Accredited as the world’s most visited temple, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is nestled at the hill town of Tirumala and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to have appeared to save mankind in Kali Yug. The temple’s deity is also known by the names like Balaji, Srinivasa, and Govinda. Venkateswara Temple is the richest temple known, thanks to the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy place daily and also offer donations. You would be surprised to know that during festivals, the average number of pilgrims arriving at the temple daily shoots up to 500000.
Apart from Darshan of the Lord Venkateswara, these worshipers look forward to having the prasadam also called naivedyam. Laddus served at this world-famous Tirupati temple is one of its kind. It has received the geographical indication tag because of which only Tirumala Tirupati Devsthanams can make and sell it. This sweetmeat is rich in ghee and dry fruits. Having a single laddu can make your taste buds satisfied. Laddus similar to this is served in Patna’s Hanuman Mandir situated near the railway station.
Apart from the laddus, other prasadams are also offered in the Venkateshwara temple. These are classified as Anna-prasadams and Panyarams. The former include pulihora (tamarind rice), daddojanam (curd rice), chakerapongal (sweet), miryala Pongal and kadambham. While the latter include laddu, poli, vada, dosa, payasam, appam, and jalebi. Just like Gurudwaras, free meals are provided to the pilgrims here in the temple.
If you want to have Tirupati’s divine laddus, you actually do not need to visit the temple because they are available online. You can buy them at Rs 25 per piece. To place the order in bulk, you need to contact Tirumala temple deputy executive officer at 98495 75952.
When the Lord Venkateswara temple was closed owing to the lockdown due to the pandemic, the deity's favourite laddu was made available for the bhakts. The actual cost of this 175 gm laddu is Rs 40 and it is sold at Rs. 50 each.
