Record Donations at Tirupati Temple Ahead of New Policy Implementation
Massive Donations at Tirupati Temple
A significant influx of donors gathered at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, resulting in a staggering collection of ₹96.98 crores within just 24 hours. This surge in donations was not coincidental; it was driven by the impending implementation of a new donation policy set to take effect at midnight on July 15. The revised policy introduces substantial changes to the privileges and benefits previously enjoyed by donors, including the elimination of lifetime benefits. However, those who donated before the cutoff date will continue to receive these lifetime perks. This is why there was a notable spike in donations just before the clock struck midnight on Tuesday.
Details of the Donations
According to a report from a local media outlet, on Tuesday, 2,460 donors contributed, with 1,212 individuals donating between ₹1 to ₹10 lakhs and 1,246 donating between ₹10 to ₹25 lakhs. Notably, two devotees made donations exceeding ₹1 crore. The Tirupati Temple, one of the wealthiest temples globally, has seen a consistent rise in the number of donors in recent years, boasting a total wealth of approximately ₹3.38 lakh crores, surpassing the GDP of several small nations. In the fiscal year 2025-26, donations collected through the temple's hundi (donation box) exceeded ₹1,738 crores, averaging around ₹4.75 crores daily. Recent statistics indicate there are 197,888 registered donors, with about 150,000 contributing ₹1 lakh or more, and around 22,000 donating over ₹10 lakhs. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, which manages the temple, stated that the increase in donors necessitated changes to the special facility policy. TTD Chairman BR Naidu mentioned that there has been an increase of approximately 3,000 donors who contributed ₹10 lakhs in the past four months. These changes aim to enhance transparency and uniformity in donation management. The new policy, effective from midnight Tuesday, seeks to balance the interests of donors and regular pilgrims, reducing some benefits for donors to improve the experience for general devotees.
What is the New Donation Policy?
The TTD has abolished the previous range-based donation categories. Instead, donors will now be classified into four categories based on their donation amounts. The new policy establishes distinct rules for individual donors and organizations or trusts. Previously, donors enjoyed lifetime special privileges, including special entry for darshan, Suprabhatam service (early morning worship), and participation in Kalyanotsavam (symbolic wedding of Lord Venkateswara). Under the new policy, the benefits for individual donors will be valid for 20 years, while those for organizations or trusts will last for 15 years, marking a significant shift.