Why is the Tirupati Balaji Temple considered one of the Richest Temples in the world?

The revenue generated by Tirupati Balaji temple is an average of nearly 3,310.20 crores per year. This report makes an entry for the temple to be in the list of the richest temples in the world.

There are many profit-making ways for the Tirumala temple revenue to get placed in the top-notch.

Ramana Deekshitulu, the chief priest of Tirumala, has stated that “I have been seeing this pilgrims flow is exceptional. Now it is listed first in the world, in an increase of assets value or devotees visiting every day”.

It is officially reported that Tirupati has overtaken the Vatican as the richest city and most visited pilgrimage globally as it crossed the Vatican city.

There are major departments in the Tirumala administration that contribute to the revenue and help pile up day by day.

Srivari Hundi

For the time in 25-07-1821, the hundi was established in Tirumala temple. After 2 years, in 25-07-1825, it was changed to the name “Siri Koluvu”.

The caldron was 9’ in height, which is draped with white cloth located opposite and south side to the room called “ANNAMAYYA ARA”.

On average, 50,000 pilgrims visit there per day. On some days, the count would reach up to 1,00,000 pilgrims regardless of special occasions like Brahmostava’s, Vaikuntha Ekadasi.

These devotees also offer – in the form of  MOKKU, which has an important part in the Tirumala temple, which has created its own significance in the hearts of pilgrims.

It per day collection will be on an average of about 3.10 crores, which can be in any form like objects or money.

The offerings in the MOKKU are the most prominent beliefs of pilgrims who worship the kali yuga Devam Sri Venkateshwara Swamy. 

Donations 

Tirumala temple receives donations of various forms for different sections in the temple.

Pilgrims donate money for Vengamamba Annadana Prasadam and various development programs in Tirumala city, gold objects for the Lord Venkateshwara Swamy.

Not only money, other things like Flowers, Milk, Rice, Vegetables etc. also donated by the pilgrims.

Donations were in the process for a long period back in the day, but the developments of the internet era made it very easy for pilgrims from around the world to donate with just a click.

As per the records available for the first in the year 1985, the devotee Elli Ramaiah donated 5 lakhs and reached 1100 crores by 2019.

Hair offerings 

The devotees offer hair as an important item next to mokku offerings; this is very common in the Indian temples.

It has a significant role in Tirumala. The devotees offer the hair to get rid of their sins or the mistakes which they have made. The accumulated hair is graded in various levels, which are auctioned for different prices.

By auctioning the accumulated hair, the Tirumala generates nearly about 90 to 100 crores in a year. 

From 2011, TTD has started the e-AUCTION, which increased the revenue by nearly 200 to 250 crores.

Other ways of income

Every year the population of pilgrims visiting has increased.

The stay rooms, lodges are provided by TTD at a nominal cost for the pilgrims, as the rooms are available 24/7, 365 days, which generates a gross income. 

Tirumala city consists of many street shops, food zones, shopping centres which are the property of the Tirumala temple. TTD is given Z monthly rent, and the spaces are leased to the people who run the business. 

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