TTD expands Dharmika support to temples with new subsidy initiative

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Friday announced a scheme to supply public address systems, ritual materials and idols to Hindu temples at subsidised rates, with special benefits for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

In a press release, TTD said the initiative is part of its efforts to promote Sanatana Hindu Dharma and support temples, particularly those with limited resources.

Under the scheme, TTD will provide public address (PA) systems , temple umbrellas, sesha vastram (ritual fabric), and stone and panchaloha (five-metal) idols at concessional prices.

PA systems, which normally cost around ₹25,000 per unit, will be supplied at a 90 per cent subsidy to SC and ST applicants. Temples seeking the benefit must submit recommendation letters from the local tahsildar, assistant commissioner or the Endowments Department, according to the release.

TTD said stone idols of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, up to a height of five feet, will be supplied free of cost. Stone idols of other deities will be provided at a 75 per cent subsidy.

However, SC and ST beneficiaries from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will receive stone idols free of cost, irrespective of the deity. Mutts, trusts and ashrams will be eligible for idols of various deities at a 50 per cent subsidy.

The idols will be sculpted through TTD’s traditional Silpa Kala Sala , following Agama Shastra norms, with the cost borne by the temple administration for eligible beneficiaries.

The press release does not specify a separate commencement date for the scheme, indicating that it takes effect from the date of announcement, with supplies to begin after applications are processed.

While Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are specifically mentioned for free stone idol benefits to SC and ST applicants, other states, including Karnataka, are not covered under the free category and may be considered only under general subsidised provisions, subject to approval.

TTD is the statutory body that manages the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, regarded as the richest Hindu shrine in the world.