The Annadana scheme of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs), which was started on April 6, 1985, completes three decades on Monday.
The scheme was started by then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Late N T Rama Rao. However, it was Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba, the great saint poetess who pioneered the concept in 18th century.
As per temple legend, on the divine instructions of Goddess Padamavathi Devi, the then in-charge of Hathiramji Mutt, Mahant Sri Atmaramdasji offered a small thatched hut in the present Rambhageecha gardens to Vengamamba.
The saint poetess used to serve scores of pilgrims who visit Tirumala at her residence for days. Following her legacy, TTD has begun Annadana scheme in 1985. In the initial days, food was being served to just 2,000 pilgrims on a day. But today, it has increased by many folds and on an average every day not less than 60,000 pilgrims are relishing the “Annaprasadam” in the abode of Lord Venkateswara.
Another interesting feature is the mammoth Annaprasadam Complex, which was inaugurated in 2011 on July 7, by the then president Pratibha Patil, was constructed in the area where Tarigonda Vengamamba's thatched roof hut existed.
Hence, the massive Rs 33-crore complex was named in honour of her as “Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex” (MTVAC).
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