Untitled

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM:
A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ANDHRA PRADESH

AND UTTARAKHAND WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
TIRUPATI AND HARIDWAR
A THESIS
Submitted for the Award of the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Submitted by
Sridhar Babu Addanki

Research Scholar
Dev Sanskriti Viswavidyalaya, Haridwar
Supervisor
Dr. Arunesh Parashar
Head of the Department
Dept. of Tourism Management
Dev Sanskriti Viswavidyalaya,
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Dev Sanskriti Viswavidyalaya,
Gayatri Kunj-Shantikunj Haridwar-249411(U.K.)
2022
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Research Scholar
Dept. of Tourism Management
Dev Sanskriti Viswavidyalaya
Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
Declaration
I hereby declare that the thesis entitled “Growth and Development of Religious
Tourism: A Comparative Study between Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand with
Special reference to Tirupati and Haridwar” submitted for the Ph.D. Degree in Tourism
Management is a record of my original research work conducted under the supervision of
Dr. Arunesh Parashar, HOD, Department of Tourism Management, Dev Sanskriti
University Haridwar (Uttarakhand).
This is my original piece of work and has not submitted for any other degree or
diploma in this or any other university. I further declare that I have been dedicated,
committed and sincere for this research work.

(Enrolment No: P 86/291/14)
Date: ……………
Place: Guntur
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CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY (to be given by GUIDE)
This is to certify that the Project Report submitted by me (Sridhar Babu Addanki, I.A.S.) to
the Center of Tourism Management (Department of Indian Culture &Tourism) Dev Sanskriti
Vishwavidyalaya Gayatrikunj, Shantikunj, Hardwar, in partial fulfilment of the requirement
for the award of Ph.D is an original work and it has not been submitted earlier to any other
institution in any other form.
Signature of Supervisor
Date:
Place:
3
Acknowledgement
I am grateful to all who have inspired, supported, encouraged and blessed me to lead
to the completion of this thesis.
Acknowledgement must be extended to Dr. Pranav Pandya, Chancellor,

DevSanskriti Viswa Vidyalaya (DSVV), for his valuable motivation. A special thanks to the
Pro Vice Chancellor, DSVV, Dr. Chinmay Pandya for his encouragement and support.
A special thanks to Dr.Lajwanti Naiduand Dr. Usha Jaiswal for their support
throughout my journey. I really feel blessed, as they have extended all the support, guidance
and motivation throughout my research. Words fail to express my deep sense of indebtedness
to them for providing unconditional support and time in manifesting my dream into reality.
A six letter word, ‘Thanks’ is just not enough for my supervisor, Dr. Arunesh
Parashar, HoD, Dept of Tourism Management, DSVV, who has always been so supportive
and helpful to neutralize all the obstructions with positive and enthusiastic attitude. I extend
my regards to Dr. Smita Vashishth and Ashwani Kumar Sharma of DSVV, for their help
and support. A Big thanks to Vandana Singh, Co-ordinator, Ph.D. Cell, DSVV, for her
tremendous support throughout my research.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr.Purna Chandra Rao, HoD,

Department of Tourism Management, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Dr. Vasuja, Professor
in K.L. University, Dr. Srinivasa Rao Vatluri, HoD, Department of Statistics & Computer
Applications, Agriculture College, Bapatla, Chinni Devadas, Research Scholar, Agriculture
College, Bapatla, who always created time to clear all my research related doubts and provide
the pertinent guidance to reach my ambition.
I am profoundly indebted to Shri G. Bulli Subba Rao, Smt. J. Surekha and Shri
Ayyapusetty Jeevan Kumar for their exceptional commitment, help, support and
encouragement, especially in the difficult phases of my research work.
I would like to offer my special thanks to, Shri N. V. Appalacharyulu Repaka and
Smt. K. Ch. Phalguni for providing all sorts of help in bringing this thesis into a good shape.
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Besides everyone, it is my beloved family whose efforts, encouragement, prayers and
patience make the dream impossible as possible and motivated me throughout to complete
my thesis.
I extend my thanks to all the known and unknown who helped me in any possible
way, making my thesis completion a reality.
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Dedicated
To
My Parents
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Preface
India has a rich cultural heritage and religious diversity. Indian religion has a great
impact on shaping the culture, rituals, and traditions of the country. India is an abode of
various shrines, ancient temples and is a pilgrimage destination. Many religious festivals will
be celebrated in the country with a lot of devotion. Hence, promotion of tourism based on
religion, is of prime importance of the Governments of the day. It is also the duty of the
Governments (being secular) to provide an environment that the religious faith amongst the
followers is enhanced so that the culture as a whole (Indian culture) is kept intact.
There is a wide scope for Government to harness religious tourism as one of the major
sources of income also. The governing bodies should design policies for creation of spiritual
and peaceful environment in the temple sites and areas of pilgrimage for attracting pilgrims
through making the experience of their visit a memorable thing.
The experience to the pilgrim on the tours made to the religious places would become
enriching and delightful, if proper facilities are provided in these sites. The visit to such
temple sites would give tourists an everlasting and memorable spiritual experience and
become an inspiration for making future visits to the tourist place. The overall development
of the temple site covering all facets would attract tourists nationally as well internationally
and will become a major source of revenue to the state.
Indian culture is an amalgamation of several diverse cultures, spread across the sub-
continent and shaped by several thousand years’ history. The rich and diverse cultural
heritage of the country is unique in the entire world and hence this feature can be explored for
promoting tourism industry which in turn can serve as one of the major drive engines for the
entire economy. The aspect of religious diversity along with prevalence of ancient temples,
customs and traditions in the country may be utilised for promoting tourism.
Faith and belief are the driving fuel of the engine of pilgrim tourism to visit Religious
Tourist destinations like Tirupati for the “darshan” of Lord Sri Venkateswara and Haridwar
for having holy bath in the Ganges. The destinations which were appropriately selected for
the study as the two places are historically, geographically prominent areas located in South
India (Tirupati) and North India (Haridwar). The two places generate huge income for the
development of either local areas or significantly contribute to the state economy. The present
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study is comparative study between Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh with that of Haridwar of
Uttarakhand.
On study of the existing models of temple functioning at Tirupati and Haridwar, it

was observed that there is a separate department like Endowments and associated
administrative body for temple administration in the State of Andhra Pradesh, and there is no
such body in Uttarakhand State. The religious tourism potential of Uttarakhand State could
be more effectively harnessed, is the first impression. It is also felt that there are some
additional benefits by having an exclusive temple administration setup for the overall
development of religious tourism in Uttarakhand state. The popularity of Tirupati is ever
increasing and it is evident from the pilgrim turnout and annual increment in donations to the
temple. An in-depth analysis of the existing systems needs to be done and the
recommendations, if any, needs to be given to both the State Governments.
The present research study attempted to make a comparative analysis of state of

religious tourism in Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand with special reference to Tirupati and
Haridwar for laying down a road map for the growth and development of religious tourism in
Uttarakhand. Towards this endeavour, the study examined the socio-economic profile of the
pilgrims and analysed the association of various socio-economic parameters. The study also
made a comparative analysis of the satisfaction levels of the pilgrims during their visit to
Tirupati and Haridwar, the problems faced by the pilgrims during their visit to these holy
shrines so that necessary suggestions could be drawn out for improving the religious tourism
potential of the newly formed State of Uttarakhand.
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Table of Contents
Sl No. Particulars Page No.

1 Growth and Development of Religious Tourism 01
2 Declaration 02
3 Certificate of Originality (to be given by guide) 03
4 Acknowledgment 04
5 Preface 07
6 List of Tables 10
7 List of figures 12
8 List of Abbreaviations 13
9 Chapter–1 Introduction 15
10 Chapter–2 Literature Review 36
11 Chapter–3 Religious tourism of Andhra Pradesh with special 52
reference to Tirupati and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
(TTD)
12 Chapter–4 Religious tourism of Uttarakhand with special 101
reference to Haridwar
13 Chapter–5 Research Methodology 135
14 Chapter–6 Results and Discussion 156
15 Chapter–7 Conclusion and Recommendations 213
16 List of publication of papers 238
17 List of certificates of presentation of papers in seminar/ 239
conferences
18 List of Annexures 240
19 Glossary 276
20 List of Reference 280
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List of Tables
Table1.3.1: Top countries by International Tourist Arrivals during 2019…………………Page No.17
Table 1.3.2: Top 10 tourism earners during 2019…………………………………….Page No.18
Table 1.3.3 Top 10 international tourism spenders during 2019………………………Page No.18
Table 3.1.1 Table showing Details of Staff of Endowments Department (excluding officers)Page No.55
Table 4.3.5 No of Tourists visited Haridwar, Uttarakhand from 2000 to 2020…………….Page No.122
Table 5.2.1: Questions/variables and their empirical measurement………………………..Page No.135
Table 5.7: Hypothesis and Statistical method used for each of the hypothesis…………….Page No.142
Table 5.8.1: Sources of data………………………………………………………………...Page No.147
Table 5.8.2: Sampling methods……………………………………………………….Page No.148
Table 5.8.3: Sampling design of the research………………………………………….Page No.148
Table 6.1.1: Socio-economic Profile-Gender………………………………………………..Page No.157
Table 6.1.2: Socio-economic Profile-Age…………………………………………….Page No.158
Table 6.1.3: Socio-economic Profile-Marital Status………………………………….Page No.159
Table 6.1.4: Socio-economic Profile-Education………………………………………Page No.160
Table 6.1.5: Socio-economic Profile-Occupation…………………………………….Page No.161
Table 6.1.6: Socio-economic Profile-Income (in Rupees) ……………………………Page No.162
Table 6.2.1.1: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Gender.Page No.164
Table 6.2.1.2: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Age in Years…
Page No.165
Table 6.2.1.3: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Marital Status.
Page No.166
Table 6.2.1.4: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Education….
Page No.168
Table 6.2.1.5: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Occupation….
Page No.169
Table 6.2.1.6: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Income in
Rupees……………………………………………………………….....Page No.171
Table 6.2.2.1: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Gender… Page No.172
Table 6.2.2.2: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Age in Years….
Page No.173
Table 6.2.2.3: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Marital Status…
Page No.174
Table 6.2.2.4: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Education……
Page No.175
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Table 6.2.2.5: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Occupation……
Page No.177
Table 6.2.2.6: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Income in Rupees
Page No.178
Table 6.3.1 Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test on Accommodation…………………………… Page No.181
Table 6.3.2 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Food………………………………….. Page No.181
Table 6.3.3 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Performance of Puja/Rituals…………. Page No.182
Table 6.3.4 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Temple Management and Accountability for the
offerings………………………………………………………………. Page No.182
Table 6.3.5Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Tourist Guide and interpretation facilities Availability-
(Satisfaction at Tirupati and Haridwar)…………………. ………….Page No.183
Table 6.3.6 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Safety and Security Arrangements…….. Page No.183
Table 6.3.7 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Transport Facility……………………….Page No.184
Table 6.3.8 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Support/assistance from local people…..Page No.184
Table 6.3.9 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Support rendered by temple authorities to
pilgrims…………………………………………………………Page No.185
Table 6.3.10 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Availability of Public Utilities………..Page No.185
Table 6.3.11 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test on Information Availability on Website…Page No.186
Table 6.3.12: Comparison of Pilgrims Satisfaction levels at Tirupati and Haridwar. Page No.186
(Consolidated Results of Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test)
TABLE-6.4.1: Rank of the Constraints Faced by Pilgrims in Haridwar………………….Page No.189

TABLE-6.4.2: Rank of the Constraints Faced by Pilgrims in Tirupati……………..Page No.190
Table 6.5: Hypothesis testing based on statistical tests…………………………………..Page No.192
Table 7.1.1: Constraints faced by pilgrims in Haridwar, in the order of Consolidated Ranking……
Page No.215
Table 7.1.2: Constraints faced by pilgrims in Tirupati, in the order of Consolidated Ranking
Page No.215
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List of figures
Fig 5.6: Methodology of the proposed study……………………………………..Page No.141
Fig 6.1.1: Socio-economic Profile-Gender………………………………………..Page No.157
Fig 6.1.2: Socio-economic Profile-Age……………………………………Page No.158
Fig 6.1.3: Socio-economic Profile-Marital Status…………………………Page No.159
Fig 6.1.4: Socio-economic Profile-Education……………………………..Page No.160
Fig 6.1.5: Socio-economic Profile-Occupation……………………………Page No.161
Fig 6.1.6: Socio-economic Profile-Income (in Rupees)…………………...Page No.162
Fig 6.2.1.1: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Gender…
Page No.164
Fig 6.2.1.2: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Age in
Years……………………………………………………………………… Page No.165
Fig 6.2.1.3: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Marital
Status……………………………………………………………………… Page No.166
Fig 6.2.1.4: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and

Education…………………………………………………………………...Page No.168
Fig 6.2.1.5: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and

Occupation…………………………………………………………………Page No.170
Fig 6.2.1.6: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and Income
in Rupees…………………………………………………………………...Page No.171
Fig 6.2.2.1: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Gender…...
Page No.172
Fig 6.2.2.2: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Age in
Years……………………………………………………………………….Page No.173
Fig 6.2.2.3: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Marital
Status……………………………………………………………………….Page No.174
Fig 6.2.2.4: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and

Education………………………………………………………………….Page No.176
Fig 6.2.2.5: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and

Occupation…………………………………………………………………Page No.177
Fig 6.2.2.6: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and Income
in Rupees………………………………………………………………….Page No.179
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List of Abbreviations
ACA Additional Central Assistance

APTDC Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation
BHEL Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
BIRRD Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled
BLTM Business and Luxury Travel Mart
BPL Below Povery Line
CEO Chief Executive Officer
COVID Coronavirus Disease
CPS Contributory Pension Scheme
DAD Dekho Apna Desh
DPP Dharma Prachara Parishad
EO Executive Officer
FA & CAO Financial Adviser & Chief Accounts Officer
FD Fixed Deposits
FEE Foreign Exchange Earnings
FTA Free Tourist Arrivals
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GI Geographical Indicator
GO Government Order
HDPP Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad
IAS Indian Administrative Service
ICT Information Communication Technology
IND Indian Nationals’ Departures
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ITA International Tourist Arrivals
ITes Information Technololgy Enabled Services
ITR International Tourism Receipts
JEO Joint Executive Officer
LRPU Leprosy Rehabilitation Promotional Unit
MG LPD Million Gallons of Liters per Day
MLA Member of Legislative Assembly
MP Member of Parliament
PACs Pilgrim Amenities Complexes
PIL Public Interest Litigation
PPP Public Private Partnership
PRASHAD Pilgrimage Rejuvenation & Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
SBAVPS Sri Balaji Arogya Vara Prasadini Scheme
SC Scheduled Caste
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SIIDCUL State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd
SITA State Institute of Temple Administration
SVIMS Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences
TAPAS Ticket Automatic Printing & Accounting Systems
TTD Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
TTF Travel & Tourism Fair
UCDDMA Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Management Act, 2019
UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organization
USP Unique Selling Proposition
WBR World Book of Records
WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council
WTTCER World Travel & Tourism Council Economic Report
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Chapter-I
Introduction
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1 Introduction
1.1. Introduction to tourism
1.2. Importance of tourism
1.3. Global Tourism Trends
1.3.1. Most-visited countries by international tourist arrivals
1.3.2. International Tourism Receipts
1.3.3. International Tourism Expenditure
1.4. Indian Tourism Trends
1.5. Religious Tourism
1.5.1. Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages
1.5.2. Scope of Religious Tourism in Indian context
1.5.3. Need for Involvement of Government in promotion of Religious Tourism
1.6. Potential of Religious tourism in Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand
1.7. Personal Experience of the Research Scholar(Need for the study)
1.8. The Case of Lord Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati
1.9. The felt need after visiting both Haridwar and Tirupati
1.10. Scope of this Study
1.11. Objectives of the research
1.12. Limitations of this Study
1.13 Organisation of thesis
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1.1 Introduction to tourism
Travel forms the core idea of tourism, be it for pleasure, religious, health, and
business purposes. The human desire to explore new places and learn about different
cultures, visit historical places of significance visit various religious places, gain knowledge,
and experience pleasure forms the basic tenets of tourism.
During the current years of technical revolution, the mode of living and means for
living is virtual and there is no real contact with nature and the outer world. In this context,
travelling would be a window to nature, culture, traditions, heritage, and mental relaxation.
This would create new avenues for revenue creation and livelihood for some people. Tourism
would act as a symbiotic relationship between tourists and the natives of tourist places.
Tourism is the only link to bring the concept of globalisation to the present world.
In the olden days, people who could travel around the world are mostly saints,
ascetics, and who could spare their lifetime in explorations and adventures. Travel in ancient
times is a tedious process and a lifetime dream. The evolution of technology promoted
tourism as an industry through a reduction in time for travel, planning, and scheduling the
programmes of travel beforehand. In modern times, tourism is gaining importance worldwide
as a potential sector for revenue and employment generation. Dependence of various sectors
such as food, hospitality, travel, and other sectors has gained it an industry status worldwide.
In some economies, international tourism is the main economic driver contributing a
significant amount of foreign exchange besides employment and growth of various allied
sectors.
1.2 Importance of tourism

Tourism which has started as a travel activity has now become a major revenue
generator for many nations. It helped to increase the income levels of the local citizens
besides improving their standard of living. Now, tourism industry is one of the drivers of the
economy in many countries across the world and is a significant contributor to the countries’
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is also a major foreign exchange earner influencing the
foreign trade balance. The diversification of the tourism industry across various sectors like
transport, hospitality, infrastructure, etc., is a driver for socio-economic development in many
countries. For attracting tourists to their countries, the governments improve infrastructural
facilities like roads, hotels, conference centres, etc. It creates various employment
opportunities for the local people. Tourism promotes allied industries like textiles, gems and
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jewellery, handicrafts, furnishing goods, spices, coir, etc. Tourism accounts for a
considerable share of the GDP for many economies around the world. The World Travel &
Tourism Council Economic Report (WTTCER) of 2021, clearly states that 'travel and
tourism' sector contributed to 10.4 % of the global GDP during 2019, which has decreased to
5.5 % in 2020 because of the world wide restrictions imposed on mobility during 2020
(World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC, 2021). Many countries are largely dependent on
tourism sector. Among such countries, Macao (China) tourism accounts for 48% of GDP. In
other countries like Spain, Jordan, Mauritius and Croatia tourism sector accounts for more
than 10 % of GDP (United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2020).
Besides being an important source of revenue to the nations, Tourism also creates
opportunities for people to experience the culture, traditions, and gastronomy of the
destination country. Thus, tourism helps in cultural exchange between the local people and
tourists. Tourism also aids in the social mobility of people for leisure and recreation.
Tourists, besides experiencing pleasure also gain immense knowledge of the local traditions,
food habits, religions, and heritage of the visiting country. The visit to various religious and
historical sites has helped in the preservation of the heritage sites along with their self-
sustenance. Thus, tourism promotes universal understanding, solidarity, and world peace
besides being a driver of the economic growth of the region.
1.3 Global Tourism Trends
According to the UNWTO estimates, the annual international tourist arrivals which
were just 25 million in 1950 have witnessed a 56-fold increase to 1.46 billion by 2019. With
the vast expansion of air connectivity between countries, tourism has flourished and has
turned out to be a major source of revenue and employment in many countries and the
economies of many countries are benefiting from the increase in tourism revenues. Among
the various product categories in terms of export earnings, international tourism was the third
largest segment only after fuels and chemicals during 2019. Since the past 10 years, growth
in export earnings from international tourism consistently recorded a higher rate over
merchandise exports. Export earning from international tourism is becoming one of the
important source of revenue besides helping in job creation, entrepreneurship promotion
thereby leading to development of local economies. In the year 2019, exports from
international tourism reached US$ 1.7 trillion, which is 7 % of the global exports and 28 % of
the world's services exports.
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The strong growth witnessed in the tourism sector could be mainly attributed to the
strong global economy, generally moderate currency exchange rate, low-interest rates, stable
air fuel prices, lower fares for air travel, enhanced visa facilitation, among others.
1.3.1 Most-visited countries by International Tourist Arrivals (ITA)
During the year 2019, the total international tourist arrivals stood at 1,460 million
with an increase of 4 % when compared to the previous year. A growth was witnessed in all
the regions of the world led by Middle East (8%), Asia and the Pacific (4%), Europe (4%),
Americas (2%) and Africa (2%) regions. Out of these regions, Europe accounted for the
major share of 51 % of the total international arrivals followed by Asia and the Pacific (25%),
the Americas (15%), Africa (5%), and the Middle East (4%). The top ten tourist destinations
accounted for 40 % of the worldwide arrivals. The following ten countries were reported by
the World Tourism Organization as the most visited in terms of tourist arrivals during 2019
(UNWTO, 2020) :
Table 1.3.1: Top countries by International Tourist Arrivals during 2019

Rank Country UNWTO International tourist % Change
Region arrivals (2019) over previous year
1 France Europe 89 million 3%
2 Spain Europe 84 million 1%
3 USA Americas 79 million -1 %
4 China Asia and the Pacific 66 million 4%
5 Italy Europe 65 million 5%
6 Turkey Europe 51 million 12 %
7 Mexico Americas 45 million 9%
8 Thailand Asia and the Pacific 40 million 4%
9 Germany Europe 40 million 2%
10 United Kingdom Europe 39 million 2%
Source: “International Tourism Highlights 2020 Edition”, UNWTO publications
1.3.2 International Tourism Receipts (ITR)
During 2019, the total international tourism receipts have increased to US$ 1481
billion. The top 10 tourism earners accounted for 47 % of the total tourism receipts. Among
the world countries, the United States of America stands as the largest earner in terms of
tourism for the year 2019. The top 10 tourism earners for the year 2019 are given below
(UNWTO, 2020):
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Table 1.3.2: Top 10 tourism earners during 2019
Rank Country UNWTO Region International tourist % Change
receipts (2019) over previous year
1 USA Americas $ 214 billion 0%
2 Spain Europe $ 80 billion 3%
3 France Europe $ 64 billion 2%
4 Thailand Asia and the Pacific $ 61 billion 3%
5 United Kingdom Europe $ 53 billion 10 %
6 Italy Europe $ 50 billion 6%
7 Japan Asia and the Pacific $ 46 billion 8%
8 Australia Asia and the Pacific $ 46 billion 9%
9 Germany Europe $ 42 billion 2%
10 Macao(China) Asia and the Pacific $ 40 billion -3 %
1.3.3 International Tourism Expenditure

In terms of outbound tourism, among the world’s major spenders, China stood as the
largest spender accounting for one-fifth of the international tourism spending followed by the
United States of America. The top ten spenders on international tourism during the year 2019
(UNWTO, 2020) are given below:
Table 1.3.3 Top 10 international tourism spenders during 2019

Rank Country UNWTO Region International tourist Change
expenditure (2019) over previous year
1 China Asia and the Pacific $ 255 billion -4 %
2 USA Americas $ 152 billion 5%
3 Germany Europe $ 93 billion 3%
4 United Kingdom Europe $ 72 billion 6%
5 France Europe $ 52 billion 11 %
7 Russian Federation Europe $ 36 billion 5%
6 Australia Asia and the Pacific $ 36 billion 5%
8 Canada Americas $ 35 billion 5%
9 Republic of Korea Asia and the Pacific $ 32 billion -8 %
10 Italy Europe $ 30 billion 6 %
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1.4 Indian Tourism Trends (ITT)
India, as a tourist destination, with a vast diversity of climate, cultures, and religions
offers immense scope for different forms of tourism be it leisure, recreational, religious,
heritage, health, among others. Tourism in India contributes to national integration and
preservation of cultural heritage and improves the social and cultural dimension of the
people. During the visit to different destinations across the country, the tourists go back with
a feeling of belongingness and also with an enriched understanding of the culture, heritage
and traditions of the tourist site. During these visits, there will be exchange of information,
spending of money, thereby creating mutual benefit to the tourist as well as the local people.
Tourism promotes the preservation of ancient monuments and heritage properties and also
helps in continuation of existing local art forms, crafts, and culture.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report of 2021, the
contribution of travel and tourism sector to the national economy was estimated at US$ 191.3
billion which is 6.9 % of the country's GDP in 2019. In 2020, the contribution of travel and
tourism to national econmony has come down to US$121.9 billion which is 4.7 % of the
national GDP. Travel and tourism created 40.11 million jobs or 8.8 % of the total
employment in India in 2019. During 2020, the sector created 31.79 million jobs or 7.3 % of
the total employment in India. (WTTC, 2021)
The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India stood at 10.93 million during 2019 with
a growth rate of 3.5 % as against 10.56 million in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic associated
travel restrictions during 2020 caused a sharp decline (-74.9%) in FTA’s during 2020 to 2.74
million, which could be considered as an exception to the general trend. However, a
consistent growth in FTAs was noticed since 2002 to 2019. The top 10 source countries for
FTAs in India during 2020 had a share of 66.76% led by Bangladesh with 20.01% share
followed by United States of America (14.36%), United Kingdom (10.63), Canada (4.48%),
Russian Federation (3.72%), Australia (3.16%), France (2.70%), Germany (2.64%), Malaysia
(2.55%) and Sri Lanka (2.50%).
India’s ranking in ITAs has a remarkable improvement from 54th rank in 2002 to 24th
rank in 2019. The ITAs during 2019 stood at 17.91 million with a share of 1.22%. In fact, in
Asia Pacific Region, India was ranked 8th in terms of ITAs and accounted for 4.97 % of ITAs
within the Asia Pacific Region in 2019.
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While considering International Tourism Receipts (ITR), as against the world total of
US$ 1465.0 billion, India’s share was 2.05% at US$30.058 billion during 2019. International
Tourism Receipts too had shown a remarkable improvement from 37 during 2002 to 13
during 2019. The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) too have been on an increasing trend
since 2002(US$ 3.103 billion) witnessing an increase of around 869 % by 2019(US$ 30.058
billion). Thus, tourism is an important segment in terms of FEE to the nation.
With respect to Indian Nationals’ Departures (IND), a consistent increase was noticed
since 2002 to 2019. An increase of 2.4 % in IND was noticed in 2019 (26.92 million) when
compared to 2018 (26.60 million). However, a decline was noticed in 2020 (7.29 million)
mainly on account of travel restrictions due to COVID19 pandemic. The top 10 destination
countries for IND were United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar, Singapore, Oman, United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada, and Kuwait which together
accounted for 74.16 % of the total IND during 2020.
In respect of domestic tourism, there was a continuous increase in domestic tourist

visits to all States/Union Territories in India since 2001 to 2019. The domestic tourist visits
which were at 236.47 million during 2001 reached 2321.98 million by 2019. However, a
decline was noticed during 2020 (610.22 million) when compared to the previous year in
view of COVID-19 travel restrictions. The top 10 states in domestic tourist visits during 2020
accounted for 89 % of the total domestic tourist visits in the country. Among these states,
Tamil Nadu was the leading state with 23.0 % share followed by Uttar Pradesh (14.1%),
Karnataka (12.7%), Andhra Pradesh (11.6%), Telangana (6.6%), Maharashtra (6.4%), West
Bengal (4.7%), Madhya Pradesh (3.9%), Gujarat (3.2%) and Punjab (2.7%). (Data taken from
Indian Tourism Statistics at a glance 2021 – Ministry of Tourism)
Tourism can play an important role in the development of the economy in India. The
importance of tourism in bringing about economic development and the creation of
employment opportunities has been recognized all over the world. The tourism sector offers
vast scope for development of various other sectors like transport, infrastructure, hospitality,
handicrafts, agriculture, horticulture, poultry, etc. Expenditure on tourism in turn tickles
down to these allied sectors for requirement of supply of goods and services. The expenditure
on tourism thereby creates employment opportunities in these allied sectors thus fostering the
overall development of the economy. With the low level of investment that is required in
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tourism sector, this sector creates a multiplier effect on various other allied sectors. Thus,
growth of tourism sector can lead to the overall development of the economy.
1.5 Religious Tourism

The basic tenet of travel for religious purposes is rooted in faith. Religion offers
solace to people facing mental turmoil and alleviates their mental agony. Visits to religious
places for worship is mostly done to have their wishes fulfilled, to get rid of past sins, and for
gaining a higher state of mind. Religious travel also facilitates the gathering of people of
common faith and for listening to sayings of holy people like saints and monks.
Visit to sacred places of different faiths account for the most concentrated tourist
inflows throughout the world. Few such cases are Kumbh Mela in India, Haj pilgrimage to
Mecca and travel to sacred places of various faiths like Christianity, Buddhism and Judaism
among others.
1.5.1 Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages

The main goal of going on a pilgrimage is to gain inner peace and moksha as pilgrims
gain new insights and deeper understanding by visiting the holy places. Pilgrimage tourism
has spiritual significance. Pilgrimage tourism comes under Religious tourism as one of the
segments. The other segments are missionary travel; faith based cruising, monastery visits
and religious tourist attractions.
The relationship between pilgrimage and tourism must be viewed from two different
perspectives. While the first perspective is from the point of view of pilgrims, the second one
is from the point of view of tourism industry. In the first perspective, people travel for
spiritual reasons. In this, the religious organisations become important. The travellers (who
should be named as pilgrims), are generally not considered to be tourists, because they travel
only for spiritual reasons (but tourism in its true sense involves travel primarily for secular
reasons such as curiosity and pleasure). The other perspective is of the tourism industry and
tourism studies. Pilgrims here are regarded as tourists and they become important as they
have a great role in the development of economy too.
1.5.2 Scope of Religious Tourism in Indian context

India is a land of holy places and the favoured destination for Hindu pilgrimage sites
besides other equally important religious faiths like Islam, Christianity, Sikkism, Jainism, and
23
Buddhism. Visit to religious places is the most important form of tourism in India. India,
being home to one of the largest theistic believers, has created a vast temple infrastructure in
every part of the country and visit to temples has become a way of life for most Indians in
general and followers of Hindu religion in particular. These visits to the holy places are also
accompanied by visit to neighbouring places of cultural and historical importance.
India has rich cultural diversity and religious heritage. Religious tourism has been the
prime driver of tourism sector in the country, in the context of the domestic as well as the
international tourist. Spiritual tourism accounted for around 60% of the total domestic
tourism in India during 2019. With travel motivations deeply rooted in socio-cultural beliefs,
tourism for religious purposes would continue to flourish as a niche segment in future too.
Development of better connectivity to the religious places, creation of infrastructural facilities
near the holy sites and a pilgrim centric temple management enables the pilgrims to realize a
holistic spiritual experience which in turn could immensely boost the tourism potential of
these holy places, thereby aiding in the overall economic development of the surrounding
area.
1.5.3 Need for involvement of Government in promotion of Religious Tourism

Every place of the world always strives to increase its strength, by exploring all the
possible opportunities. If a place has uniqueness, either due to its rich cultural heritage or due
to its religious tourism potential, it should be explored. It may also be said that in spite of
diversity, we Indians are all united due to many reasons religion being the prominent amongst
them. Hinduism in itself is based on time of culture amalgamation with a touch of Sanathana
Dharma.
India has numerous ancient temples; many religious festivals will be celebrated with a
lot of devotion. Hence, promotion of tourism based on religion, is of prime importance of the
Governments of the day. Religious tourism should not only enhance the satisfaction for its
followers but also should stand in its own and the Governments should be making policies in
such a way that religious tourism is sustained. It is also the duty of the Governments (being
secular) to provide an environment that the religious faith amongst the followers is enhanced
so that the culture as a whole (Indian culture) is kept intact.
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1.6 Potential of religious tourism in Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh
India is a sacred land of holy temples, where the people irrespective of being rich or
poor visit the temples/religious places. During the visit to the religious places, people spend a
lot of money not only on travel but also on various other facilities utilized by them. An
interesting unique point to temple sites is that philgrims offer money to the deity also. The
reasons for offering money can be plenty. The offerings made/money spent by people in
these religious places aid to foster the economic growth of the place, thus making the place
popular.
It is known fact that the temples are places of worship. In the olden days, temple sites
used to serve as centers not only for dissemination of spiritual knowledge but also as
enlightening torch for the public in every walk of social, cultural, educational, and other
spheres of life. Temples/ religious places have an important place in the socio-economic
development of the nation and contribute to the idea of national integration. They also play a
prominent role in preservation and propagation Indian Arts and Culture.
Uttarakhand is a state that is formed in the year 2000. The hilly regions of Uttar
Pradesh were made into a new state, as there was a conception that people belonging to the
hilly areas need some special rights and lecoal people felt that they have a separate set of
problems, unlike the plain areas. Nine districts out of the total thirteen districts have
completely hilly terrain. The remaining districts also comprive some portion of hilly patches.
Uttarakhand has vast resources with its advantages and opportunities. Haridwar is
conceived as one of the most sacred places in India on this earth. Nainital is known for its
weather and natural beauty. Mussoorie, the Queen of hills is present in Uttarakhand. The
state is the land of the Himalayas with many snow-clad mountains and peaks and the world
renowned rivers Ganga and Yamuna also originate in Uttarakhand.
Building the state includes developing physical and social infrastructure as well as
providing the citizens with all the necessary facilities which requires a lot of finances and the
state government has to explore new avenues of earning or generating money. The existing
resources of the State have to be tapped properly, keeping in view the sustainability angle.
Despite the state is endorsed with rich resources, resources of the state cannot be used to their
full potential because of the challenges posed by the terrain of the state.
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The state has immense potential for tourism and other related activities. The
development of tourism can be done with immediate effect. It is perhaps the only sector that
can bestow faster results and generate revenue. Amongst various forms of tourism, Religious
Tourism is the one that hardly needs any investment from the state. Proper policies have to
be put in place and the Government can steer the development work. Religious Tourism
Promotion in the state of Uttarakhand will ease out the pressure on the newly formed
government, unemployed youth in the state for the creation of job opportunities to it.
The situation of Andhra Pradesh is also much similar. There used to be a combined
state of Andhra Pradesh, (undivided state) till 2013 and the Telangana state was formed by
bi-furcating the combined Andhra Pradesh. The Hyderabad region, wherein a lot of
development took place, was a huge revenue spinner. Hyderabad has now become a part of
Telangana and is the capital of the newly carved out state. The residual part of Andhra
Pradesh is left with few economic resources.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is a state government agency

which promotes tourism in Andhra Pradesh, India. Andhra Pradesh Tourism received an
award for ‘Most Promising New Destinations’ for Buddhism at Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF)
2020 in Chennai. Andhra Pradesh Tourism also received an excellence award for religious
tourism (Tirumala Tirupati Temple) at Business and Luxury Travel Mart (BLTM) 2020 in
New Delhi.
Andhra Pradesh, with its exquisite temples and ancient shrines, is counted among the
top pilgrimage destinations in India. Of all the places, Tirupati is one of the most ancient and
spectacular places of pilgrimage in India. Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite
temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh,
India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is
believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.
TTD which manages the country’s richest temple of Lord Sri Venkateshwara on
Tirumala, has entered into the World Book of Records (WBR) in recognition of its bountiful
and unique services setting new records in temple administration.
The World Book of Records (WBR) has certified TTD for being the world's largest
institution based on five major indicators viz. number of footfalls to the Hill Shrine of Sri
26
Venkateswara Swamy, number of tonsures performed, number of laddus prepared, number of
servings of Annaprasadam and hassle-free management of serpentine queue line.
The state of Andhra Pradesh has to augment its resources after separation. Andhra
Pradesh has a vast potential for religious tourism. Hence it will become an interesting
concept, if religious tourism policies in both the states of Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh
are comparatively studied. A comparative analysis can be done and perhaps the policies
being implemented in one state can be emulated with those in the other state for economic
benefit of both the states, if adopted according to the suitability.
The researcher was born in Andhra Pradesh, studied in the combined state of Andhra
Pradesh, and is now serving the Uttarakhand Government in the capacity of an All India
Service officer. The researcher is in the Indian Administrative Service, and is required to
formulate policies for the Governments in the future. Hence, the researcher has chosen the
study of religious tourism in both states. The comparative analysis model will help to identify
the lacuna in the existing administrative policies, along with other better practices that are
being adopted. In-depth review of the existing policies can be easily carried out by comparing
one prominent religious place in each of the states. The renowned religious place in Andhra
Pradesh is Tirupati and in the case of Uttarakhand, it is Haridwar. Hence, the research work is
taken up on "Growth and Development of Religious Tourism: A Comparative Study
between Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand with special reference to Tirupati and
Haridwar".
1.7 Personal Experience of the Research Scholar (Need for the study)
My hobby is visiting new places and as part of that, I have visited many places in
Andhra Pradesh during my school and college days. While preparing for civil services
examinations, I have decided to visit the places of tourist interest in the entire country. In one
such visit, I have visited Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. It was the period when
Uttarakhand was earlier a part of combined Uttar Pradesh, and has later got the state-hood in
the year 2000 (recently formed state). I noticed a huge inflow of tourists/pilgrims arrival to
the state of Uttarakhand.
There are lot of differences between the states of Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh
with respect to the approach of Road Transport Corporation, the stay arrangements, and the
facilities available to the tourists. The only comparable thing between these two states is
27
heavy pilgrim foot fall in these states and extensive opportunities for religious tourism in both
states.
When I landed in Haridwar, I was looking for a budget hotel similar to Andhra
Pradesh, but, I had to stay in a Dharmasala as the cost of hotel accommodation was
exorbitant. For a novice like me, I was expecting that any of the tourist visiting places will
have many choices for accommodation, be it luxury, budget, or economy class. I also found
that there is no coordination and link between the Transport Department and the Tourism
Department. Any new tourist to an important religious place like Haridwar would expect
flow of services between the two Departments.
In Haridwar, I found that there is hardly any organized tourism or anybody to guide; I
could get information only from the conductor of the bus in which I was travelling, who was
showing the river Ganga from the bus itself. When I asked him to guide me on the
destination, he said that I can get down anywhere along with the banks of the River Ganga or
at any ghat. When I asked him about the facilities available in the Ghats, he simply showed
the steps adjacent to river bank (the constructed places to reach the river). I was taken by
surprise that anybody willing to have a dip in the holy river, just simply goes to the river, and
pours water from the river on him/ her, as there are no facilities like dress changing rooms
and cloakrooms, the pilgrims have to change their clothes then and there itself, on the banks
of the river. Sometimes, the changing of clothes is done on the road also. In Andhra Pradesh,
there is an Endowments Department to take care of religious institutions in the state and
every temple recognized by the Endowment Department has support in the form of
administration and also finances. In Uttarakhand, there is no such department to take care of
the religious institutions. However, in Andhra Pradesh, the Tourism Department takes care
of the tourists coming to the state. Every temple in the state enjoys support from the
Government in Andhra Pradesh and there is no such support to the temples of Uttarakhand.
When I visited Haridwar and attended Ganga Harathi (Aarti) being performed on the
banks of River Ganga at Har-ki-pauri along with few thousands of people on one evening, I
felt that there is an immediate need for effective administrative set up for tourism
management. To attend Aarti, one has to remove their shoes before entering the Har-ki-pauri
Ghat. To my surprise, I could not find a specified place to keep the footwear. Some people
were taking off the shoes/chappal, packing them, and keeping them in their bags to go the
ghats. Many tourists/pilgrims including myself relied on some shop keepers who were
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selling pooja material such as Agarbhatti and Garland by the side of Ghat to keep vigil on
personal items. After entry into the Ghat and before the start of the Ganga Harathi, there was
a call for donations. In Andhra Pradesh, the donations to the temple were generally given in
the form of money and kept in specified cache Hundi. I did not find any Hundi at the Ghat; I
have noticed few people, who were controlling the crowd and asking the devotees to be
comfortably seated on the Ghat, carrying some donation books/receipt books with them.
They were appealing to the pilgrims to offer money in the name of Mother Ganga. Most of
the pilgrims were giving money. Some were giving Rs.10/, some were giving Rs.100/-, and
some were giving even more and receipts were being given to the pilgrims. But one question
disturbed me very much- What if the person collecting the money did not record the amount
of money that he has collected from the pilgrim? The second question that came to my mind
was what would happen to the money i.e., collected in the Ghat and where would it all go, for
which I could not find a proper answer then.
During the time of Ganga Harathi at Haridwar, I have seen that Aarti is not done at
one place or by one person but by many people, at many places along the ghat at Har-ki-
pauri. These people who are performing Aarti do not seem to be like the Poojaries / Archakas
like those found in the temples of Andhra Pradesh. The performance of Pooja in most of the
temples of Andhra Pradesh is done according to the traditions laid down in Agama Sastras.
The clothes the Priests / Archakas / Pandits wear and the attire they carry (don) have while
performing pooja in the temples of Andhra Pradesh reflect a sense of piousness which was
not the case with the priests performing the Aarti at the Ghat at Har-ki-pauri. I felt the need
to improve the spiritual experience of tourists for which poojari / pandits should be qualified
in the field; however, there shall be no arbitrary taking over of the temples for management.
Though the people in Haridwar were very friendly and were very helping by virtue
and nature, my visit to Haridwar ended with a not-so-satisfying experience. There is a need
for improving the infrastructure related to tourism and other facilities like accommodation/
stay arrangements/loging facilities, transportation facilities, food, water for drinking, hygine
facilities etc. Uttarakhand, alias Devbhumi (meaning- the ‘Land of Gods’) has many world-
famous pilgrimage sites has a huge potential in tourism especially Religious Tourism. The
Government of Uttarakhand has started taking a keen interest in developing religious tourism.
1.8 The Case of Lord Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati
29
The Venkateswara swamy temple is a world renowned Hindu pilgrimage site and
perhaps the oldest religious institution in the world where religious worship is being carried
for over 1300 years.
The worship / puja done is according to agama sastras (ancient texts and traditions),
and it is believed that the mulavirat (idol of the Lord) in the temple is self-manifested.
Various sevas/ rituals are held in the temple, some are daily sevas, some are weekly sevas and
some are periodical sevas.
This temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara is now managed by TTD trust. TTD is
involved in the propagation of Hindu religion, and is also engaged into nation-building by
extending its hand for the social upliftment of the citizens of India. TTD is considered as the
big charitable institution in India which has been providing all the requisite services to the
poor and deserving.
Apart from worships provided in the temples for pilgrims, TTD is providing extensive
facilities and amenities to visiting pilgrims for their comfortable stay when they come for
having Darshan. TTD, the biggest Hindu religious conglomerate, is an independent Hinduism
Trust managing many temples and employing more than 14,000 people, besides making
necessary arrangements for the temple visitors. The TTD administration has been maintaining
about 25 educational institutions, besides one Vedapatasala and Sculpture Training Centre.
TTD’s is also generously funding many other institutions viz., Sri Venkateswara University,
General Hospital, a Medical College, an Engineering college, College of Veterinary &
Agricultural Sciences, Sri Padmavathi Women University, and many colleges at Tirupati.
When this is compared to Uttarakhand, which is relatively a newly created state and
has huge potential for religious tourism, an institution like TTD doesn't exist to take-care of
the needs of pilgrims visiting the state. Lakhs of tourists come for Char Dham Yatra and also
to Haridwar every year. Hence, an attempt is made to analyse the need for having such an
establishment in the state of Uttarakhand. TTD derives its power from an Act made by the
Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh. While searching for a replica in Uttarakhand, it
is found that there is no separate department to take care of religious tourism in the state.
1.9 The felt need after visiting both Haridwar and Tirupati
30
Indian culture is an amalgamation of several diverse cultures, spread across the sub-
continent and shaped by several thousand years’ history. The rich and diverse cultural
heritage of the country is unique in the entire world and hence this feature can be explored for
promoting tourism industry which in turn can serve as one of the major drive engines for the
entire economy. The aspect of religious diversity along with prevalence of ancient temples,
customs and traditions in the country may be utilised for promoting tourism.
In the study of the existing models of temple functioning at Tirupati and Haridwar, it
was observed that there is a separate department like Endowments department and associated
administrative body for temple administration in the State of Andhra Pradesh, and there is no
such body in Uttarakhand. The religious tourism potential of Uttarakhand could be more
effectively harnessed, is the first impression. It is also felt that there are some additional
benefits by having an exclusive temple administration setup for the overall development of
religious tourism in Uttarakhand state. The popularity of Tirupati is ever increasing and it is
evident from the pilgrim turnout and the annual increment in donations to the temple. An in-
depth analysis of the existing systems needs to be done and the recommendations, if any,
needs to be given to both the State Governments.
1.10 Scope of this Study
The study attempts to make a comparative analysis of religious tourism in Andhra

Pradesh and Uttarakhand with special reference to Tirupati and Haridwar for laying down a
plan/ sketch for the growth and development of religious tourism in Uttarakhand. The study
also attempts to identify the benefits of managing the temples through government managed
administrative set-up rather than the management of temples solely by temple priests. The
study involves collection of primary data through a personally administered questionnaire
obtained from the pilgrims who have visited the temples of Tirupati and Haridwar on various
parameters like the need for a dedicated trust/department, satisfaction levels of the tourists on
the pujas conducted at these temples, facilities available to tourists, scope of increase in
economic activity due to tourist visit to the temples, among others. The study also involves
sourcing of secondary data from the available published information to examine the present
functioning of tourism management in Tirupati and Haridwar for analysis and to draw out
significant points for improving the religious tourism in Haridwar in particular and
Uttarakhand, in general.
31
1.11 Objectives of the research
The primary objective of this study is to assess the need of an administrative set up in
the temples of Haridwar under the purview of State Government for improvement of temple
functioning, financial accountability which in turn enhances the trust worthiness on temples
functioning among pilgrims and fit in overall economic growth in the entire area.
The specific objectives devised for the research study are as follows:
OBJECTIVES:
1. To study the demographic profile of the pilgrims visiting Haridwar and Tirupati.
2. To study the association between socio demographic characteristics and overall

satisfaction of pilgrims visiting Haridwar and Tirupati.
3. To identify the major problems or constraints faced by the pilgrims at Haridwar and
Tirupati.
4. To make a comparative analysis of Tirupati and Haridwar on satisfaction levels of

pilgrims pertaining to facilities around the temples.
5. To offer valuable suggestions based on the observations/conclusions of the study to

both the states.
6. To discuss the need and significance of setting up of a government managed

administrative unit like Endowment Department in the state of Uttarakhand.
1.12 Limitations of this Study
1. The study is restricted to the people following Hindu religion and only pilgrims inside
the country are chosen.
2. Due to the paucity of resources, the study was limited to a comparative analysis of one
temple each in Uttarakhand (Haridwar) and Andhra Pradesh (Tirumala).
3. The limitations due to geographical distance between the states of Uttarakhand and
Andhra Pradesh made the collection of feedback possible only through online mode.
Personal interaction with the tourists/ pilgrims for the collection of feedback could not
be done.
4. The information is obtained from pilgrims who have visited the religious places with
some purpose. Once the purpose is fulfilled, they may not give complete attention and
32
time to answer the questionnaire. Also, the timing of the survey and other external
factors may influence the pilgrims, as they have their own inherent drawbacks.
5. The geographical location of Uttarakhand in terms of topography is entirely different

from that of Andhra Pradesh which could influence the overall experience and
satisfaction levels of the tourists.
6. To have a detailed analysis of any research work, a larger sample size greatly benefits
the study through better results. Due to availability of less number of tourists who
have visited both the shrines of Tiupati/ Tirumala as well as Haridwar, the primary
data could be collected only from 624 tourists/ pilgrims, out of which 452 tourists
have visited both the places and 86 tourists have visited only haridwar, but not
Tirupati (apart from 452), and another 86 tourists have visited only Tirupati, but not
Haridwar (apart from 452).
7. The feedback was obtained from the temple staff of Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara
Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh. As there is no established set up in temple
managements at Haridwar, the available priests, trust managers, and other temple
authorities were requested for feedback, during the interview. Thus, there could be
misinterpretation on the feedback obtained from temple managements.
8. The feedback from the tourists/pilgrims could be influenced by the attitude of the
tourist to various dimensions of the study, which could yield some deviation in the
results.
1.13 Organisation of Thesis
• Chapter 1 gives a brief Introduction to tourism, highlighting the global and Indian
tourism trends. The Chapter also deals about religious tourism and its scope in the
Indian context. In the later part of the Chapter, the Need for the study is dealt. The
researcher's personal experience during visits to Haridwar and Tirupati are included.
The objectives of the research along with scope and limitations of the study are also
defined in this Chapter.
• Chapter 2: In this chapter, the review of literature on various studies done on tourism
and religious tourism is presented. The observations of the researchers and their
33
suggestions to improve spiritual or religious experience of pilgrims are also
highlighted.
• Chapter 3: This chapter deals about religious tourism in Andhra Pradesh. The
administrative setup to manage temples in the State was presented. Significance of
Tirupati is then discussed along with a brief note on temples in and around Tirupati,
with special reference to Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Tirumala; the
details about the religious activities taken up by TTD, various services provided to the
pilgrims and the importance of these activities for the devotees. Further, details on
temples managed by TTD, its administrative setup, and learning from Andhra Pradesh
temple administration system and TTD are given.
• Chapter 4: This Chapter deals about religious tourism in Uttarakhand. The

importance of tourism to the newly formed state along with a brief note on Char-
Dham temples and the administration of pilgrimage tourism is dealt. The prominence
of Haridwar in Uttarakhand tourism is also discussed. The Uttarakhand Char Dham
Devasthanam Management Act (UCDDMA), 2019 which is a latest development in
the management of religious places in Uttarakhand is also dealt in this Chapter.
• Chapter 5: This Chapter deals with methodology adopted in conducting the study/
research. It explains about the various sources of data used for the study, method of
data collection from various respondents, the statistical tools used on the data
collected and the procedure as to how analysis was done for future conclusion.
• Chapter 6: This Chapter discusses the results of the study through various statistical
methods employed for conducting the study. The socio economic profile of the
respondents, the association of different socio-economic attributes with the overall
satisfaction of pilgrims during their visit to Tirupati and Haridwar were presented.
The constraints faced by the pilgrims during their visit to Tirupati and Haridwar were
also analysed to find out the difficulties faced by them with respect to each place.
During the research study, the satisfaction of the pilgrims with respect to the hotel
facilities, safety, transport facility, public utilities, access to information, comfort,
food availability, medical and first aid facilities, Darshan, performance of rituals,
maintenance and hygiene in the temple sites of the two places Tirupati and Haridwar
was also studied. The results of the study are properly organised and given in a
34
presentable form, so that conclusions can be arrived. The responses of the temple
authorities and policy makers, after a structured interview with them are also
presented. A case study regarding the functioning of TTD and the UCDDMA of
Uttarakhand state were presented for examining the administrative setup and its role
in effective temple administration.The experiences of the meladhikari in organization
of Khumbh mela was presented in his own words.
• Chapter 7: In this chapter, the summary of the results of research study, the
inferences from the statistical analysis, structured interviews with temple authorities
and policy makers and case studies are presented. The conclusions arrived from the
research study along with the suggestions / recommendations for further growth and
development of religious tourism in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand
with special reference to Tirupati and Haridwar were presented.
REFERNCES
1. Indian Tourism Statistics 2020 – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
2. Indian Tourism Statistics at a glance 2021 – Ministry of Tourism, Government of

India
3. “International Tourism Highlights 2019 Edition”, UNWTO publications
4. “International Tourism Highlights 2020 Edition”, UNWTO publications
5. Noga Collins, Kreiner (2018), “Pilgrimage-Tourism: Common Themes in Different

Religions”, International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage, Volume 6(i)
2018, pp 8-17.
6. World Travel & Tourism Council – Travel & Tourism : Economic Impact 2021
35
CHAPTER-2
Literature Review
36
2 Literature Review
2.1 Observations from the Review of Literature
37
Review of Literature
A review of the studies done related to tourism and pilgrimage tourism in India and
abroad is dealt in this chapter. Few studies were conducted on the most Hindu popular
temple, Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati. There are numerous studies on the
TTD, regarding the administration and financial setup. Many papers are published regarding
the pilgrim satisfaction surveys conducted by researchers. The most important observations
are presented here under. Uttarakhand is believed to have an immense potential in almost all
forms of tourism, including religious tourism. The findings of relevant researches are
presented here.
1) Shri Anna Rao C (1977) has worked as the Executive Officer of TTD and he has
rendered his services as Chairman of TTD, later. He has written a book named
'Administration of Temples' in which, he has clearly stated the rituals that take place in the
temple of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala. The book has given a detailed account on
the facilities that are available to the pilgrims, at that point of time. According to him,
temples not only serve as religious institutions but also act as potent factors for the social
progress of the country. The book also highlights the usage of funds for social causes and
welfare activities. He opines that money received from people should be put to better
usage by spending the money for the service of people. This book is of great use to any
researcher to know about the complete picture of the religious social activities of TTD.
The code of conduct for poojari / archaka and trustees were also laid out in the book.
2) Muni Reddy B (1986) has taken up a historical survey of the Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams Co-operative Stores Limited (No.U.344) Tirupati to study the origin and
growth of the Co-operative Movement in Tirupati in general and the Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams Co-operative Stores in particular from 1937 to 1984. The establishment of
the TTD Co-operative stores, Tirupati in 1937 was a landmark in the history of the Co-
operative Movement in the Chittoor District of the Presidency.
The study showed that the members, the managerial and executive cadres of the stores had
worked with a spirit of co-operative and dedication for their common good. The ratio
between supply and demand has been properly balanced. The criteria of co-operation
were fully satisfied in the case of the TTD stores and hence the stores grew from strength
to strength since its inception.
38
Since the TTD stopped buying groceries from the stores, as revealed, the sales in the stores
come down and hence there was an urgent need to improve the marketing and managerial
skills. It suggested that the stores could call local market quotations every fortnight for
comparison and should not depend on TTD alone for its business. To increase the
business, the stores should provide credit facilities to all employees of the TTD and of
other Government and semi-government organization. The stores should be managed by
personnel well versed with modern techniques of business and marketing advertisement
was required. A spirit of innovation was essential for the further growth of the store.
3) Javaid Akthar (1988) has come up with an important finding in his research article
“Accounting for the travel agents and tour operators – An approach to Effective
Management”. He observed that co-ordination of various systems will be the main reason
for overall development of tourism industry.
4) Bijendra K Punia (1994) in his book titled “Tourism Management - Problems and
prospects" has closely observed the tourism in Haryana, and stated that that the
Government has a greater role to play in the development of tourism in any area, region,
state or country. State Governments through a separate department dedicated to tourism
has to ensure close coordination between public and private tourism organisations, at
different levels. The potential of tourism development of any place depends on tourist
resources which are unique and varied. Government initiative is thus necessary in
exploring the uniqueness of the place. According to him, elements like climate,
seasonality, accessibility, attitude of host population, availability of manpower resources
and planning expertise, have vital role to play.
5) Santhi A B ( 1994 ) has taken up a study for analyzing the composition and behavior of
the income and expenditure of TTD and to suggest measures to improve the working of
TTD. The secondary data and personal interviews with TTD officials and pilgrims were
collected and used. The analysis related to revenue items only. Statistical tools like linear
regression and method of least squares were used. The study gave a brief note on TTD
Administration, its accounting procedure and its budgeting pattern. The total revenue
receipts of TTD were Rs.1,899 lakhs in 1984-85 and Rs.6,230 lakhs in 1994-95. Revenue
payments of the TTD had increased from Rs.2,427 lakhs in 1984-85 and to Rs 6,532 lakhs
in 1990-91. It was noticed that between 1984-85 and 1994-95, a clear surplus was seen
during 1985-86, 1988-89, 1989-90 and 1991-95, while other years had recorded deficit.
39
The study suggested a suitable revision of charges for Arjitha sevas. It suggested that there
should be a proper evaluation of workload, requirement of staff and temporary employees’
period of employment the salary bill can be reduced and total surplus can be increased.
The total grants given had heavily increased from Rs. 110 lakhs in 1989-90 to Rs.175
lakhs in 1990-91. TTD should think twice before accepting such heavy burdens, which
adversely affected the financial position of the institution. It also suggested that the State
Governments’ control over TTD should be minimized.
6) Stephen F Witt and Luiz Moutinho (1995) have published a book named “Tourism
Marketing and Management hand book”. They opined that Public sector intervention is
certainly needed for the prosperity of tourism industry. Because of the intervention, the
potential problems will be minimised, and at the same time, associated benefits of tourism
are maximized. This in turn will ultimately benefit the tourism industry, as the economy
and environment of the place will be improved.
7) Krishna R R and Govindaswamy M (1998) in the article titled “Marketing in Tourism”

observed that the optimal satisfaction of tourist is the ultimate objective for the tourist,
while an appropriate return is to be achieved by tourist undertaking. The undertaking may
be either state owned or private. “Marketing in tourism" is nothing but systematic and
coordinated execution of business policy by tourist undertaking.
8) Ajim P Muhammed and Dr. Jagathy Raj V P ( 2008 ) in their paper ‘Tourism strategy -
challenges faced by Kerala tourism industry” came up with a large list of suggestions
which include taking the tourists into confidence, providing special attention and care to
tourists, special protection and arrangement for tourists to see festivals and cultural fairs,
obtaining feedback from tourists, distribution of tourism publicity materials at airports,
increasing domestic and international publicity, starting tourism information centres,
among others.
9) Dr. Sridhar G, Ravindranath M and Dr. Narasimha Murthy G (2008) through their
study, ‘Pilgrim Satisfaction of Religious Event’ observed that creation of basic and
essential facilities to the pilgrims as the most significant factor which influences pilgrims’
satisfaction levels.
40
10) Shri Arnab Karar (2010) has studied the impact of religious tourism in Haridwar and
has highlighted the importance of the city (Haridwar). He opined that Haridwar is not
only important from the point of view of pilgrimage but is also significant from the point
of view of tourism industry. He felt that the tourism related activities have come up in a
big way in and around Haridwar because of the presence of Har-ki-pauri. World famous
River Ganges flows through Har-ki-pauri, and is believed to have mythological
significance. Haridwar as a religious complex shall flourish and thrive as long as river
Ganga flows through Har-ki-pauri and the religious sanctity is ensured at this place.
According to him, the pilgrims' religious sentiments are satisfied at Haridwar at present. If
this is disturbed, tourists find some other place for their spiritual needs, which will
crumble the economy of Haridwar city. The city is largely dependent on the religious
tourism.
11) Madhavi Chockalingam and Aurobindo Ganesh A (2010) in their paper tried to
analyse and identify the problems encountered by tourists. They tried to know the answer
for the question "is there any perceivable difference in the problems faced by tourists
depending on the demographic factors"? This study concluded that the intensity of
experience defers depending on the various factors influencing the tour environment. The
respondents' background also matters here. Demographic factors such as age, gender,
educational qualifications, profession, income level, geographical location, family size
etc., also will impact the intensity level of the tour experience.
12) Aruljothi C and Ramaswamy S (2012) have interviewed 150 pilgrims who visited
Palani Temple of Tamilnadu to identify the major problems encountered by pilgrims.
Their main aim is to promote pilgrimage tourism in Palani. They also wanted to suggest
ways to increase the tourism potential of the place. They finally concluded that the
following criteria have a great impact to make pilgrimage tourism sustainable. They are
(i) Peace and Stability of the place to be ensured.
(ii) Safety and Security of pilgrims should be assured.
(iii)The Government has to provide requisite pilgrimage tourism infrastructure.
(iv) Tourism industry, including private players should be encouraged by the
Governments.
(v) There should be no exhortation.
(vi) There should be a tourist attraction which is accessible.
41
13) Vargheese Antony Jesurajan S and Varghees Prabhu S (2012) have highlighted the
importance of religious tourism in Tuticorin District of Tamil Nadu. The article clearly
stated the problems encountered by the tourists in the Tuticorin district. The problems
faced by most of the pilgrims include (1) Pollution (2) Lack of cleanliness (3) Beggars’
nuisance (4) exploitation by tour operators (5) Charging heavy fee by Taxi / Vehicle’s
owners (6) Lack of Toilets/sanitary facilities (7) lack of Safe drinking water (8) proper
hygiene is not maintained at many places.
They concluded that for any place to flourish as tourist site, the above factors need to be
properly addressed.
14) Rachan Suri and Jitender Rao (2014) made an attempt to study the issue of "spiritual
marketing". The study was taken up to find out the factors which could play a major role
in drawing visitors to sacred destinations for which two destinations, Himachal Pradesh
and Rajasthan were examined. Based on the study, the authors suggested to increase
publicity to the spiritual sites by developing a promotional plan, improve quality of
hospitality services, quality and quantity of accommodations and hygiene at the spiritual
destinations for achieving customer (tourist) satisfaction.
15) Ravi Bhushan Kumar and Lakhvinder Singh (2015) have attempted to study the
satisfaction level of Hindu Pilgrims who visited Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh.
They were basically trying to evaluate the expectations and satisfaction levels of pilgrims.
They found that the overall satisfaction levels of pilgrims were moderate only. The study
finally said about the importance of improving entertainment activities, improving the
sanitation facilities, face lifting of the place by conducting the cleanliness drive, etc,. The
study observed that the prices finalised for facilities like accommodation, transportation
are on a higher side. Even the souvenir items are priced at exorbitantly high rates, and that
is a reason for the dissatisfaction of pilgrims. The authors stated that pilgrims may not the
revisit the destination, if promotional measures for intensifying tourism are not taken up.
16) Dadakalandar and Sujatha P (2018) in their study on “Impacts of Pilgrimage Tourism
with Respect to Annavaram Satya Narayana Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh” focused
to observe the economic impact of pilgrimage in a popular religious place like
Annavaram. The author has observed that tourism is plays a significant role in changing
42
the societies and also that pilgrimage tourism certainly has a great impact on various
aspects of society, which include environmental aspects, economic aspects, socio cultural
aspects.
17) Manju Devi, Dr. Purohit K C and Dr. Panwar R S (2018) have chosen 5 tourist
destinations in Haridwar, namely Mansa Devi Temple, Kankhal, PiranKaliyar, Shantikunj
and Har-ki-pauri to study the satisfaction of tourists visiting Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
Infrastructural facilities were put to test here. The study concluded that respondents are
greatly satisfied with infrastructure regarding Electricity (power supply) and water supply.
Their satisfaction levels are neutral regarding safety and security issue. They have
expressed their dissatisfaction in the following facilities.
a) Road Condition
b) Traffic Management
c) Parking space
d) Sewage
e) Garbage
f) Cleanliness
g) Medical Facilities
h) Bank / ATM facilities and many others.
They recommended that there is an acute need to improve these factors to enhance the
satisfaction of the tourists coming to Haridwar. They also suggested that the Government
should actively take up necessary steps to see these problems are addressed properly.
18) Chanchal Chawla (2019) in his study regarding Tourism Industry in Uttar Pradesh has
identified certain areas where there is plenty of opportunity to attract more tourists through
strengthening of air transportation system, road transportation system, bus services,
railway transportation, accommodation services, self-employment, cultural and
adventurous tourism and promotion of handloom and handicrafts of the state. He also
stated that challenges like poor connectivity (road/ rail/ air), accommodation issues will
hinder the growth of tourism industry.
19) Pursotam Joshi and Dr Sanjeev Saxena (2019) in their study to understand the places
of religious tourism in Uttarakhand and suggestions for their improvement highlighted
certain concerns at religious tourist spots such as limitation of carrying capacity, the
43
problem of management of waste, air pollution, monetizing of religion and lack of scrutiny
of religious trusts. While giving suggestions to improve religious tourism in Uttarakhand,
the authors suggested for improving connectivity to specific religious tourism circuits,
development of integrated infrastructure, improving tourism marketing, examining
creating rail facility, better road transportation network among others.
20) Tulika Sharma (2019) in her study to find out opportunities and challenges of Religious
Tourism in India observed that Religious Tourism will promote Indian economic revenue
and will pave the path of sustainable economic development. The author noted that
deficiency of proper substructure such as roads, electricity, water supply,
telecommunications etc., squander management, insufficient access and connectivity,
monetizing religion, availability of skilled man power, lack of security and safety and lack
of publicity for the tourist destinations in India as the challenges faced by Religious
Tourism in India. The author suggests allaying the negative impact through good
management and policy framing.
21) Prakash Gowtham (2020) has come up with a study on the revenue management in
TTD. The author has said that the TTD has created a religious market using the latest
developments in the field of information communication technology. This made Sri
Venkateswara swamy Temple, Tirumala as one of the affluent temples of Hindu Religion.
He clearly explained that the money circulation of TTD is the reason behind the overall
development of local economy. TTD invests money in various activities. This is the
reason for employment generation in the locality and thus a lot of money is circulated
here. This kind of practice of circulation of money for development of local people is
suggested by him to all other Hindu temples. He noted that circulation of money is
important for developing countries like India and Nepal. The donations by pilgrims in
Hindus have contributed to the economic development. He stressed that the usage of
information communication technology in all religious places will make the system
transparent and also helps in circulation of more money. The money thus collected will in
turn be invested for the benefit of the localities. The author noted that Guthis (trusts) in
Nepal like Pashupatinath, Lumbini, cloud be managed better, in the model similar to that
of TTD model.
44
22) Venkata Krishna Prasad and Jhansi Rani M.R. (2015) took up a research on pilgrim
satisfaction regarding temples present in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. In their study,
the authors attempted to study the level of satisfaction pertaining to various facilities. The
study was undertaken in 20 prominent temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. In their
study, the respondents to the study were dissatisfied as there was no coordination amongst
the departments that deal with Endowments, Tourism, Transport and local government
bodies. The study concluded that if all the concerned departments work in a synchronised
manner, the satisfaction of the tourists / pilgrims will be greatly enhanced.
23) Woodward S.C. (2004) has published a paper regarding Faith and Tourism. He opined
that pilgrimages will serve as a significant source of income for many countries. He
further stated that the income generated by religious tourism could be used for the
maintenance of religious places. The author recommended numerous ways like entry fees
to religious site and charging for vehicle access etc. to stop overcrowding in famous
religious sites. The study concluded that there is a requirement for special planning for
pilgrimages.
24) Adarsh Kumar Aggarwal, Meenal Guglani and Dr. Raj Kumar Goel (2008) in their
study have made an attempt to evaluate the experience of foreign tourists visiting
Rishikesh. The paper focused on identifying the basic features of spiritual and yoga
tourism. It was concluded that foreign tourists come to Rishikesh to experience inner
journey which is more spiritual in nature. Study revealed that foreign tourists prefer
spirituality to having fun, while they travel to this place. Smoother travelling with
minimum access of technology is their next preference after the spirituality. Comfort and
luxury are not mandatory for their stay in Rishikesh.
25) Libison and Muralledharan (2008) in their paper ‘The economic benefits of pilgrimage
tourism in Sabarimala to the local residents of Pandalam rural area’ highlighted the
economic benefits of pilgrimage tourism in Sabarimala to the local residents of Pandalam
rural area. During pilgrimage season, a large number of economic activities like providing
accommodation and dormitory facilities, facilitating transportation, small food stalls and
tea shops etc. will benefit the region in many ways. Due to this, the living standards of
families based on pilgrimage tourism have greatly increased. The researchers
recommended that a Development Committee must be formed to ensure long term
benefits to the local people.
45
26) Jadhavi S.J. and More V.S. (2010) in their paper “Minimum Expectations of Tourists:
An Essential Factor of Tourism Companies” have made an attempt to evaluate the
essential factors to determine minimum expectations of tourists. A satisfied tourist
experiences a positive change in attitude towards the service given to him. The
expectations and perceptions of tourists play a major role for the decision on the tour
operators, hotels and various facilities. The study attempted to explore the purpose of
visit, food quality, and accommodation like room cleaning, beddings, ventilations,
destination guidance, etc,. The study concluded that, every tourist has expectations on
some attributes like the food quality, accommodation facilities, etc,. The tour operators
who provide such services based on the expectations are successful and those who are
indifferent to the expectations of tourists will not be able to make much profit, as the
tourists won't prefer them.
27) Raja Gopala Raju P.S. (1979) in his publication named "Pilgrimage to Tirumala
Tirupati" has stated the details of various services offered to the deity in Tirumala
Temple. He stated that the main aim of the TTD trust, (which is authorised by the State
Government) is to ensure proper darshan and worship of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
TTD is not only performing its primary duty excellently well but is also providing some
more services to pilgrims. This includes comfortable accommodation, organised queue
system management, distribution of free prasadam, free medical services to un-well
pilgrims, etc,. He concluded that ensuring every aspect of comfort to pilgrims has become
the prime duty of TTD. It is improving the service quality to pilgrims, by bettering itself.
Accommodation, health, sanitary facilities, medical facilities, food, water, etc., are being
improved from time to time so that pilgrims have a wonderful experience during their
visit to the temple.
28) Venkata Rathnamachari (1992) in his thesis titled "Tirumala Tirupati – A study in
religion and Society" has explained the relationship between society and religion. The
study concludes that Religion has been significantly influencing social and cultural
aspects of the social system from time immemorial.
46
2.1 Observations from the review of literature
A. There should be better coordination amongst various departments – for the overall
development of the tourism industry.
B. There should be close coordination between both the public and private agencies at
various levels, for the successful development of tourism at any place. The state
Government department which looks after tourism should play a crucial role in
coordination.
C. Public sector intervention is necessary for the long-term interest of the tourism industry.
D. Basic facilities to pilgrims is the single most important factor that influences the
satisfaction levels of pilgrims.
E. Haridwar's religious sanctity needs to be ensured, as the city's economy is largely

dependent on religious tourism. if the pilgrims find that their religious needs are not
properly catered in Haridwar, they will find any other religious place, where the river
Ganges flows, and the economy of the city will be disturbed.
F. Many research studies stressed the fact that Government should provide requisite
pilgrimage tourism infrastructure and encourage the tourism industry by involving private
players.
G. Wide publicity for spiritual sites, by developing a promotional plan, improving quality of
hospitality services, hygiene at spiritual destinations, needs to be done.
H. Some studies concluded that pilgrimage has a great impact on economic aspects of the
religious place.
I. Pilgrims will be dissatisfied when there will be no coordination amongst various

departments like endowments department, Transportation departments, Tourism
departments, local governments, etc. The satisfaction will be enhanced if all the
concerned departments work in a synchronised manner.
J. Pilgrims are dissatisfied because of lack of facilities like Road Condition, Traffic
Management, Parking space, Sewage, Garbage, Cleanliness, Medical Facilities, Bank /
ATM facilities, and many others.
47
K. It is also observed that pilgrims expect that Government should actively take up necessary
steps to see these problems are addressed properly. In other words, they want
Government intervention.
L. Some researchers have made suggestions regarding religious tourism in Uttarakhand.

They suggested improving connectivity to specific religious tourism circuits,
development of integrated infrastructure, improving tourism marketing, examining
creating rail facilities, better road transportation network among others. They also
highlighted certain concerns at religious tourist spots such as limitation of carrying
capacity, the problem of management of waste, air pollution, monetizing of religion, and
lack of scrutiny of religious trusts.
M. It is observed that Religious Tourism will promote Indian economic revenue and will
pave the path of sustainable economic development. While there are many challenges
faced by religious tourism in India, Good management and policy framing can allay the
negative impact.
N. According to some researchers, temples not only serve as religious institutions but also
act as potent factors for the social progress of the country.
O. The income generated by religious tourism could be used for the maintenance of religious
places.
P. In religious places, a large number of economic activities like providing accommodation

and dormitory facilities, facilitating transportation, small food stalls, tea shops, etc. will
benefit the region in many ways. Due to this, the living standards of families based on
pilgrimage tourism will be greatly increased.
Q. A satisfied tourist experiences a positive change in attitude towards the service given to
him. The expectations and perceptions of tourists play a major role in the decision on the
tour operators, hotels, and various facilities.
48
REFERENCES
1. Anna Rao C, Administration of Temples, TTD Press, Tirupati, 1977

2. Muni Reddy B., 1986, “Co-operative Movement in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam,
Tirupati”, Unpublished M.Phil. Dissertation, Department of History, S.V.University,
Tirupati
3. Javaid Akthar (1988), Ph.D. Thesis on ‘Accounting for the travel agents and tour
operators – An approach to Effective Management’, Aligarh Muslim University
4. Bijendra K. Puria (1994), ‘Tourism Management – Problems and Prospects’, Ashish
Publishing House, New Delhi.
5. Santhi A.B., 1994, “Income and Expenditure Analysis of Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanam”, Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Commerce,
S.V.University, Tirupati
6. Stephen F. Witt and Luiz Moutinho (1995), ‘Tourism Marketing and Management Hand
Book’, Prentice-Hall, London, pp 3.
7. Krishna R.R. and Govindaswamy M. (1998), Marketing in Tourism, Southern Economist

Vol. 37, No. 3 (March 15, 1998), pp. 10-12.
8. Ajim P. Muhammed and Dr. Jagathy Raj V. P. (2008), ‘Tourism strategy - challenges
faced by Kerala tourism industry’, Proceeding of the conference on tourism in India –
challenges ahead, pp 13-16.
9. Sridhar G, Ravindranath M and Narasimha Murthy G. (2008), Pilgrim Satisfaction of

Religious Event, Inter-science Management Review, Vol.I/1, pp 1-9.
10. Arnab Karar (2010), “Impact of Pilgrim Tourism at Haridwar”, Anthropologist, 12(2), pp
99-105
11. Madhavi Chockalingam and Auroubindo Ganesh A. (2010), ‘Problems encountered by

tourists’, BEH - Business and Economic Horizons, Volume 3, Issue 3, October 2010, pp
68-72.
12. Aruljothi C and Ramaswamy S (2012), “Pilgrimage Tourism: A Study on Palani Temple,
Tamil Nadu”, Atna Journal of Tourism Studies, 7,2(2012), pp 103-116
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12725/ajts.8.6
49
13. Vargheese Antony, Jesurajan S. and Varghees Prabhu S. (2012), ‘Dimensions of Spiritual
Tourism in Tuiticorin District of Tamil Nadu in India – A Critical Analysis’, Business
Intelligence Journal, Vol.5 No.2, July 2012, pp 245-251.
14. Rachan Suri and Jitender Rao (2014), “Impact of Spiritual Marketing on Different
Segments of Tourists and Their Evaluation of the Site”, Journal of Business & Economic
Policy, Vol. 1, No.1, June 2014, pp 26-34.
15. Ravi Bhushan Kumar and Lakhvinder Singh (2015), “The expectations and satisfactions
of Hindu pilgrims in north-west India – the case of Naina Devi Shrine”, African Journal
of Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure, Vol.4(2), pp 1-18.
16. Dadakalandar and Sujatha P (2018) “Impacts of Pilgrimage Tourism with Respect to
Annvaram Satya Narayana Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh”.
17. Manju Devi, Dr. Purohit K.C. and Dr. Panwar R.S. (2018), “Perception of Host
Community and Tourists towards Infrastructural problems of tourism in Haridwar
District, Uttarakhand”, Review of Research, Volume 7, Issue-10, July 2018, pp 1-11.
18. Chanchal Chawla (2019), “Prospects and Problems of Tourism Industry in Uttar
Pradesh”, International Journal of Basic and Applied Research, Volume 9, Number 3,
March 2019, pp 435-442.
19. Pursotam Joshi and Dr. Sanjeev Saxena (2019), “Religious tourism in Uttarakhand”
Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Volume 6, Issue 6,
June 2019, pp 864-869.
20. Tulika Sharna (2019), ‘Prospects of Religious Tourism in India’, Shodh Samagam,
October-December 2019, Page No. 358 – 367
21. Prakash Gautam (2020), A Study of Revenue Management of Tirumala Tirupati

Devasthanam: Management Control of Religious Trust in India. The Gaze: Journal of
Tourism and Hospitality, 11, pp 107-125.
22. Venkata Krishna Prasad and Jhansi Rani (2015), "A study on pilgrims’ satisfaction with
special reference to states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana", IJEMR Vol.5, Issue-8
(online edition)
50
23. Woodward, S. C. (2004), ‘Faith and Tourism: Planning Tourism in Relation to Places of
Worship’, Tourism and Hospitality Planning and Development, Vol. 1, No.2, August
2004, pp.173-186.
24. Adarsh Kumar Aggarwal, Meenal Guglani and Dr. Raj Kumar Goel (2008), ‘Spiritual &
Yoga Tourism: A case study on the experience of Foreign Tourists visiting Rishikesh,
India’, proceedings of Conference on Tourism in India – Challenges Ahead, IIMK, pp
457-464.
25. Libison and Muralledharan (2008), ‘The economic benefits of the pilgrimage tourism in
Sabarimala to the local residents of Pandalam rural area’, South Asian Journal of Tourism
and Heritage, Vol. 1, No 1.
26. Jadhavi S.J. and More V.S. (2010), “Minimum Expectations of Tourists: An Essential
Factor of Tourism Companies”, International Journal of Trade, Economics and Finance,
Vol. 1, No. 2, August 2010, pp 184-188.
27. Raja Gopala Raju P.S. "Pilgrimage to Tirumala Tirupati", 1979, TTD Publication,
Tirupati.
28. Venkata Rathnam Achari "Tirumala Tirupati – A study in religion and Society"
Tirupati.Sri Venkateswara University, Ph.D. 1992. (Unpublished)
51
CHAPTER-3
Religious tourism of Andhra Pradesh with special

reference to Tirupati and Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams (TTD)
52
3 Religious tourism of Andhra Pradesh with special reference to Tirupati and Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
3.1 Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh
3.1.1 Hindu Dharmika Parishad and Endowments Department
3.1.2 Veda and Agama Patashala
3.1.3 Schemes / Funds to strengthen the Temples of Andhra Pradesh
3.2 Significance Of Tirupati
3.3 A brief note on temples in and around Tirupati
3.4 Sri Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam, Tirumala - A background note
3.4.1 Legend of the temple
3.5 Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust
3.5.1 About the trust
3.5.2 Administrative Setup of TTD
3.5.2.1 Powers and Functions of the Board
3.5.2.2 Powers and Functions of the Executive Officer, TTD
3.5.3 Financial Administration
3.5.3.1 Classification of finances
3.5.3.2 Budget of TTD
3.6 Progress made by Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple under the aegis of TTD
3.6.1 TTD and Information Technology enabled services (ITes)
3.6.2 Pilgrim Services
3.6.2.1 Darshan
3.6.2.2 Sevas
3.6.2.3Pilgrim Accommodation at Tirupati
3.6.2.4Medical Facilities
3.6.2.5Facilities to Pilgrims
3.6.3Religious activities of TTD - Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP)
3.6.3.1Dharma Prachara Parishad
3.6.3.2Hindu Dharma PracharaParishad
3.6.3.3Activities of Hindu Dharma PracharaParishad
3.6.4Voluntary Services
3.6.5Activities taken by TTD to promote Indian Culture
3.6.5.1 TTD Sculpting Centre for Gods (Idol making)
3.6.5.2 Educational Activities
3.6.5.3 Publications
3.6.5.4 Research & Projects
3.6.6 Dos and Don`ts
3.7 Highlights of Andhra Pradesh Temple Administration System and TTD
53
Religious tourism of Andhra Pradesh with special reference to Tirupati and Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
This Chapter deals about religious tourism in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The chapter
begins with the Endowments department of the state and its role in promotion of religious
tourism. 'Tirupati' town in Andhra Pradesh is very important from the point of view of
pilgrimage tourism. The whole region surrounding Tirupati has also grown in terms of
importance, as temples of the region, over a period of time are patronized by pilgrims coming
from all over the world. In this chapter, Significance of Tirupati is briefly discussed. A short
note on the temples in and around Tirupati, with special reference to Sri Venkateswara
Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Tirumala is also given in the chapter. Details of administrative
setup of TTD, Tirupati are discussed. Various activities of TTD, which include Religious
activities, Pilgrim services, (darsanam/ seva), Laddu Prasadam (GI), Pilgrim accommodation,
Social services are elaborately given so that the learnings from Andhra Pradesh temple
administration system and TTD can be clearly identified.
3.1 Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh

In some of the states, religious tourism is handled by a separate department in
administration. The religious tourist/ pilgrim is the focal point in the entire set up, as he/ she
are provided with all possible facilities for his travel/ tour to the religious place. The Andhra
Pradesh Government has carved out a Department/ Ministry called the Endowments
Department to take care of all the religious activities in the State.
Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department is mandated to make Andhra Pradesh as a

preferred choice of devotees; the Department is responsible for creating an integrated eco-
system of well managed temples within the State.
3.1.1 Hindu Dharmika Parishad and Endowments Department

The Andhra Pradesh Hindu Dharmika Parishad is a body that will guide the
Endowments Department and also advises the Andhra Pradesh Government in the
administration of Hindu temples and charitable trusts.
Prior to 1956, there were two laws to manage the temples of the state viz., The
Madras Act 19/1951 for Andhra area and the Hyderabad Endowments Regulations 1939 for
Telangana area. After the formation of the new state in 1956, it was required that a uniform
law throughout the State needs to be enforced for administration of temples/ religious
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institutions, The Government of Andhra Pradesh has made an Act called the Endowments
Act in 1966. This Act was modified in 1987 & again in the year 2007, to suit the conditions
acoording to the changing times.
Main objectives of this Department include – ensuring the proper administration of

temples/ mutts/ peetams, protection of the properties of Hindu temples etc. For each temple,
a government servant will have the administrative control. The Department is managed by a
3-tier system of administration. The first tier has the temples with an annual income of less
than two lakh rupees. The second tier has temples with annual income between two laks to
twenty-five lakhs, while the third tier comprises of temples with income of more than twenty-
five laks per year. All the mutts and dharmadayams are also under the administrative control
of a government servant.
As on date, (1st December 2021) a total of 23,834 institutions are managed by the
Endowments Department, which include 115 institutions whose annual income is more than
twenty-five lakhs per annum, 794 institutions whose annual income is more than two lakhs
per annum and also 22,788 institutions whose annual income is less than two lakhs per
annum. 135 Mutts and 2 Dharmadayams are also included in the total number of institutions.
3.1.2 Veda and Agama Patashala

The Hindu religion which is also known as Sanatana Dharma has its origins in Vedas
and Agama sastras. As many as 8 different Agamas are there to meet the requirements of
different streams of Hindu religion. The Endowments Department has been entrusted with the
responsibility of protecting, preserving and nurturing Vedas and Agamas. To fulfill this
purpose the Department is following strategies:
A) Spread of Veda and Agama Patasalas

The objective is to have trained manpower to meet the requirements of various
temples and other religious institutions. The Department is presently running Agama/Veda
patasalas at different places.
B) Utilization of the services of Veda and Agama Pandits in temples

The Department is utilizing the services of Veda Pandits in all major temples of the
State. These Veda pandits undertake Vedic chanting in the temples daily besides participating
in rituals such as yagnas, yagams etc.
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C) Sanskrit Education
Encouraging Sanskrit language and education is one of the important objectives of

Department. The following Devasthanams are running full fledged oriental colleges and high
schools.
(1) Simhachalam
(2) Annavaram
(3) Dwaraka tirumala
(4) Ponnuru
These institutions are furthering education in Sanskrit in accordance with the
traditional curriculum.
3.1.3 Schemes / Funds to strengthen the Temples of Andhra Pradesh

To enhance the spiritual experience and to strengthen the temples in the state,
Endowments department has started many schemes/ funds. Some of the note-worthy schemes
are given under.The idea behind formation of these funds is to see that temples and the priests
are benefited, when they need the support.
A) Common Good Fund

The Common Good Fund is created under Section 70(1) (a) of Endt Act. This fund is
used for renovation & maintenance of temples, with historic value but with little resources for
maintenance, preservation, dhoopa deepa naivedyam in needy temples, establishing and
administering of Veda Patasalas for training to students in Archakatwam, etc.
Fund is created from the contributions made by the institutions, whose income is more
than Rs.50,000 per year. Renovation, preservation and maintenance of old temples in rural
areas with little resources are funded through this Fund. Temples having heritage/historic
significance, but with scanty resources are also covered under this fund.
B) Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam

This scheme provides an amount of Rs.2,500/- per month to the small temples which
are in poor condition in the state, to cater the needs of Naivedyam, and honorarium to
archaka. Rs. 80 lakhs is being spent towards this scheme. This scheme benefits 3,000 temples
in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh. The small temples which were not in a better shape and are
not properly maintained now have a hope, because of this Scheme.
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C) Archaka Welfare Fund
A Trust by name A.P. Endowments Archakas and other Employees Welfare Fund
Trust has been created in the Endowments Department to take care of archakas and other
small employees of temples. Financial assistance in the form of Death Exgratia to bereaved
Archaka families; medical aid, education loans, scholarships etc., are being extended.
D) State Institute of Temple Administration (SITA)

SITA was established in 2010 by the Andhra Pradesh Dharmik Parishad in the
undivided state of A.P. as a mandate to train employees of the Department for developing and
updating their skill in job related functions. Besides training the employees of the
Department, SITA also recruits veda parayanadars, organises fairs & festivals in
Devasthanams and also trains administrative staff of Dharma Prachara Programmes.
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3.1.1: Table showing Details of Staff of Endowments Department (excluding officers)
DISTRICT No.of Temples Total Administr Dharmika Extent of Inam Land in
with employees Employees ative Staff Staff Acres
of Government
PRAKASAM 52 99 0 99 0.0
SRIKAKULAM 27 80 55 25 97.06
VIZIANAGARAM 18 110 70 40 0.00
VISAKHAPATNAM 61 470 328 142 305.26
EAST GODAVARI 581 1792 766 1026 2544.77
WEST GODAVARI 498 1242 417 825 2474.58
KRISHNA 402 1384 491 893 2056.64
GUNTUR 682 2286 321 1965 8491.18
ONGOLE 313 483 99 384 4426.48
NELLORE 69 217 75 142 314.96
KADAPA 34 84 43 41 234.53
KURNOOL 541 1661 530 1131 21616.69
ANANTHAPUR 447 726 82 644 5844.40
CHITTOOR 29 414 225 189 95.01
TOTAL 3754 11048 3502 7546 48501.56
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3.2 Significance of Tirupati
Tirupati is one of the most important cities and is in the top 10 urban agglomerated
cities of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is considered as one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage
places in India. It is considered as “Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh” because of Tirumala
Venkateswara Temple. It is referred as Education Hub and ‘Heritage City’ also. Tirputati is
in the list of cities to be developed under the 'Smart City Mission' of Government of India.
Hence, the development of the city will take place at a faster pace.
Tirupati in Ancient Texts / Legneds

There are lot of references of this place in many ancient texts and puranas. There are
many stories for the etymology of the word 'Tirupati'. There is a popular belief, that the word
Tirupati comes from Sanskrit word "tripathi". 'Tiru' means Goddess Lakshmi. 'Pati' means
Husband. References in Ramayana and other texts are also numerous, for Tirupati. During
Treta Yugam as per Varaha Purana, Lord Sri Rama and Sita and Lakshmana resided here on
his return from Lankhapuri. So, it can be said that Tirupati is significant since time
immemorial.
History
During 5th Century A.D. Tirumala was established centre for Vaishnavism. The
Vijayanagara Empire ruler Sri Krishna Devaraya and other rulers contributed considerable
resources to the temple. According to the inscriptions found in Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil
languages the Pallava Kingdom, Chola Kingdom, Vijayanagara Kingdoms have made their
huge contributions to the temple. Sri Annamacharya sung many songs in praise of Lord Sri
Venkateswara and he compared this place as ‘Heaven on the Earth’.
However, during medieval times, the region surrounding Tirupati was caught up in
the same battles that were raging through the rest of the country Hindu kings were locked in
military and diplomatic maneuvers to keep their territories from being run over by Muslim
invaders. Irrespective of the outcome of those battles and religious sentiments of Rulers, the
scores of Pilgrims continued to reach the holy gates of the Tirumala temple to worship Lord
Sri Venkateswara and there is no affect on revenues that the temple generated through its
devotees.
It is firmly believed that, Tirumala is a heaven on earth and its powers are
indescribable. It is a popular conception that, Lord Srinivasa resides on Seshadri and
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manifestation of the Vedas formed as rocks, Holiness as flowing streams and the holy peaks
are Brahmaloka.
3.3 A brief note on temples in and around Tirupati

Tirupati is regarded as the most sacred place by many followers of Hinduism. The
internationally renowned and the richest Vaishnav temple, Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple
is situated in Tirupati. The city lying in the shadow of Tirupati hills in Seshachalam range
(Eastern Ghats) is abode of many other famous temples also. Pilgrims go to almost all these
temples. Hence, this place has a great religious fervor. The brief description of some of the
temples is given below
A) Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Devasthanam, Tiruchanoor, Chittor District

Tiruchanoor, a town near Tirupati, is one of the oldest pilgrim centres and it is the
abode of Goddess Sri Padmavath Devi, beloved consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara. It is also
known as “Alamelmangapuram”. As the Goddess Lakshmi emerged on Golden Lotus at the
temple tank of ‘Padmasarovaram’, she is known as ‘Padmavathi Devi’.
A strong belief is prevalent in pilgrims that they should pave visit and seek blessings
of Padmavathi before they visit Lord Sri Venkateswara and Tirumala visit would be
incomplete without the darshan of Goddess of Tiruchanoor.
According to mythology, Lord Sri Venkateswara married Goddess Padmavathi-the

foster daughter of Akasa Raju. This story was popularly known as ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’.
The Tiruchanoor is an ideal and peaceful spot with its beautiful natural surroundings for
penance in the olden days. Sage Parashara Muni and his Grandson Suka Muni stayed in this
place. In earlier days, this place was named as ‘Sukagrama’ and ‘Varadarajapuram’ also.
In Tiruchanoor temple, Goddess Padmavathi sits in ‘Padmasana’ posture. After

decline of Cholas dynasty Yadavas had given support to Srivaishnavism. Vijayanagara
Rajas, gave impetus to construct ‘Varadaraja Swamy temple’ later to ‘Padmavathi temple’.
B) Sri Govindarajaswami Temple

It is believed that Saint Ramanujacharya, a famous vaishnav saint consecrated this
temple in 1130 AD. Hence it is one of the ancient temples of the region. All the rituals in this
temple are similar to that of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala. The rituals,
festivals and functions in this temple are conducted according to “Vaikhanasa Agama”.
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Govindaraja Swamy is believed to be the elder brother of Sri Venkateswara Swamy,
who performed the marriage of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Padmavathi Ammavaru.
Govindaraja Swamy is also believed to be the caretaker of massive wealth obtained from king
Kubera for conducting the wedding. Therefore, Sri Govindaraja Swamy is considered to be
the God who helps to elevate wealth of people / pilgrims.
C) Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple

There is a famous temple of Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy just at the beginning of
footpath route to Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala. Most of the pilgrims, who
wants to travel to Tirumala on foot shall visit the temple. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi
Devi will bless the pilgrims with lot of abundance and wealth.
D) Sri Vinayaka Swamy Temple, 2nd Ghat Road

The temple is located at Alipiri, the foot hills of the mountains and the pilgrims who
reach Tirumala by road, pay respects to “Ghat Road Vinayaka Swamy” seeking blessings for
a safe journey. It may be noted that Vinayaka Swamy is the foremost diety to be revered
amongst the deities, according to Hindu Mythology.
E) Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple

According to ancient texts, the temple got its name from Maharshi Kapila, who
prayed for Lord Shiva. Because of great devotion of Kapila Muni, Lord Shiva appeared in
person at this location and blessed him. The Linga hence at this temple is believed to be
Svayambhu. Lord Shiva is popularly known as “Sri Kapileswara Swamy”, here. A sacred
Sarovara (lake) in the temple premises is called the Kapila Teertham. Both the temple and
the lake are considered to be highly pious.
F) Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple

God Sri Rama, Goddess Sita Devi are considered the incarnations of Sri Maha Vishnu
and Lakshmi devi. Chola Kings of 10th Century have built this temple. Various other kings
who ruled the region also developed the temple, including the renowned Vijayanagara King,
Sri Krishna Deva Raya in 15th Century. This temple has become one of the important sub-
shrines under the control of TTD.
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G) Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple
Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple is located on the banks of Swami Pushkarini (lake) in
the sacred Seven Hills. Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy is an incarnation of Vishnu in the form of a
wild boar. As stated in Varaha Puranam, the earth sank into patalaloka for many years and
then Lord Vishnu has assumed the form of wild Boar and had a fierce fight with
Hiranyaksha, the demon king, in which the demon king was put to death. Earth was then
brought up by the Lord Vishnu's huge tusks. Upon the request of Brahma, devas and other
sages, earth was restored / re-established; Adi Varaha manifested himself on the Western
bank and Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara resides on the South bank of ‘Swami
Pushkarini’.
H) Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

This temple is in the opposite side of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala. This
temple enjoys a great privilege. The Lord Hanuman, main deity of the temple is seen
Handcuffed, interestingly. Puranas, have a lot of history behind this handcuff. It is believed
that the mother of Lord Hanuman, Anjana Devi (there is a mountain named as Anjanadri also
in the seven Hills of Tirumala) has handcuffed the Hanuman, when he wanted to leave the
place.
There are numerous other temples in and around Tirupati, famous for various reasons.
The main Deities of these temples include the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, Manavala
Mahamuni, Choodikudutha Nachiyar Ammavaru (Andal), Pundarikavalli, Thirumangai
Alwar, Kurath Alwar, Madhurakavi and Ananda Alwar, Chakrathalwar, Sri Partha Sarathi
Swamy, Mudal Alwar, VedanthaDesikar, Nammalwar, Sanjeevaraya swamy, Tirumala etc.,
3.4 Sri Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam, Tirumala - A background note
Tirumala temple is the oldest temple in South India and the presiding diety Lord Sri
Venkateswara (also known as Lord Balaji) is highly revered. The temple is the most visited
temple in India. For the sake of Lord Balaji darshan (to visit the diety), few thousands of
pilgrims travel on foot, every day. The footpath meanders passes through seven hills of
Seshachalam range of mountains and the walking path has all the facilities like good
pavements, lighting facilities throughout day and night (24x7) and has mandapas all along the
way for pilgrims to take a short rest. The temple authorities maintained an excellent Ghat
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road for vehicle transport provided with and continuous bus service to the top of hills for
pilgrims to have divine darshan of Lord Balaji.
The temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara, nestling among the seven sacred hills of
Tirumala, has remained the most important pilgrimage centre for Hindus across the world as
per centuries of written ancient scriptures and unpenned folklore.
Devotees visit the temple round the year for special worship in gratitude to God for
fulfilling their wishes or for placing a request before the Lord. Such requests could be
anything from passing an exam, getting a promotion, bagging a contract for getting elected or
for getting married. It is stongly believed by devotees that their wishes will get fulfill because
of the blessings of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
The Venkateswara Swamy temple gained immense popularity and importance among
Hindu devotees which is evident by the people thronging the temple complex. Even in
ancient times, when travel was arduous and time consuming, devotees came from far places
to visit the temple and usually accompanied by their families. The Hindu way of pilgrimage
visiting holy temples and sacred rivers was one of the main forms of tourism in those days.
Despite the apparent differences in human thought and the priorities in these modern times, it
still remains an important reason for travel within the country.
The Skanda Purana, one of the Mahapuranas of Hinduism, identifies the various
regions Anga, Kosala, Karnataka, Kashi, Gurjara, Chola, Kerala and Pandya from where
devotees used to visit to the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. Historical accounts and
religious texts are rich with references of support given by kings of ancient times who
discovered and revamped the temple in its nascent stage. The temple was richly endowed
because of the patronage and devotion of the rulers of the region, the military leaders of
various kingdoms, and prominent citizens of society. Such generous patronage led to wider
popularity which, in turn, led to higher revenues for the temple administration.
It is a long list of devotees who have served the Lord, worshipped him and supported
the temple. This venerable queue of names (continues even till today and perhaps) will never
end. There is no known sculptor of this idol. The idol is eight feet tall and stands right in the
centre of the sanctum.
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The imposing idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara stands inside the garbha griha or
sanctum directly beneath the three-tier golden dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana.
This exquisitely-wrought idol called as Mulaberam is believed to be self-manifested
according to puranas and itihasas. The idol which is in a standing posture is a magnificent
illustration of a Divya Mangala Murthi as mentioned in sacred texts. He sports a divine smile
and His eyes are in Sama dristi, conveying the eternal message that He does not distinguish
among the devotees who believe in Him.
The dominant Hindu ritualistic thinking is that an idol of God is really only a limited
expression of the one inexpressible Supreme Brahman. The purusha sukta declares that God
has a thousand heads (Sahasra Sirsha Purusha). There is therefore no limit to the many
different varieties or forms used to represent different aspects of that higher infinite which is
ultimately formless. It is to focus, concentrate and lead the devotee's mind, by slow stages to
the realisation of the infinite, that, in many sanctuaries and temples, worship and prayers are
done, through well laid down principles of puja. Puja and temple worship act as powerful
spiritual forces to raise a limited individual slowly to the realisation of the eternal force in
him.
Images of Goddesses are often seen next to the Gods in temples. But the vigraham of
Lord Sri Venkateswara itself depicts the image of the Goddess Sri Devi and Goddess Bhu
Devi on His chest, close to His heart. As Viraraghavacharya states, the Goddesses image,
seen on the chest, is an integral part of the idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
A story in prevalence is that, the chain of the hills represents the Heads of the body of
Serpent King Adisesha, on which Vishnu usually rests. The Puranas says that after ‘Pralaya
Kalpa’ Maha Vishnu rescued the earth and re-established the earth in the revealed form of
‘Swetha Varaha’. He slew the demon Hiranyaksha and resecured the Earth. To protect good
from evil, Venkateswara Swamy established his stay on earth here, according to some
legends. He revealed himself in the corner of Swami Pushkarini. The ‘Swetha Varaha’
(White Boar) is enshrined in the Adi Varahaswamy temple. This temple is older than the
temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
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The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and then Vijayanagara Kings were regular
visitors and used to patronage temple with huge offerings. The Marata General Raghoji
Bhonsle also presented valuable jewels and has instituted a system (permanent administrative
set up) for conduct of worship in this age old temple.
The temple has three enclosures. The first outer enclosure is ‘Sampangi
Pradhikshana’. We can view the ‘Dhwajastambha’ piller with gold plates and ‘Bali Peetham”
is also in this enclosure. The Second enclosure is ‘Vimana Pradakshina’. We can also see the
kitchen, Yagashala and Kalyana Mandapam. The Third enclosure is ‘Vaikunta Pradhishana’
that is opened on Vaikunat Ekadasi day only. The doors leading to ‘Sanctum Sanctorum’
called as ‘Bangaru Vakilli’. The Main Hundi to receive offerings is kept at ‘Ranga
Mandapa’.
3.4.1 Legend of The Temple
A) Fight Between Adisesha And Vayudeva

It is recorded in the ancient scriptures that during the Dwaparayuga, Adiseshu
prevented Vayudeva from entering into the holy abode of Vishnu, when Vayudeva wanted to
pay his respects to the Lord Vishnu. Then a fierce battle took place between them. The
contest has turned furious and the world trembled. The Brahma, Indra and all deities
convinced Adisesha, to let Vayudeva win the battle, for the benefit/welfare of the world.
Then Brahma and others appeased Adisesha. Adisesha metamorphosed into Seshadri Hill
range and himself manifested as Venkatadri, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
Once upon a time, Sages, munis and other great men were performing a Yaga/
Yagnam for the benefit of entire universe. They were skeptical about the fact that who
should be given the fruit of the Yaga. It was decided finally that, saint Bhrigu will deliver the
fruit to the deserving one. So, the saint set to Satyaloka and Kailasa. He decided not to offer
the fruit to either Bramha or Siva. He wanted to give the fruit to Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntam.
B) Bhrigu in Vaikuntham
Sage Brighu went to Lord Vishnu`s abode of Vaikuntham. He found Lord Vishnu
and Lakshmi reclining on Adisesha being unmindful of Brighu`s arrival. Then the sage got
infuriated and has kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest. (Goddess Mahalakshmi resides in this
place, on the chest of Lord Vishnu). Lord Vishnu got up and massaged the sage`s feet to
calm down the Bhrigu Maharshi and Sri Vishnu pierced the third eye, in the feet of Bhrigu.
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Bhrigu then realised his mistake and repented for his ego and behavior. But, Goddess Shri
Mahalakshmi was furious over this humiliation and without heeding the entreaties of the
Lord, she left to Karivirapura to perform a deep penance in fury. Lord Vishnu has left
Vaikuntam in search of goddess Lakshmi and then roamed around forests and hills.
C) Manifestation of Lord Venkateswara on Venkatadri

Lord Vishnu was re-incarnated as Srinivasa as son of saint Vakula Devi. Padmavati
was born as daughter to Akasa Raja. Srinivasa (Lord Vishnu) wanted to marry her, and has
expressed his desire to his mother Vakula Devi.
Vakula Devi has approached Akasa Raja with a marriage proposal between Lord
Srinivasa and Padmavathi. Once, Padmavathi has fallen ill, Lord Srinivasa in the guise of
lady fortune-teller entered the city and revealed about previous birth of Padmavathi and the
secret of her birth with a cause of marriage of Lord Vishnu in his present avatar as Lord
Srinivasa. The Lord obtained huge loan from Kubera to meet the expenses of grand wedding
of the Lord of Universe.
D) Lord Srinivasa Turns to Lord Sri Venkateswara
After the marriage, the Goddess Lakshmi, (who has left the Lord Vishnu, when sage
Bhrigu kicked on the Vishnu chest- the dwelling place of Lakshmi) came to see the Lord in
disbelief. Both his two spouses encountered together about Lord`s re-marriage, then the Lord
turned himself into a Granite Statue. The Lord Shiva and Brahma appeared and explained the
purpose behind this avatar, to the two spouses of Lord Vishnu. It is the Lord`s desire to be on
the holy seven hills for the emancipation of mankind from the perpetual trials and tribulations
of Kaliyuga. Later Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi turned into stone idols expressing their
wish to be with the Lord Sri Venkateswara eternally. Goddess Lakshmi stayed at left side
and Goddess Padmavathi on the right side of the chest of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
3.5 Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust

3.5.1 About the trust
TTD is a trust, authorised by the state Government to administer the temple of Lor Sri
Venkateswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam, at Tirumala. The trust manages the operations and
finances of one of the most famous religious centers.
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The Venkateswara Swamy temple has been visited by pilgrims since many centuries.
In the year 1932, the Temple was handed over to TTD. The trust has come into existance in
1932 because of the enactment of the TTD Act. Thus, for the first time, Government has
taken control, through the appointment of a commissioner. The administration of temple will
be the responsibility of a committee, while there will be two advisory councils (comprising of
priests, and farmers). All the activities of the trust will be overseen by the Government
appointed Commissioner.
After the country attained independence, and formation of the Andhra Pradesh as a
separate state, The Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institution and
Endowments Act (1969), was passed. This Act, through the sections 85 to 91, has increased
the scope and responsibilities of TTD. It is envisaged that Hindu Dharma shall be propogated
and promoted through TTD. The Endowments Act of 1987, futher made changes to the
existing Act. In 2006 also, the Endowments Act was modified, and the role of TTD has got
slight changes.
As on date, the TTD Trust maintains and manages 42 temples around the world,
though its prime function is the administration of Sri Venkateswara swamy Temple in
Tirumala. Out of these 42 temples, 6 temples were constructed by TTD in different states of
India, and one is outside the country. It is interesting to know that the 'Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams Andhra Ashram' (name of the temple) which is one of the six newly
constructed temples, is in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The other locations include the capital
cities in the states of New Delhi, Telengana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Haryana. The list of
temples maintained by TTD is given in Annexure-IV. Thus, TTD is a conglomeration of
temples brought under one umbrella as per the provisions of the Endowment Act.
TTD is administered by a board, (and board members called trustees) appointed by

Andhra Pradesh Government. There is a long list of officers, appointed by the Government to
ensure that the day to day administration is properly carried out. The head of the
administrative set up is the Executive Officer (EO), who is a senior IAS (Indian
Administrative Service) officer usually not below the cadre of Collector. The EO is assisted
by two JEOs (Joint Executive Officers, who are also usually IAS Officers, not below the
cadre of Joint Collector Cadre) and there shall be a Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (IPS
Officer, Superintendent of Police cadre). Thus, at least 4 All India Service Officers are
employed in the trust.
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There are other officers to manage different wings of administration. The most
important amongst them are Welfare Officer, Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer,
Public Relations Officer, Educational Officer, Conservator of Forests, Chief Engineer, Law
Officer, Marketing Officer, General Manager of TTD Transport, etc.,
3.5.2 Administrative Setup of TTD
1. The procedure in which the administration of TTD needs to be carried out is clearly given
in the Endowments Act, 1987 (from sections 95 to 131).
2. There shall be a board of trustees, appointed by the state Government. EO is responsible

for the regular administration of temples under TTD. He implements the decisions of the
Board.
3. The executive powers under the Act are vested in the Management Committee (if
constituted) and the EO.
4. EO has a good establishment/ administrative hierarchy in the form of two Joint Executive
Officers, a Chief Engineer, some Deputy Executive Officers and numerous other officers.
The Management Committee or the EO can delegate work to these officers to ensure the
smooth functioning of the Board.
3.5.2.1 Powers and Functions of TTD Board and EO

The Board takes care of all the policy matters with regard to administration of TTD.
The aim of the board is to provide better spiritual experience to pilgrims, by providing
services and amenities. The safety and welfare measures are upgraded from time to time.
EO's powers and functions are as follows.
1. The Executive Officer (EO) has the general powers to administer the day to day activities.
He is responsible for proper maintenance and custody of the records and properties of
TTD.
2. EO ensures the proper collection of the offerings made in various temples under TTD.
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3. EO can get the requisite work done by any officer, whom he deems fit. For that, EO can
delegate some of his powers to the JEOs or Special Grade Deputy Executive Officer or to
such other officer of the TTD.
4. EO may, in case of emergencies direct the immediate execution of any work which is not
provided for in the budget for the year which in his opinion is necessary for the
preservation of properties of TTD, and may also pay those expenses from the funds of
TTD.
5. EO has personnel powers regarding suspension of any office holders of TTD. He fixes the
pays of the personnel too.
6. EO is responsible for the safety and security of pilgrims visiting temples and he has the
power regarding crowd control in terms of regulating the number of pilgrims.
7. EO is expected to preserve the sanctity and upkeep the religious environment at Tirumala.
So, he is empowerd to issue orders regarding the same.
8. There is a long list of powers/ duties/ functions of the EO, mentioned in Rules also. The
aim of all this set up is to ensure satisfactory darshan to the pilgrims visiting Tirumala.
9. TTD has set up HDPP (Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad) as an official and lawful
Dharmic body with an agenda to protect and propagate the Hindu Dharma, keeping in
view the complexity of the Hindu tradition which is based on the Hindu Dharma. The
Government of Andhra Pradesh vide its G.O.Ms.No.107 Revenue (Endowment)
Department dated 3/2/1993 issued orders creating a separate establishment of staff for
running the administration of HDPP. Executive officer has a greater role to play in HDPP
also.
3.5.3 Financial Administration

The Executive Officer is responsible for the financial activity of TTD in general. But
the actual financial activity is controlled, on their behalf, by an officer designated as Financial
Adviser and Chief Accounts Officer (FA & CAO). He maintains all accounts of receipts and
expenditure for every year and is responsible for the upkeep of all financial transactions and
all finance-related records.
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3.5.3.1 Classification of finances
As regards the nature of the finances of the TTD, there are separate heads namely (1)
Capital receipts (2) Revenue receipts (3) Capital Payments (4) Revenue Payments (5)
Revenue acquired by HDPP (6) Expenditure made by HDPP and (7) Expenditure on the
Hindu Dharmic Activities.
A. Capital receipts - The Hundi collections constitute the single largest source of capital
receipts to the TTD. The voluntary offerings made by the pilgrims, have been the
principal source of funds for the development of pilgrim facilities by the TTD. This
elastic source of revenue is the critical determinant of the state of TTD, finances. The
following are the important capital receipts of the TTD.
 Kanukas or Hundi collection

 Sale of gold and silver dollars, etc.
 Donations received for the construction of choultries, cottages, guest houses and other
buildings
B. Revenue Receipts - The revenue receipts include (1) the collections made from the
students regularly in the form of tuition fees, admission fees and fines, (2) teaching grants
received from the State Government, (3) rent recoveries for the quarters occupied by the
employees working in educational institutions and also (4) rents collected from outside
organizations except the Government for the use of the buildings of the TTD educational
institutions for conducting examinations and teaching work.
C. Capital Payments – These are non-recurring because of their permanent nature like
i) Purchase / Creation of Fixed Assets like Engineering on-going Works and other
assets
ii) Educational Institutions including library and library books etc.
iii) Jewellery, Vahanams etc.
iv) Gold purchases from Interest on Gold Deposits, Gold and Silver Dollars etc.
v) Pension Fund Contributions
D. Revenue Payments - The following are the items of revenue payments by TTD being
made regularly and they are of a recurring nature.
1. Purchase of materials
2. Salaries & Wages
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3. Pension, Gratuity & CPS
4. Other benefits to employees
5. Repairs & Maintenance (Engineering Works, Computer, Vehicles and Others) and
Insurance & Taxes
E. HDPP and Expenditure on the Hindu Dharmic Activities-
The main intention behind the formation of Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad is to
promote Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). In this regard the HDPP performs some Hindu
Dharmic activities. For this purpose it incurs expenditure on various activities in every year.
These expenditures are also increasing year after year.
3.5.3.2 Budget of TTD

Budget size of TTD (a copy of TTD budget of one of the years is annexed (as
Annexure-V) for reference) could be understood from the following points. The budget of
TTD for the past five years is as follows:
For the year 2015-16 it is Rs.2,530.10 crores, for the year 2016-17, it is Rs.2,678.07
crores, for the year 2017-18 it is Rs.2,858 crores, for the year 2018-19, it is Rs.2,894 crores
and for 2019-20 it is 3116.25 crores.
It is note-worthy that there is a separate department/ administrative set up for

maintaining all of this. In the Rs.3,116.25 crore budget, the cash offerings by devotees at the
temple 'Hundi' is Rs.1,161.74 crore, while the interest on investments in various banks
fetched nearly Rs.845 crore. Approximately, Rs.100 crore is expected from the sale of hair
offered by devotees.
Lord Sri Venkateswara of TTD received cash of Rs.1,161.74 crore through the Hundi
at Tirumala in 2019; the amount received has increased by 8.9 per cent compared to 2018
when the cash offered in Hundi was Rs.1,066.48 crore.
2,78,90,179 pilgrims had darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara in 2019, as against

2,68,02,047 in 2018. The temple served Annaprasadam to 6,45,73,250 pilgrims in 2019,
compared to 6,08,76,434 during the previous year.
As many as 1,16,61,625 people has got their heads tonsured in 2019 as against
1,12,99,055 in 2018. The occupancy ratio in 2019 was 106 percent with revenue of Rs 83.71
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crore generated through accommodation. It was 99 per cent amounting to 78.68 crore in
2018.
The sound financial principles like accounting and auditing are being followed in
letter and spirit in TTD.
3.6 Progress made by Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple under the aegis of TTD
Following are few statistics concerning the temple, as provided by the Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams, which give a glimpse into the popularity and wealth of the temple.
 Forests and environment protection involving 32,000 hectares with huge red-sandal wood
trees.
 This Temple has the greatest number of devotees in the country; 50,000 to 80,000
devotees visit the temple from across India daily.
 Over 60,000 pilgrims receive free food daily, one of the biggest such schemes in the
country.
 TTD employs 14,000 people who work in 48 departments, the largest organization for a
single temple in the country
 Largest number of employees within a single Temple, 600 on a 24 X 7 basis.
 The temple is the largest single consumer of flowers in the country, 380 tonnes per
annum.
 The TTD maintains gardens of an area of about 100 hectares around Tirumala temple.
 A work force of 3,000 is employed for maintenance of sanitation and cleaning.
 The temple has one of the largest accommodation facilities. There are nearly 7500
different establishments like rooms, cottages and choultries to provide the boarding and
lodging for more than 60,000 persons per day.
 The temple complex is one of the largest consumers of fresh and clean water
approximately 38 MG LPD (Million Gallons of Liters per Day).
 The temple is the single largest consumer of ghee or clarified butter, 1800 tonnes per
annum.
 The temple is the single largest consumer of electricity which is around two crore units
per an average month.
 This temple is also the largest user of solar generated steam in the country for preparation
of food and prasadams using 2.2 tonnes of steam per hour.
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 The temple supports and maintains 26 educational institutions, 3 universities, and 10
medical institutions.
Besides the above facts, the temple is pioneer in many areas. The following is the list
of some of them.
 This temple is the first temple in adaptation of Information and Technology, extensively
for providing various services to devotees. Information Communication Technology is
used to manage a call centre, online booking of accommodation, Darshan tickets, Seva
tickets, Hundi, and also transport.
 India's first Oriental College set up in 1884 for teaching Sanskrit in this place.
 The nation's first ever School for traditional architecture and sculpture with the name- 'Sri
Venkateswara Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture' was started here.
 India's first Music College was established here in 1959. To ensure that the poor and
handicapped people are benefited the nation's first free artificial limbs fitting Centre was
established in 1981 in this place.
 The philanthrophic activities of the temple and trust have seen new heights with the
establishment of home for beggars, leprosy home for the leprosy patients and bala mandir
for destitude and homeless children. These homes provide beds, meals, medicare, and
clothes for beggars, care the children and support leprosy patients with free medicare,
service and maintenance.
3.6.1 TTD and Information Technology enabled services (ITes)

TTD has successful stories of implementing ITes. The following are few of them
a) E-darshan biometrics based system; On-line service- Queue management
b) On-line booking of services through internet like the e-Seva, e-Hundi, e-Accommodation
etc.,
c) TTDs' official web portal: www.tutirumala.org / www.tirupati.org
d) SMS based service on availability status of darshan, arjitha sevas
e) Accommodation reservation and accommodation allotment completely using the
Information Communication Technology Systems.
f) Reservation system for different kind of sevas.
g) Ticket Automatic Printing & Accounting System (TAPAS), for general and special
darshan
h) On-line Revenue Collection System
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i) Tonsure Token Issuing System
j) Centralized Payroll System, pension monitoring system
k) Toll fee collection through automatic arrangements.
3.6.2 Pilgrim Services

Ensuring the best experience to pilgrims while they wait for darshan is an important
task to TTD. Every day, around 60,000 pilgrims visit the Tirumala Temple. It is not very
easy to engage the pilgrims while they wait for their turn. Though the temple is open for
about 18 hours a day, on an average, pilgrims get only a moment time to have the darshan of
the Lor Venkateswara diety in santum sanctorum. So, pilgrims need to be served in all
possible ways. The following are the services provided by TTD.
3.6.2.1. Darshan
A) Sarvadarshanam:
Sarvadarshanam is an efficient Queue system of free darshanam initiated by TTD, in
which the pilgrims wait in queue or waiting rooms designated for this purpose to catch the
glimpse of Lord Sri Venkateswara. The Sarvadarsanam facility is open for 20 hours during
peak festive days and 18 hours in normal days. The following facilities are provided to the
pilgrims in Queue Complex.
 Annaprasadam, Milk, Coffee & Tea provided for waiting pilgrims at free of cost.
 Free Medical facility, hygienic Toilets and RO filter water and devotional vide and audio
programmes provided in Queue complex to the waiting pilgrims.
B) Quick Darshan / Special Darshan (Seeghra Darshan)

Special Darshan is meant for quick Darshan. Pilgrims can book their Darshan slot 3
hours before of the Current day. Internet booking, e-Darshan centres and Post offices are
available to book advance booking for Seeghra Darshan (Darshan in a shortest time possible).
C) Darshan for pilgrims who come through foot-path route (Divya Darshan)
Pilgrims reach Tirumala temple from Alipiri where the footpath route start to visit the
deity Lord Sri Venkateswara. There are many facilities provided to footpath route pilgrims,
which include free bus connectivity from various points like the Railway Station to the
starting point of footpath route, free luggage centres for baggage and free darshan,
accommodation, meals and tonsuring of hair for footpath pilgrims.
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D) Free Darshan for Physically Disabled & Aged Pilgrims
Every day Physically Disabled and Senior Citizens can avail this special Darshan
through a separate gate at South Mada Street. They are allowed in two different time slots on
showing their relevant Age Proof/Medical Certificate for making free darshan.
3.6.2.2- Sevas
Sevas are nothing but various kinds of pujas performed to the diety. It is the way in
which the Lord is worshipped. Numerous sevas are performed in the temple. There are daily
sevas, weekly sevas, yearly sevas, etc., they are briefly described here to emphasise the point
that all these sevas increase the holiness of the place, and the spiritual quotient is enhanced
for the pilgrims. There are strict rules and regulations in which these sevas are performed.
Specified code of conduct need to be maintained even by the pilgrims in the temple premises
(which is elaborated later in this chapter). The different kinds of sevas are given below.
A) Arjitha Seva
Arjitham means payment of fee for seva. Temple authorities fixed a payment of fee
for Darshan or Seva.
Vaikhanasa Agama gives detail on ritual performance both in temple and home. It
decides the science of rituals. This was written by four disciples of Saga Vaikhanasa i.e.,
Mareechi, Bhrigu, Khasyapa and Atri to spread Vaikhanasa Agama to the world. The Sevas
or festivals that are performed at Venkateswara Swamy Temple are as suggested in the
Vaikhanasa Agama; The Vaikhanasa recommends Six times Puja per a day. TTD performs
Arjitha Sevas as divine exercise to the holy deity and Grihastas are the partners of service.
B) Daily Sevas
Every Day Arjitha Sevas (paid services) are performed to Lord Sri Venkateswara
Swamy. These are Suprabhata Seva, Thomala Seva, Archana Seva and Ekanthaseva. Some
Arjitha Sevas also performed to the Processional Deity “Sri Malayappa Swamy” at Tirumala.
Daily sevas include Suprabhata seva, Archana, Tomala seva and Ekanta Seva.
B1) Suprabhata Seva

Suprabhatam or Suprabhata Seva is the foremost and first seva perfomed at Tirumala
temple. This is performed to wake up Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy by chanting of Vedic
hymns in front of deity at Bangaru Vakili and at the same time with the songs penned by
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Annamacharya at first corridor. It consists of Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapti and
Mangalasasanam.
B2) Archana
Archana is the recital of different names of the Lord. It is known as
“Sahashranamarchana” the recitation of 1,008 glorious names of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
B3) Thomala Seva

This seva assumes with flower decoration of ‘Mula Virat’ with colorful flowers and
garlands. Sometimes the garlands are made of Tulasi also. The rhythmic beat of Jeganta (bell)
is used in this seva.
B4) Ekanta Seva

The Ekanta Seva is the ritual, while no one is present in premises of Lord Sri
Venkateswara and the seva is the last among all daily sevas. The Silver image of deity is
seated in ‘Sayana Mandapam’ and Lord was kept to Celestial sleep with Lullabies of Saint
poet Sri Annamacharya.
C) Weekly Sevas
Every day in the week is like a festive occasion in the temple. On each of the week
days, a specific ritual is performed, where Venkateswara swamy is decorated in different
attires, and the darshan is given to pilgrims in these different attires.
C1) Vishesha Puja (Ritual on Mondays)

Vishesha Puja became as Arjitha Seva Puja and is celebrated on every Monday. The
Ustava murthis (idols) are worshipped as they will be brought to Mandapa.
C2) Ashtadala- Pada Padmaaradhana (performed on Tuesdays)

This ritual introduced from 1984, when a Muslim devotee offered 108 Gold Lotuses
to the Lord Sri Venkateswara. This puja starts with recitation of 108 divine names of Lord.
C3) Sahasra Kalasabhishekam (celebrated on Wednesdays)

The Silver replica of diety or the Mula Virat, called the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy, is
worshipped on Wednesdays in the Temple. The silver idol representing the Mula Virat (main
diety) is brought outside and it is connected with a thin Silk rope with the Mula Virat. One
end is tied with the silver idol and other end is placed near the Kathihasta of Mula Virat. This
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signifies that the Pooja offered to Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy is same as the Pooja offered to
Mula Virat. Thirumanjana Abhisekham is offered to Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy with his two
consorts and Viswaksena, with the Holy water of 1008 Kalasas and 8 Parivara vessels. At the
end, the water of Golden vessel brought by one Archaka is offered to the Mula Virat inside
the temple.
C4) Tiruppavada Seva (held on Thursdays)

On every Thursday, after the regular morning puja, all ornaments and flowers are
removed, which are used to decorate the deity, normally. The Mula Virat is draped in Dhoti
and Uttareeyam. Because of this, everyone can see the Netra Darshan- the divine eyes of the
main idol. In all other days the namam covers almost half of the eyes of the diety. It is
performed in front of Bangaru Vakili and Annakutotsavam is performed on this occasion. In
a golden vessel large quantity of ‘Pulihora-tamarind rice’, sweets and other delicious
offerings are kept as naivedyam to Venkateswara Swamy.
A small Thirumanjanam remains with the Mula Virat to cover the space between eye
brows. The ‘Pulihora’ acts as a Veil (paavada) for protecting devotees from powerful Gaze
of Mula Virat.
C5) Abhishekam (performed on Fridays)

The ancient Srivari Abhishekam is performed in privacy in the hill shrine of Lord on
every Friday after Suprabhatam, Thomala and Archana Sevas. The Akasa Ganga theertham,
Milk, Chandanam, Pachcha Karpooram, Saffron Paste, Civet oil etc., water is used for this
Seva. Abhishekam is later performed to the Goddesses with turmeric.
D) Annual / Periodical Sevas

D1) Teppotsavam
Teppotsavam is a five day festival celebrated in Swami Vari Pushkarini every year in
"Chaitra" month. Pooja is offered to the Lord while Swamy take a ride on boat in the water
tank (Pushkarini). The Utsava Murtis are taken out for pleasure ride on the decorated float.
D2) Vasanthostavam
This Annual festival is performed three days in the month of Chaitra in the mark of
Spring season. Aromatic bath is performed (given to) to the diety in Vasanthostavam. Punya
Vachanam, Vaasthu Santhi and Samprokshana rituals are performed by the temple priests.
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The Malayappa Swami and his consorts were brought to Vasantha Mandapam and Swapana
Tirumanjanam is performed on first two days. On the last day, all Utsava Murthies are
brought to Vasantha Mandapam.
D3) Koil Alwar Thrumanjanam

The ceremony is held mainly at the Sanctum Sanctorum. The entire Garbha Gruham,
Floors and ceilings and Pooja articles are cleaned with water and Thirumanjanam. The main
aim of this ceremony is to purify the premises.
D4) Pavithrotsavam
The temple authorities celebrate Pavithrotsavam-the purification festival every year in
the month of Sravana. The priests seek pardon of Lord for all their omissions committed by
them in performing the rituals throughout the year. On the first day, celestial bath to the
processional deities is performed. On the Second day, special pooja performed to Pavithralu-
sanctified Silk woven holy threads and on Third day Homam performed after Celestial Bath
procession.
D5) Pushpa Yagam

The Pushpa Yagam is performed on the day of Sravanam Star in the Karthika month,
which is the Birth star of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Sri Malayappa Swami with his
consorts are worshipped with tonnes of different flowers. It is said to be performed to see
that natural calamities doesn't occur.
D6) Abhideyaka Abhishekam

The festival is performed in the month of Jyestha. To protect the Ustsava Deities
from damage, while conducting ritual procedures and holy bath during festive occasions this
Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam is usually performed. The Lord and his consorts are adorned
each day with Vajra Kavacham, Muthyala Kavacham and Suvarna Kavacham.
D7) Padmavathi Parinayam

This is three days Celestial wedding festival of Lord performed every year in the
month of Vaishaka. Sri Malayappa Swami- seated inside the Parinaya Mandapam and his
consorts seated on the opposite side. On this festive occasion ‘Edurukolu’ and ‘Vastraa
Dharanam’ are conducted as per Hindu Marriage tradition.
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D8) Pushpa Pallaki
The Lord is taken out as a procession in Floral Palanquin at Four Mada Streets in the
evening time, in Tirumala, on some specified day.
3.6.2.3: Pilgrim Accommodation at Tirupati

Pilgrims are provided with the nominal rate paid accommodation and free Guest
Houses, Choultris and Satrams at Tirupati. During week days and festive seasons, pilgrims
stay at Tirupati and go to Tirumala as per their allotted darshan time schedule.
Accommodation at Tirumala
Around 50,000 – 60,000 pilgrims can be accommodated daily at Tirumala with a
different tariff range from free to 6000 Rupees. Four Pilgrim Amenities Complexes are
located in Tirumala out of which two for pilgrims and one for female Srivari Seva Volunteers
and one for Baggage Centre purpose.
3.6.2.4. Medical Facilities

TTD runs several hospitals and Dispensaries at Tirupati and various places including
Tirumala for the pilgrims and also for its employees and local people. In these centres 24/7
hours medical assistance is provided to pilgrims. TTD leaves no stone unturned to see that
contagious diseases are not spread in the temple town. The canteens run by TTD and private
people provide good hygienic quality food and TTD continuously monitors the quality of
food.
3.6.2.5. Facilities to Pilgrims

TTD is involved in every activity right from accommodation and provide healthy food
for pilgrims at free of cost. Pilgrims need not spend a single rupee at Tirumala for basic
facilities. Free facilities are provided in Tirupati and Tirumala. They include meals, bus
connectivity, Transportation of Luggage and Baggage for footpath route piligrims, etc.,
Piligrims are given free medical aid and emergency patients will be sent to Ruia, SVIMS or
BIRRD Hospital. Tonsure at Kalyankatta is provided to pilgrims at free of cost. Luggage and
Shoe keeping Centres facilities are present round the clock. Apart from this, the following
facilities are available.
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A) Laddu Prasadam
The famous mouth-watering Laddu Prasadam given to Devotees after Darshan has
become a religious obligation to share prasadam to their neighbours, friends after Darshan of
Lord Sri Venkateswara. Tirupati Laddu was registered for a Geographical Indication Tag
under foodstuff category to prevent the Laddu black marketing. Laddu Potu lies inside the
Sampangi Pradakshinam to prepare Tirupati Laddus. The potu is equipped with 03 conveyor
belts to carry the ingrediants of Laddus and to carry the finished Laddus to selling counters.
Laddu potu equipped with a capacity of making 8,00,000 Laddus per day. This ladu is
prepared at Potu- ‘The special temple kitchen’ run by special hereditary Archakas. 200 cooks
work to make laddu at Laddu Potu. The size of Laddu varies according to various conditions.
The various Laddus available are as follows.
(i) Proktham Laddu

This small size Laddus prepared regularly weighing 175 gms and are distributed to all
pilgrims visiting the temple.
(ii) Asthanam Laddu

The large size Laddu weighing 750 gms is prepared with more ingredients on Special
Festive occasions.
(iii) Kalyanotsavam Laddu

The Laddus are distributed to Kalyanotsavam and for a few Arjitha Seva participants.
These are prepared in very few numbers.
TTD is resorting to some drastic changes in Laddu distribution system. Every

devotee will get 4 Laddus at 45 counters in Laddu Complex. Sarva Darshnam and Divya
Darshanam pilgrims will get 2 Laddus. The prasada seva allow the enrolled devotees to sell
laddus to the pilgrims at Laddu counters. This seva is purely on voluntary basis and the
people taking up services are called as “Laddu Prasada Sevakulu”.
B) Anna Prasadam- Inexhaustible food service programme of TTD

Annadanam is Mahadanam as per our Hindu Sanathana Dharma “No better puja or
ritual other than feeding a hungry people” and it is a part of Indian tradition. Lord Krishna
explains the importance of serving food to the living creatures across the world. TTD started
distribution of free food in the name of Annaprasadam. The great Saint poetess Matrusri
Traigonda Vengamamba pioneered the Annadanam and served food for ten days to the
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pilgrims, who visit Tirumala during every Narasimha Jayanthi. Seeing her charity some
devotees gave “Dana Patras” to continue her Annadana vitarana till her last breath.
Following her legacy, TTD has started the Annadana Scheme in 1985 with 2,000 pilgrims,
but today more than 60,000 pilgrims are relishing the “Annaprasdam” of Lord Sri
Venkateswara. Annaprasadam underwent many changes and also delicious quality of food
items and menu are being served to the multitude of increased Pilgrim crowd. A massive 33
crore worth Annaprasada complex with a seating capacity to feed 4000 devotees at one
stretch was inaugurated by the then Hon`ble President Smt. Prathibha Patel in the area, in
honour of Saint Poetess Mathrusri Vengamamba, where her thatched roof hut area existed.
Every day 750 Srivari Seva Volunteers are deputed to serve the Annaprasadam to the
devotees. The volunteers are sanctifying their lives in the pilgrim service and around 2.5
lakh Sevakulu are blessed for their impeccable free services of Annaprasadam.
Annaprasadam Trust is considered to be one of the best with around 3,95,438 donors
among the nine trusts run by TTD. The Trust holds Rs.850 Crore fund and the interest
amount is used to serve food to the 1.75 Crore pilgrims with an annual expenditure of Rs.80
Crore. Every day 13 tonnes of rice and 6 tonnes of vegetable are being utilized to prepare
Annaprasadam. TTD procures the rice and vegetables from the donors of the different states.
Free food Annadanam services also provided to Pilgrims by TTD during special occasions
like Godavari and Krishna Pushkarams etc.
C) Facilities To Foot Path Pilgrims

TTD provides facilities to the devotees, who wants to climb the hills to fulfill their
Vow of coming by walk to have darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara and they will climb
Sopanamargas (footpaths) leading to temple in Tirumala. The Sopanamargas starts from
Alipiri called as Alipiri Metlu. The path covers a distance of 11 K.M. with a total of 3550
steps. The footpath pilgrims passes through Four Gopurams on the way and also passes
through Seven Hills of Seshachalam Hills. Bio-metric Centres are established to the Footpath
devotees to facilitate free Darshan, Accommodation and Food facilities.
D) Kalyanakatta
Majority of pilgrims make a Vow to offer their hair after fulfilling their wish. TTD
facilitate Kalyanakatta to the devotees to get their heads tonsured after fulfilling their wish
“as a total surrender” to Lord. Hair is said to be the “Crowning Glory” as beauty enhances
with the hair. Lord Sri Venkateswara is the Kuladaivam in many South Indian families and
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they pray to offer the hair and pierce the ears of their new born babies at Kalyanakatta. There
is an intersesting story behind Tonsuring in Kalyanakatta in Tirumala. Talaneelalu
(contributing hair) to god is the symbol of leaving our ego. When a Shepard hit Lord
Srinivasa some portion of the diety's scalp has turned bald. The Gandharva Princess
Neeladevi noticed the defect of handsome face of the Lord and she immediately cut her hair
and implants her hair on the bald scalp of the Lord Srinivasa. Then the swamy ordered that
the hair offered by pilgrims coming to visit Tirumala shall belong to Neeladevi. The word
“Talaneelalu” come for her name.
E) Kalyanavedika
The devotees, who intend to perform their marriage at Tirumala has to book their
marriage 90 days in advance through TTD Website.
F) Tulabharam
“Tulabharam” is a mode of expressing their gratitude to the Lord in fulfillment of
their prayers. A Devotee can offer his or her own weight of Coins, Rice, Sugar and others
used in Prasadams of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala for fulfillment of their wish. Some
devotees fulfill their Vows with exchange with Rupee Coins and Niluvudopidi of the
ornaments they wear and deposited the same in Srivari Hundi. At present, TTD accepts all
Tulabharam offerings in form of Cash and fixed the rates as per quantity of weight of the
devotee. The process is handled by the banks inside the temple and ‘An amount on par with
money’ collected and deposited in the banks. If any devotee brings coins, he has to deposit
the coins in Srivari Hundi.
3.6.3: Religious activities of TTD - Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP)

Dharma Pracharam means Propaganda of Hindu Dharma / Hindu Religion and is
considered as an important step to promote religious activities amongst the followers of
Hindu religion. According to the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions
& Endowments Act, 1987 and Rules Published in the AP Gazette vide G.O.Ms.No.311,
Revenue (Endowments) 9th April, 1990. HDPP (Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad) is made
a lawful body with the budget provision to fulfill the specific objectives. Hindu Dharma
originated in India, and is based on the ancient texts and Vedas. Hinduism is the term used
now-a-days to represent Hindu Dharma. Hinduism is called Dharma, as it was evolved by
rishis (saints/ sages), from time immemorial and Dharma refers to right way of living, and not
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a set of doctrines. Many scholars/ spiritual scientists opine that "Hinduism" can also be called
as the 'cradle of spirituality' and 'the mother of all religions'. Some of them maintain that
every major religion around the world is influenced by Hinduism. Some scholars firmly
believe that Hinduism has existed even before 10,000 B.C. Because of this, Hinduism needs
to be preserved and promoted. The activity of preservation and propagation of Hindu
religion is taken up by Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh.
As mentioned in the section 112 of the endowment Act, 1987, TTD will establish an
Institution called HDPP and allocate some budget to this institution out of its funds.
Accordingly, TTD has established HDPP.
The main objective/responsibility of HDPP is to promote and preserve Hindu

Dharma, publicizing of Hindu Dharma along with training of Dharmacharyas,
Dharmapracharakas and other employees for the same. HDPP is expected to promote and
preserve Hindu Sanathana Dharma as the official Dharmic activity of TTD.
It is the duty and responsibility of the HDPP to design, plan and strive for protection
of Hinduism from the gross root levels of the society covering all sections of the people in
general and younger generation in particular. Thus, the HDPP is playing a significant role in
the protection, promotion and propagation of Hindu Dharma.
It is observed now-a-days, that many people in India, who are born as Hindus, are
leaving Hinduism and converting to other religions.
According to some scholars, due to some important inherent reasons, some sections of
the Hindus do not believe Hinduism. The reasons include
1) Ancient texts that are regarded as Hindu Scriptures are not believed. That is, some Hindus
don’t have faith in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas etc.
2) Hindu dharma shastras are either misunderstood or misrepresented or misinterpreted. The
sense in which these sastras were explained creates disbelief in some instances.
3) Some of the Hindu dharma followers, (the so-called upper castes) try to dominate in
religious affairs and this causes few people to explore new religions, where propaganda of
equality is done.
4) Some concepts like idol-worship are disbelived.
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It is note-worthy that Hinduism gives complete freedom to its believers to follow their
inherent nature and explore their inner world. It is observed that most of the people in India
do not follow the Hindu Sanatana Dharma. In this background, HDPP is instituted to spread
Sri Venkateswara Bhakti cult to promote Hindu Sanatana Dharma; Originally, TTD has set
up “Hindu Dharma Pratisthanam” in 1969 to meet the objective of Hindu dharma pracharam
and it was renamed as “Dharma Prachara Parishad”, with some minor changes. This was
rejuvenated as Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP) in 2007.
3.6.3.1: Dharma Prachara Parishad (DPP)

To spread Sri Venkateswara Bhakti cult and promote Hindu Sanatana Dharma, TTD
started “Hindu Dharma Pratisthanam” in 1969 which was later renamed as “Dharma Prachara
Parishad”. DPP runs Patasalas, which pays stipend to students along with free boarding and
lodging during their courses. DPP organizes harikathas, puranapravachanams, yagnams,
bhajans at several places as a step of promoting and preserving Hindu Sanatana Dharma.
3.6.3.2: Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP)

In the year 2007, Dharma Prachara Parishad was revived as Hindu Dharma Prachara
Parishad (HDPP), with an agenda to promote and preserve Hindu Sanatana Dharma. HDPP
also produced audio cassettes of thiruppavai through Sri Venkateswara Veda Recording
Project. It also conducts various religious programmes to enhance devotion levels.
HDPP started programmes like celestial wedding of deities replicas all over the
country; kalyanotsavam, managudi – mass temple festival, subhapradam – teaching students
moral values, nada neerajanam – activities with traditional values like dancing, music,
Bhagavadgeetha chanting/explanation etc..
3.6.3.3: Activities of Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad

HDPP has many programs to attract Hindus to understand their religion better. HDPP
tries to see that there is no further loss to the Hindu Dharma, by stopping proselytisations,
discouraging conversions to other religions. The greatness in Hindu dharma is brought out
properly by designing programs like Managudi, Subhapradam, Naada Neerajanam, e.t.c., The
details of the programs taken up by HDPP are as follows.
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A) Managudi
Temples serve as centres for Hindus to express their devotion towards God. Most of
the Hindus need not go to temples very often “is what is understood by many of the followers
of Hinduism”. Due to this, the spiritual connect between God and Disciple is weakened. To
address this cause, a programme called Managudi (which literally means our temple) is being
taken up by HDPP. This is a mass temple festival involving huge participation of Hindus
across the available temples in the country. Managudi programme is conducted in the
months of Shravana & Kaarthika by HDPP. The main aim of the programme is to cultivate
habit of the visiting temples in which inherently the promotion of culture and Hindu Religion
is present.
B) Subhapradam
School and College going students are inculcated moral values by teaching them the
ancient texts of Hinduism. Students of class 10th onwards are encouraged to participate in
these programmes during their holidays / vacations. The aim is to ensure that the future
citizens (students) imbibe efficient value system thereby becoming responsible citizens for
future India.
C) Naada Neerajanam
Dance and Music are used to propagate Bhakti / Devotion amongst the followers of
Hinduism. An open air theatre or a platform is chosen in which the talented artists are invited
to perform so that their art is showcased along with propagation of Hindu Culture.
D) Promotion and Propagation of HDPP Programmes/ Activities to Younger

Generation–Epic Study Examinations and Balabharathi scheme.
It is one of the oldest programmes of HDPP exclusively intended to target the younger
generation with an aim to create awareness and inculcate the devotion and religious ethics
particularly for school going children. This programme was launched in the year 1980 and it
is continued. This scheme covers the students studying, 6th class to 10th class. The students
have been categorised into two groups keeping in view their academic learning ability and
study material. Firstly, this exam is under the title of Dharma Parichaya for 6th and 7th class
students and secondly under the title of Dharma Pravesika for the 9th – 10th class students.
The schedule of the examination along with application forms would be circulated to all the
schools including Government and Private sectors and the study material of these exams are
sent as per the requirement of students registered. Arrangements are being made for the
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collection of answer sheets and their spot evaluation at Tirupati. The top three rankers at the
district and state level are awarded with cash along with Srivari gold dollars (5 grams).
The impact of this programme is fruitful and developed respect and interest among
the students towards the study of puranas and ithihasas and other ancient texts of Hindu
Dharmic literature.
In the Balabharathi scheme, some booklets with stories, characters of the puranas and
itihasas are being published for the purpose of circulation amongst children.
E) Pusthaka Prasadam (Publications)

Publication is one of the most important modes of propagation of Hindu Dharma
since ancient times and it is the best way to make the content available to the general public.
In order to make use of the act of publishing for the protection and propagation of Hindu
Dharma, TTD had set up its own publication wing and printing press. The history of TTD’s
Press goes back to 1933 when Mahant Prayagadas, the Administrator of Tirumala Temple
took one printing press on contract basis in Madras with the name Mahant Press.
Subsequently, with the inception of TTD Board, the name of the Press was changed as TTD
Press. During the Second World War in 1942, the TTD Press was shifted to Tirupati for some
security reasons. TTD Press from that period has been undergoing upgradation at different
phases in the course of time. TTD Press has been playing instrumental role in printing of
books and publicity material for the propagation of Hindu Dharma. The publication wing is
headed by the Chief Editor who is responsible for the publication of books and publicity
material, as a part of Dharma Prachara.
Pusthaka Prasadam is the free-distribution of booklets at free of cost and it is an

important programme of HDPP as a part of dissemination of religious and spiritual
knowledge to different kinds of target people in the society. These booklets contain small
stories / anecdotes extolling the glory of the Lord, various legends, rituals and utsavams
(celebrations) associated with TTD temples. The main intention of this programme is
propagation of Hindu Dharma in general and particularly glorify the philosophy of Lord Sri
Venkateswara in easily understandable format for all sections of the people. HDPP has also
been publishing religious books and booklets through TTD Press relating to Hindu festivals
for distributing them to the devotees and the public in different languages.
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F) Srinivasa Kalyanams (celestial wedding of Venkateswara Swamy)
Srinivasa Kalyanam is the most popular ritual where in it is performed to the
processional deities i.e., Venkateswara Swamy and his consorts Bhudevi/ Sridevi in open
space. It is a kind of unique sacred ritual being performed to the processional deities
according to the method stated in Vaikhanasa Agamam, and it is to be noted that every Hindu
person shows keen interest in witnessing the procedure. This ritual has gained so much
popularity that the weddings in the same manner are now performed by TTD at various
places in the country. There is an exclusive project designed for this purpose and is named as
Kalyanotsavam Project, where in the celestial wedding can be performed even in foreign
nations, besides different states of India.
G) Mangala Kaisika Dwadasi

In order to get the attention of the society to the wonderful service rendered by
Maladasaris (belonging to SC) to Lord Sri Venkateswara narrated in ‘Varaha Puranam’ and
‘Amukta Malyada’ (authored by Sri Krishna Devaraya) the HDPP is conducting Kaisika
Dwadasi celebration every year in selected places across the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
state. This festival is aimed to bring the socially neglected section of people into the main
stream of the Hindu Society.
H) Bhakti Chaitanya Yatra

This programme with the intention of inculcating the seeds of Bhakti and the tenet’s
of Hindu culture, was initiated in the year 2007. Its basic purpose also is to propagate Bhakti
and to show the glories of Lord Sri Venkateswara at the doorsteps of the people in villages
and towns so as to reach the common public. It is a massive participating movement where
the rich and poor, young and old, men and women join together voluntarily and contribute
tremendous awaking of the public involving all groups.
I) Gita Jayanthi
It is conducted every year for the school children who are participating in the
Bhagavad-Gita pathanam. Those who recite the verses with correct pronunciations are
encouraged by awarding prizes in the form of books. Gita is the most important scripture for
the Hindus. Its propagation is very necessary to spread leadership qualities ethical and moral
values among the younger generation. Therefore, Gita pravachanam is to be taken up by the
HDPP on a higher scale.
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J) Other Programmes
In addition to the above activities, HDPP is also performing Padyamdwara
Paramartham, promotion of bhajana mandalis, Yuvalayam, Kala Neerajanam e.t.c., All these
programmes and activities are conducted by HDPP to spread Hinduism and Sanatana
Dharma.
3.6.4: Voluntary Services

Many pilgrims want to serve Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, by becoming a part of
administration. Such devotees are given a chance to serve other pilgrims in the form of
voluntary services. The following are various services available at present to pilgrims.
A. Srivari Seva (Voluntary Service to the Lord of Seven Hills)

Srivari Seva is a free Voluntary Service to the Pilgrims, who come for darshan to
catch the glimpse of Venkateswara Swamy/ diety every day. Srivari seva is derived from the
richness of Hindu Dharma it preaches “Manava Sevaye Madhava Seva” means “Service to
humanity is service to the God”. It is mandatory that Srivari Sevakulu should be from Hindu
religion person and their age is between18-60 years and they should be in good health
condition to serve for longer sessions in Srivari Seva.
B. Srivari Parakamani Seva

TTD is richest religious institution with an annual budget of 2000 crore mark. 1/3 of
its revenue comes from Hundi offerings made by the devotees. TTD has deployed 40
employees to segregate and count the Hundi offerings on daily basis. The Parakamani Seva
is an activity, where counting and accounting of Srivari Hundi offerings made by Pilgrims
made on day-to-day basis.
To speed up the process of Currency counting system at Parakamani TTD invites

professionals in the field dealing with currency notes like Banking & Insurance sector
professional male employee services on Voluntary service basis. The interested persons can
enroll their names through on-line to render their services at both Tirumala and Tirupati as
per requirement.
C. Laddu Prasada Seva

The devotees enrolled for Laddu Prasada Seva can sell the mouth-watering Laddu
prasadam Tokens and collect the requisite money from the Pilgrims. TTD ensures
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transparency in distribution of Laddu prasadam on the lines of Parakamani Seva. The seva is
purely on voluntary basis. Devotees can apply through on-line to enroll for seva.
3.6.5: Activities taken by TTD to promote Indian Culture

The following are the important activities taken up by TTD. The central idea behind
this is to preserve our heritage, so that future generations know much about the country and
its richness in terms of culture.
3.6.5.1: TTD Sculpting Centre for Gods (Idol making)

Temple is a symbol of Hindu culture. The temples are the gateways that influenced
the tradition of Indians, turned the world towards a regulated social life.
The idols of Hindu God and Goddesses are given shape at Idol making units of TTD.
There is an overseas demand of installation of Idols of Hindu deities in the temples across the
globe. To enhance the devotional elixir of Lord Sri Venkateswara and to promote fine arts in
the country, TTD has took up the promotion and production of Hindu idols and supply to the
temples in the country and also to abroad.
It is the single Institute, which promote Indian fine arts and culture and imparting
Sculpture training in the country. The Krishnashila- the Supine rock is suitable for making
Hindu Idols is available at Tamil Nadu State. Around 60 Sculptors are engaged in making of
Hindu Temple Idols. There is a huge demand in India and across the globe for the TTD make
Hindu Idols.
3.6.5.2: Educational Activities

To popularize and propagate Sanskrit and other ancient languages, TTD established
and is maintaining many professional and Oriental Junior and Degree colleges around
Tirupati and runs a Music and Dance college and Veda patasala and Sculpture Training
Centre to impart ancient Indian Arts.
3.6.5.3: Publications
With a view to propogate and promote Hindu Religion and Hindu Dharma. TTD
publishing and translating the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, the Ithihasas, the Epics
and the Sathakas etc., in different Indian Languages.
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3.6.5.4: Research & Projects
A. Sri Venkateswara Recording Project
TTD is deeply involved in propagation of Sri Venkateswara Bhakthi Tatva and Vedic
literature through the music compositions of Alwars, Annamacharya and Karnataka
Haridasas. The project produces Pre-recorded Audio-Vedio cassettes at subsidized rates.
B.Annamacharya Project
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya is a famous music composer in Telugu literature, and is
known for using literature to praise Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. For this, he has
composed 32,000 Keerthanas dedicated to the diety. He is a pioneer saint-music composer in
Telugu language. Annamacharya project aims at propagating and inculcating Madhura Bakthi
and Saranagathi to Lord Sri Venkateswara.
B1. Music Wing

Young artists who are good at vocal and instrumental music have formed into music
troupes to perform music sabhas (concerts) at temples, important pilgrim centres.
Annamacharya keerthans are being rendered daily during Unjal Seva at Tirumala temple;
they are done by enthusiastic, talented and upcoming musicians.
B2. Research & Publication wing

Annamacharya project granting Research fellowships to young Research Graduates,
who pursue their Doctoral programmes on Annamacharya`s life and works. The
compositions of Annamacharya and other Tallapaka poets are published in the publishing
wing of TTD on demand.
C. Dasa Sahitya Project

The Dasa Sahitya Project was launched to popularize the religious literature of
famous Karnataka Saint Haridasas; Haridasas are known for bringing esoteric the Vedas, the
Upanishads and the Puranas in a lyrical form in simple Kannada Language. The Advisory
Board and Experts Committee review the progress and regulate the research, publication and
propagation of Dasa Sahitya.
D. Alwar Divya Prabandha Project

This project is launched to popularize the life and works of 12 Alwars and other
Acharya purushas of Sri Vaishnava culture. The project emphasises on the contributions of
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Sri Ramanuja, who popularise and propagate the 4,000 Tamil hymns called as Nalayira
Divya Prabandham. Sri Ramanuja regularized the several temple procedures and his work is
recited everyday in almost all rituals of the temple.
E. Festivals
Many festivals are celebrated every year. King Sri Krishnadevaraya is the
distinguished ruler of Vijayanagar Empire. He has contributed a lot for promotion of Hindu
Dharma and Srivaishnava Culture through celebration of festivals in the temple. The festivals
like Brahmostavams have their origins in these celebrations.
F. Veda Recording Project

Vedas reflects the ancient culture of India and are a rich source of spiritual wisdom.
Out of about hundred Sakhas a few original Sakhas only survived at present. They are orally
handed down from Guru to Sishya so as to preserve their correct rendering with proper accent
and intonation. The Preceptors, who can render different Sakhas, are gradually dwindling.
There is an exigency for surviving Vedic Sakhas and hence this project of recording of Vedas
was taken up.
G. Sri Venkateswara Recording Project

TTD is focusing the propagation of Venkateswara Swamy devotion cult. As given
earlier, TTD is into music composition of Annamacharya, Alwars and Kannada Haridasas in
the form of pre-recorded Audio-video cassettes and marketing them at subsidized rates, to
bring this to public/devotees.
H. Sri Venkateswara Central Library and Research Centre

This is a house of rare collections of different manuscripts, palm leaves, iconography
on Hindu Philosophy and religion. The unique archival material is preserved in a scientific
method so that the future generation can access them.
3.6.6: Dos and Don`ts

The Pilgrims who visit `Tirumala’ are expected to follow certain rules, (like code of
conduct) to see that the sanctity of the temple remains intact. They are given certain
suggestions in the form of Do's and Don’ts by the temple authorities. They are expected to
follow them. Temple authorities have come up with a list as to what should be done for
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hassle-free darshan and what is not to be done. The list is made known to public/ devotees/
pilgrims through wide publicity, by notifying them in prominent places.
A) The Do`s in Tirumala are as follows

The pilgrims are suggested to bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the Balaji
temple premises. They are requested to concentrate on Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy inside the
Temple, and also to observe silence and chant “Om Namo Venkatesaya” inside the temple. The
temple authorities appeal the pilgrims to respect ancient customs and promote religious sentiments
among co-pilgrims. To ensure complete transperancy in the offerings to the diety, the pilgrims are
cautioned to deposit their offerings in Hundi only. To enhance the spiritual satisfaction, the
pilgrims are suggested to wear tilak as per religious affiliation. The piligrims are advised not to be
in a hurry to complete the darshan, and they are directed to follow the procedures and wait for
their turn for darshan of Lord.
B) Don’ts in Tirumala are as follows

The pilgrims are directed not to use foot wear around the temple premises. The
pilgrims are requested not to approach middle-men or any commission agents for Darshan
and Accommodation. They should either enter through divya darshan route or reserve their
darshan timings as provided in the online darshan allotment system. Pilgrims making the
Sastanga Danda Pranamam inside the temple will be disturbing the other pilgrims and hence,
the pilgrims are appealed not to resort to this kind of acts. To keep the sanctity of the temple
and its prasadam, pilgrims are directed not to throw away Prasadam and Thirtham. Pilgrims
are appealed not to eat non-vegetarian food or consume liquor and smoke in Tirumala. They
are directed not to commit any violence or harshness in the temple.
3.7 Highlights of Andhra Pradesh Temple Administration System and TTD

The following are the important points in the management of Hindu temples by TTD.
The scope and extent of work done by TTD is known by observing these points.
1) TTD is a government in miniature with different departments and institutions, some

contributing to income and some demanding expenditure. On the basis of the nature and
functions, these departments and institutions are classified as follows:
A) Temples
B) Service Departments relating to (a) Temples & (b) Pilgrims
C) Engineering Department and
D) Educational Institutions.
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2) TTD has 8,000 permanent employees on its rolls, and has nearly 15,000 contract workers.
3) There are two things that come to mind immediately when one thinks of Tirumala and
Lord Sri Venkateswara. First, the famous laddu and the Lord's fabulous earning and
wealth. Devotees line up before His hundi inside the temple to donate Him, their offerings
ranging from cash and Bid, to clothes and even property such as land and buildings, in
return, He sends them back with his blessings.
4) Puja and temple worship act as powerful spiritual forces to raise a limited individual
slowly to the realization of the GODHEAD that is in him. There is a belief that puja or
daily worship if done according to the prescribed agamic rules is conducive to cultivating
a higher spiritual yearning, which is like coming out from confinement of the room into
the glory of the suns full rays. This idea of Puja and temple worship and its importance is
popularised by TTD in all possible ways.
5) The worship in Tirumala temple is done strictly according to Vedic texts, following age
old traditions. TTD does the puja/ offerings following the Vaikhanasa agama/ Pancharatra
agama.
6) On a normal day, nearly 60,000 pilgrims come to the temple at Tirumala. On weekends,
this goes up to over 80,000 and on special days such as Vaikunta Ekadasi and Garuda
Seva, the count can zoom up to as many as 2,00,000 people.
7) There is a special enclosure called the "PARAKAMANI", where the Hundi offerings are
sorted out and cash (notes) and coins are counted.
8) Devotees drop land and property deeds in the Hundi as their offering to the Lord. TTD
manages all these properties.
9) The rich temple manages its finances, by its own administrative set-up, which is well laid.
When we look at the various sources of the income of the Lord and His assets, it is known
that the TTD owned 8.637 tonnes of gold, all of it offered by devotees in the Hundi. His
gold holdings amount to almost 2% of the sovereign gold holdings of India.
10) TTD used to auction the gold donated by devotees in the hundi and park the money in
banks as fixed deposits after accounting for expenses of administering the temple. This
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practice was changed a decade ago when the temple body started accumulating the gold.
Thanks to the change, TTD now holds 8.637 tonnes of gold (as of March 31, 2019).
11) The Reserve Bank of India, custodian of the country's reserves, holds 566 tonnes of gold,
which means that TTD's gold reserves are close to 2 per cent of India's sovereign gold
holdings!
12) TTD holds its gold as deposits with banks, mainly State Bank of India (SBI). Currently,
these deposits earn an interest of between 1.25 to 2.5% per annum, which is also
converted to gold and added to the original deposit.
13) As many as 3.26 lakh laddus are produced daily and an average of 2.42 lakhs are sold
daily in the temple. In addition, 64,000 laddus are given away free to special entry
darshan ticket holders, arjitha seva and divyadarshan (free darshan for those walking up
the footpath) pilgrims.
14) With regard to the famed laddu prasadam, at present TTD is able to produce 3-3.5 lakh
laddus every day. TTD has reached a point where the production and demand are equal.
There is a clear raise in demand for future.
15) It is for this reason that the TTD has decided to construct an additional boondi making
kitchen. On completion, shall push up the laddu production to about 10 lakh laddus a day.
16) While the increase is due to higher volumes of laddus sold, some part of it is also due to
the revenues from laddus sold outside the temple in metros such as Chennai, Delhi and
Mumbai by the TTD. These laddus are priced at 50 rupees each.
17) The cost of producing each laddu is 35rupees though the TTD sells them for between 10
and 25 to devotees coming through free darshan queue at Tirumala.
18) Darshan receipts, accommodation receipts, proceeds from sale of hair and arjitha seva
receipts from the other sources of income for the TTD.
19) The temple earns revenues of more than Rs.3000 crore per year, through its all income
generating sources. There is an increasing trend in the receipts of temple.
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20) The family which descends from Tirumala Nambi, who lived in the 10th century, still
fetches water for the aradhana of the Lord every morning. This highlights the importance
given to traditions and the following / observance of customs and traditions in the temples
of Andhra Pradesh in general and Tirumala in particular.
21) More than 460 Utsavams are performed at the illustrious temple all round the year. They
are broadly divided into five categories namely - Nityotsavas, Vaarotsavas, Pakshotsavas,
Masotsavas and Samvatsarotsavas.
22) Of all the festivals immense importance is attached to the nine-day annual Brahmotsavam
wherein thousands of devotees flock to witness the daily processions of the Lord on
different vahanas and scores of bhajan troops that go around the temple complex singing
various devotional songs in the praise of the Lord.
23) The Brahmotsavam of Lord Sri Venkateswara has been sung by Thirumazhisaippiran, one
of the earlier Azhwars. His date cannot be fixed later than the seventh century by even the
most conservative estimate. It baffles imagination that even in those days the
Brahmotsavam in the remote hills with difficult accessibility had been so popular. And
this continues even till today.
24) The traditions concerning the temple can be traced back to ancient texts like puranas and
upa-puranas. Ten out of the twelve Alwars have acclaimed the glory of the presiding
deity of the Seven Hills in their Pasurams which are recited inside the temple even to this
day.
25) Scriptures reveal that Tirumala Nambi devoted himself to the service of the Lord and later
on, his nephew none other than Sri Ramanujacharya the great reformer and founder of Sri
Vaishnavism worked out the modules relating to the daily rituals and modes of worship
which is observed at the hill shrine even today.
26) Even though the Acharyas of Advaita, Vishistadvaita and Dwaita have different paths of
worship, Tirumala is the one place where the followers of all the three sections submerge
their differences and sing the glory of the Lord in harmony.
27) TTD pays salaries to its employees to the tune of Rs. 1300 crores per annum. The body
also pays pension to its retired staff and last financial year, this alone accounted for 297
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crore. Pension is paid to all those who were employed until 2004, those who joined post
that are under the National Pension System. TTD pays a monthly pension to as many as
5,500 retired employees, and if family pension ia also included, it goes up to about 8,000
retired employees and their surviving spouses.
28) TTD manages to serve free food to 1.4 lakh pilgrims daily and how is it financed is an
interesting story. Nobody should return from Tirumala on an empty stomach after
darshan. That is the guiding spirit of the Nithya Annadanam Scheme rolled out by the
TTD in Tirumala. Started off in a small way in 1985 by serving free food to 2,000
pilgrims daily has now grown to enormous proportions. The Nithya Annadanam Scheme,
now organized under a separate entity called Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust,
caters to 1.56 lakh pilgrims daily in Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanoor, where Goddess
Padmavati's temple is located.
29) About 1.4 lakh people are served free food and milk in Tirumala alone at various
locations starting from the main dining hall at Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba
Annaprasadam Complex where 60,000 pilgrims are served daily. During weekends, this
goes up to 75000 pilgrims.
30) Serving of free food in Matusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex begins
at 9 am with breakfast which is typically uppuma or pongal with chutney. At 10.30 am
the service switches to meals comprising rice, curry, sambar, rasam, chutney, buttermilk
and sweet pongal. This is served till 10.30 pm with a break of an hour from 4-5 pm for
cleaning the hall. Thus food is served throughout the day.
31) Food is also served at the Queue Complex, Amenities Centre -2 and also at gaaligopuram
on the footpath. In the queue complex for instance, service begins at 5 am with milk,
breakfast at 7 am (typically uppuma), sambar bath at 10 am, milk/tea from 1-2 pm,
uppuma again at 4 pm and sambar bath from 7-9 pm. The idea is to ensure that pilgrims
waiting for darshan are kept comfortably fed during the long hours of waiting for darshan.
32) The temple administration has made a phenomenal progress in drastically bringing down
the waiting hours in the darshan of the deity through usage of modern technology.
96
33) Devotees can now choose the time of darshan just on the click of their mouse. The
waiting time taken, on average, is just two hours in both the paid and dharma darshan
formats something that one couldn't have dreamt of even five years ago.
34) Three massive Pilgrim Amenities Complexes (PACs) with locker, tonsuring and free food
and which can accommodate more than 10,000 people at any point of time have also been
constructed for the benefit of common pilgrims.
35) The pristine nature of the Seshachalam ranges, of which Tirumala is a part, needs no
elaboration. The fragile hill ranges, declared a biosphere reserve, house some of the finest
endemic but endangered flora and fauna. The heavy influx of pilgrims to the temple and
the tonnes of garbage left behind by them apparently turns Tirumala into a tiny black spot
in these hills that otherwise stand synonymous with verdancy.
36) Sensing the relentless impact of pilgrims on the environment, the TTD has initiated a
series of measures to undo the damage hitherto caused, to preserve the greenery on the
hills and leave the legendary temple in a cleaner form for posterity.
37) Steps are taken to see that solid and liquid waste is managed in the most laudable manner.
38) Tirupati is declared as Plastic free from 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanthi) 2018 onwards.
Earlier, laddus and other prasadams were given in polythene covers (though the micron
size is acceptable as per the existing Government norms), but now more eco-friendly
measures like usage of paper boxes and Jute bags with aluminum foil – are being used.
Thus, setting an example to all others.
39) As many as 150 electric buses will be used to serve the pilgrims. This will avoid emission
of smoke by diesel run buses, thus making the environment cleaner and restoring the lost
greenery on Tirumala Hills.
40) The Sri Venkateswara Veda Pathasala in Dharmagiri, an institution that imparts education
in the Vedas, traces its origins back to1884, when a group of mahants administering the
Tirumala temple started a pathasala in Nammalwar Sannidhi of Sri Govindarajaswamy
Temple in Tirupati. The pathasala was shifted to the Sampangi Mandapam inside the
Tirumala temple.
97
41) Providing worships in the temples is the main aim of TTD. TTD strives to provide all
possible facilities at Tirumala and Tirupati for pilgrims.
42) TTD has successful stories of implementing Information Technology enabled services
(ITes). Almost all services provided to pilgrims are based on ITes.
43) Propagation of Hindu religion, inculcating devotion among the people is also taken up by
TTD. TTD started an organisation called Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP); the
objective is promotion of ancient Vedas, Hinduism amongst the Hindus.
44) Keeping in view the nature of objects to be fulfilled, a network type of organisation has to
be built right from the grass-root level with the temple as the fundamental unit. “The
district level unit of HDPP as on now, is functioning with the name District Dharma
Prachara Mandali.
45) It is the duty of the Executive Committee of HDPP to inculcate moral values among the
younger generation and also to provide moral and religious instruction.
46) TTD extends financial assistance through HDPP to various Dharmic / Religious
Institutions / Organisations working for protection, promotion and propagation of Hindu
Dharma through activities such as conducting yagas / yagnas with cultural and devotional
aspects duly following a prescribed procedure keeping in view of credibility of applicants
and the nature of activities proposed to be conducted.
47) The main intention and formation of Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad is to promote
Hinduism or the Hindu Sanatana Dharma. In this regard the HDPP incurs expenditure on
various activities in every year. These expenditures are also increasing year after year.
The Hindu Dharmic activities that are completely funded by TTD are as follows:
1. Dharma Prachara Parishad (including Nithya Kalyanam & Kalyanam Project).
2. Subsidy for Vigrahams and Umbrellas.
3. S.V. Bhakthi Channel.
4. S.V. Institute of Higher Vedic Studies.
5.Construction of Sri Ramalayams, Sri Venkateswara Temples in Dalithvadas /

Girijanavadas / Matsyakara Colonies and other villages.
98
6. Annamacharya Project.
7. Taken over Temples Expenditure.
8. Financial Assistance to Hindu Dharmik Activities.
9. Dasa Sahitya Project.
10. Nalayir Divya Prabhanda Project.
11. HH Pedda Jeeyangar Mutt.
12. Alwar Divya Prabandha Project.
13. S.V. Recording Project.
14. HH Chinna Jeeyar Mutt.
15. Purana Ithihasa Project.
16. Vedic Student Deposits.
17. Veturi Prabhakara Vangmaya Project.
18. S.V. Vedic University Grants.
19. Grants to Nookambika Ammavari Temple, Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam.
20. Expenditure on Press and Publication Departments.
21. Vigrahams, Mike sets and Financial Assistance to others etc.
22. Grants & Contributions to TTD Trust Hospitals (SVIMS, BIRRD, SSSN Trust and
Sravanam Project)
48) Apart from administration of temples and dharma pracharam through HDPP, TTD’s
contribution for the propagation of HINDU DHARMA is as follows: -
A) Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam recitation broadcasted through All India Radio, daily.
B) Establishment of Oriental Research Institute (1939) Now in S.V. University campus,

Tirupati.
C) Sri Venkateswara Arts College, Tirupati.
D) S.V. College for Music and Dance, Tirupati.
E) School for Dumb and Deaf children, Tirupati.
99
F) Bulletin of TTD was enhanced to the status as ‘SAPTAGIRI’ monthly Journal. (In
Telugu & English languages).
100

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GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM:

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ANDHRA PRADESH

Sridhar Babu Addanki

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Tourism: A Comparative Study between Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand with

Management is a record of my original research work conducted under the supervision of

Dr. Arunesh Parashar, HOD, Department of Tourism Management, Dev Sanskriti

University Haridwar (Uttarakhand).

committed and sincere for this research work.

Sridhar Babu Addanki

Vishwavidyalaya Gayatrikunj, Shantikunj, Hardwar, in partial fulfilment of the requirement

institution in any other form.

Acknowledgement must be extended to Dr. Pranav Pandya, Chancellor,

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr.Purna Chandra Rao, HoD,

Sridhar Babu Addanki

On study of the existing models of temple functioning at Tirupati and Haridwar, it

The present research study attempted to make a comparative analysis of state of

Sl No. Particulars Page No.

TABLE-6.4.1: Rank of the Constraints Faced by Pilgrims in Haridwar………………….Page No.189

Fig 6.2.1.4: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and

Fig 6.2.1.5: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Haridwar (O.S.H) and

Fig 6.2.2.4: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and

Fig 6.2.2.5: Association between Overall Satisfaction at Tirupati (O.S.T) and

ACA Additional Central Assistance

1.2 Importance of tourism

1.3 Global Tourism Trends

1.3.1 Most-visited countries by International Tourist Arrivals (ITA)

Table 1.3.1: Top countries by International Tourist Arrivals during 2019

1.3.2 International Tourism Receipts (ITR)

1.3.3 International Tourism Expenditure

Table 1.3.3 Top 10 international tourism spenders during 2019

2 USA Americas $ 152 billion 5%

3 Germany Europe $ 93 billion 3%

4 United Kingdom Europe $ 72 billion 6%

5 France Europe $ 52 billion 11 %

7 Russian Federation Europe $ 36 billion 5%

6 Australia Asia and the Pacific $ 36 billion 5%

8 Canada Americas $ 35 billion 5%

9 Republic of Korea Asia and the Pacific $ 32 billion -8 %

10 Italy Europe $ 30 billion 6 %

Source: “International Tourism Highlights 2020 Edition”, UNWTO publications

In respect of domestic tourism, there was a continuous increase in domestic tourist

1.5 Religious Tourism

1.5.1 Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages

1.5.2 Scope of Religious Tourism in Indian context

1.5.3 Need for involvement of Government in promotion of Religious Tourism

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is a state government agency

1.8 The Case of Lord Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati

1.10 Scope of this Study

The study attempts to make a comparative analysis of religious tourism in Andhra

2. To study the association between socio demographic characteristics and overall

4. To make a comparative analysis of Tirupati and Haridwar on satisfaction levels of

5. To offer valuable suggestions based on the observations/conclusions of the study to

6. To discuss the need and significance of setting up of a government managed

1.12 Limitations of this Study

5. The geographical location of Uttarakhand in terms of topography is entirely different

1.13 Organisation of Thesis

• Chapter 4: This Chapter deals about religious tourism in Uttarakhand. The