Divya Aushadha Vanam to come up in Tirumala

Tirumala, the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara, is set to gain a new and distinctive attraction with the development of “Divya Aushadha Vanam”, a dedicated medicinal garden aimed at protecting rare and endangered herbal plants native to the Seshachalam forest range.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has approved the project with an estimated cost of ₹4.25 crore, to be developed over 3.90 acres. The initiative will be implemented following directions from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, TTD officials said.

The primary objective of Divya Aushadha Vanam is to conserve medicinal plants that naturally grow in the Seshachalam hills but are gradually disappearing. At the same time, the garden will help create public awareness about the importance of these plants in India’s traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda.

Designed as a blend of spirituality, science, and environmental sustainability, the garden is expected to serve multiple purposes. While offering a serene and spiritually enriching experience to pilgrims, it will also function as a learning and research space for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.

The medicinal garden will be developed across 13 theme-based sections, each highlighting a specific aspect of health, ecology, and spiritual tradition. These include zones dedicated to therapeutic plants, aromatic herbs, sacred and ritual plants, prasadam-related flora, biodiversity conservation, seasonal plants, rare and unique trees, and a medicinal water body, among others. Together, these zones will showcase the close relationship between human health, nature, and spiritual practices.

Divya Aushadha Vanam will be developed near the Garuda Nandi Circle (GNC) Toll Gate area, between the upper and lower ghat roads in Tirumala. Plans include the creation of walking paths, parking spaces, and essential visitor amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for devotees and tourists. The project will be executed in phases, with work expected to begin soon.

TTD officials believe the project will significantly strengthen biodiversity conservation in the Seshachalam forest region. By protecting medicinal plant species and promoting environmental awareness, the garden is expected to emerge as a model initiative in ecological preservation.

TTD aims to complete the project on schedule and open Divya Aushadha Vanam to the public by the end of 2026. Once completed, the garden is expected to become a major attraction in Tirumala, adding a new dimension to the spiritual and ecological significance of the sacred hills.