Sri Venkateswara Temple: Record Offerings and Devotee Surge in July

In July, the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala received offerings worth Rs 125 crore, welcomed over 22 lakh pilgrims, and facilitated ritual tonsuring for 8.6 lakh devotees. Executive officer Syamala Rao emphasized food safety measures in Tirumala's eateries to ensure pilgrims' health and safety.

The revered Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala amassed donations worth Rs 125 crore in July, according to an announcement by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer Syamala Rao on Friday. Over 22 lakh pilgrims visited the temple during the month.

Additionally, 8.6 lakh devotees underwent ritual tonsuring and the temple distributed over one crore laddus, or consecrated sweets.

In a bid to enhance food safety for visiting pilgrims, Rao instructed all Tirumala eateries to provide clean and hygienic food. The Food Safety Department is set to train hotel staff on best practices soon.

Rao also stressed the need for all hotel owners in Tirumala to obtain mandatory Food Safety Department certificates to maintain safety standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)