Trekking pilgrims to Tirumala to get free Laddu

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday announced that devotees who trek to the hill shrine, the celestial abode of Lord Balaji, will get free Laddu prasadam from the auspicious Vikunta Ekadasi.

Thousands of the devotees across the world reach the hill shrine on foot spending four to five hours through the stairway from Alipiri every day.

The TTD also announced incentives to the employees taking part in the annual Navaratri Brahmotsavam. According to them, Rs 10,000 would be given to permanent employees and Rs 5000 to the contract based employees. TTD also decided to lift age limit to the mirasi priests.

It may be recalled that, TTD service rules were applied to the priests under old mirasi system. Accordingly, they had to retire after attaining superannuation, i.e. 65 years. Now, TTD decided to revoke the decision and lifted age limit to the priests.

It is also said the price of the Laddu will be unchanged but, TTD will strive to improve the quality of it. It was also decided to remodel the temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tiruchanuru with Rs. 3.75 crore.

- Siva@Sakshipost