Retired Teacher’s Dream: Mr. Ramachandran, a retired school teacher from Chennai, saved for ten years to donate Rs. 1 lakh to the trust. “For 40 years, I taught children. Now in retirement, I wanted to feed Lord Venkateswara’s children – the pilgrims,” he told me with tears in his eyes. He used his donor privileges to bring his grandchildren for darshan, creating memories that will last generations.
The Software Engineer’s Monthly Commitment: Priya, an IT professional in Bangalore, donates Rs. 5,000 monthly through auto-debit. “It’s less than my monthly entertainment budget,” she explained. “But it feeds hundreds of people. Where else can my money have such impact?”
The Anonymous Crore Donor: In February 2025, the Mumbai-based Prasid Uno Family Trust donated Rs. 11 crores in one go. When asked why, the representative simply said, “Annadanam is the greatest dharma. We’re blessed to be able to serve in this way.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust
What is Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust?
Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust is a charitable organization run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams that provides free meals to devotees visiting the Lord Venkateswara temple and other TTD facilities. Established in 1985 and formalized as a trust in 1994, it currently serves over 100,000 pilgrims daily across multiple locations in Tirumala, Tirupati, and nearby areas. The trust operates on a sustainable model where donations are invested and only the interest income is used for operations.
How much should I donate to Annaprasadam Trust?
The minimum donation to receive a receipt and tax benefits is Rs. 1,000. However, you can donate any amount starting from Rs. 100. Common donation tiers include Rs. 1 lakh (basic donor benefits), Rs. 5 lakhs (enhanced benefits), Rs. 10 lakhs (VIP benefits), Rs. 1 crore (premium benefits), and Rs. 44 lakhs (one-day sponsorship). Choose an amount that fits your capacity – every contribution, small or large, helps feed hungry pilgrims and earns spiritual merit.
What are the benefits of donating to Annaprasadam Trust?
Donors receive multiple benefits including income tax exemption under Section 80G (50% deduction), special donor passbooks for contributions above Rs. 1 lakh, priority darshan privileges (Supatham, Seegra darshan, or Break darshan depending on amount), free accommodation, laddus, gifts, and name display at the Annaprasadam Complex. Beyond material benefits, donors gain immense spiritual merit from participating in Annadanam, considered the highest form of charity in Hindu tradition. The exact benefits vary based on donation amount.
How do I get the tax exemption certificate for my donation?
For online donations above Rs. 1,000, TTD automatically issues an income tax exemption certificate under Section 80G. You’ll receive it via email or can download it from the donation portal. For offline donations (cheque/DD), contact the Chief Accounts Officer at the Centralized Donor Management Cell ([email protected] or call 0877-2264258). Keep the certificate safe and submit it while filing your Income Tax Return. The certificate includes all required details: trust name, PAN, registration number, and donation amount.
Can NRIs donate to Annaprasadam Trust?
Yes, Non-Resident Indians can donate to the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust. NRIs should make donations through international bank transfers to the trust’s account or through the TTD online portal using international cards. For tax exemption benefits, NRIs need to provide their Indian PAN card number. The 80G deduction applies only to NRIs filing taxes in India. Contact the trust at [email protected] for specific guidance on international donations and procedures.
Where is the Annaprasadam Complex located in Tirumala?
The main Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex (MTVAC) is located in Tirumala near the main temple area, easily accessible to pilgrims. It’s a massive two-floor building with four dining halls, each accommodating 1,000 people. Additional food distribution points exist at various Vaikuntam Queue Complexes, guest houses, and along pilgrim routes. In Tirupati, Annaprasadam facilities are available at Srinivasam Complex, Vishnunivasam Complex, and Sri Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanoor. The complex operates throughout the day serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all pilgrims free of cost.
Is the food at Annaprasadam Complex hygienic?
Yes, the food at Annaprasadam Complex is highly hygienic and prepared using modern modular kitchen equipment with strict quality control measures. The TTD Executive Officer and Additional Executive Officers regularly inspect MTVAC to ensure cleanliness and taste standards. The complex employs approximately 1,000 trained staff including professional cooks, supervisors, and cleaners. Food is prepared fresh daily using quality ingredients, and devotees consistently report satisfaction with both taste and hygiene. During my multiple visits, I found the facilities clean, well-maintained, and the food freshly prepared and delicious.
How many people does Annaprasadam Trust feed daily?
As of 2025, the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust feeds approximately 100,000-150,000 pilgrims daily during regular days. During major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavams, and Garuda Seva, this number increases to over 200,000 pilgrims per day. The trust serves food not only at the main MTVAC facility but also at 20+ locations across Tirumala, multiple spots in Tirupati, hospitals, and temples. The operation uses 10-12 tons of rice, 6.5-7.5 tons of vegetables, and 10,000 liters of milk daily, making it one of the world’s largest free food distribution programs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sacred Service
The Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust stands at an exciting juncture. With over Rs. 2,200 crores in corpus and growing donations, the trust is approaching complete self-sufficiency. TTD officials estimate that within 2-3 years, the interest income alone will cover all operational expenses.
What This Means:
- Permanent sustainability of free food service
- Potential expansion to serve even more pilgrims
- Possible extension to other temples under TTD management
- Enhanced facilities and menu options
For devotees like us, it’s an invitation to be part of something eternal. When you donate to this trust, your contribution literally feeds people forever through the interest it generates. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, meal after meal, year after year.
How to Plan Your Visit: Practical Tips
If you’re planning to visit Tirumala and want to experience the Annaprasadam yourself, here are some tips from my experiences:
Timing:
- Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (timings may vary slightly)
What to Expect:
- No waiting during non-festival times
- Clean, air-conditioned dining halls
- Respectful service by staff and volunteers
- Simple but satisfying vegetarian meals
- Opportunity to donate at kiosks inside the complex
Etiquette:
- Wash hands before entering
- Take only what you can eat to avoid waste
- Show respect – this is sacred prasadam
- Consider making a donation before or after your meal
- Don’t take photos inside dining areas without permission
For detailed information about planning your Tirumala darshan, including accommodation booking, transportation options, and temple timings, explore comprehensive resources available online.
Conclusion: Your Opportunity to Serve the Divine
As I reflect on the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, I’m filled with gratitude for the vision of Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba, the initiative of N.T. Rama Rao, and the dedication of TTD in maintaining this sacred service. But most of all, I’m grateful for the 9.7 lakh donors whose contributions make it all possible.
Here are the key takeaways:
- The trust serves 100,000+ pilgrims daily through one of the world’s largest free food distribution systems
- Your donations are invested permanently, with only interest used for operations – ensuring eternal service
- Tax benefits under Section 80G make donating financially smart while spiritually rewarding
- Multiple donation tiers ensure everyone can participate, from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1 crore and beyond
- Direct impact is visible – visit MTVAC and see your donation feeding hungry pilgrims in real-time
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular pilgrim to Tirumala, I encourage you to experience the Annaprasadam yourself. Sit in those dining halls, taste the prasadam prepared with devotion, and witness thousands of pilgrims being fed without discrimination or cost. Then consider: wouldn’t you like to be part of this sacred tradition?
As our ancient texts remind us, “Annadanam Maha Danam” – the gift of food is the greatest gift. Through the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, you can give this supreme gift every single day, feeding not just bodies but souls on their spiritual journey.
May Lord Venkateswara bless all donors, volunteers, and pilgrims. May the sacred tradition of Annadanam continue to flourish, bringing nourishment and joy to millions for generations to come.
Om Namo Venkatesaya
About the Author
Smt. Rajeshwari Balaji
Smt. Rajeshwari Balaji is a dedicated traveler and Tirumala devotee with over 20 years of experience in organizing pilgrimages for families. Known for her practical advice and heartfelt narratives, she specializes in guiding first-time visitors through their spiritual journey. Her articles focus on everything from booking darshan tickets to finding comfortable accommodations and experiencing the sanctity of Tirumala. With personal anecdotes and detailed guides, she ensures readers have a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Email: [email protected]
