TTD nets about Rs 5 crore from sri vari hundi alone

Tirumalapati, Oct 4 (UNI) The Sri Vari Hundi collection alone has reached a record of about Rs Five crore in the first three days of the ongoing Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam-2008, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman D K Adikesavulu Naidu said here today.

Addressing a media conference here, the Chairman said an unprecedented five lakh devotees had arrived for 'darshan' of Sri Venkateswara during the last three days and the number was expected to double today, which was being observed as Peritasi Shanivaram in many parts of Tamil Nadu.

Arrangements were made to give free meals to at least two lakh devotees every day in the next 48 hours, he said.

Nearly 6000 security personnel, including 3000 special police force, have been roped in for the Garudotsavam, the main event of the 9-day 'brahmotsavams','' to be held tomorrow night.

''We anticipate a record five lakh people including the locals this year from Tirupati and Chittoor district'' on 'Gardudotsavam','' he said.

TTD Chief vigilance officer Mr Ramana Kumar said that special arrangements were made on the ghat roads. ''We are organising 13 special parking lots for private vehicles and from tomorrow afternoon we will not allow any public taxis inside the Tirumala.

All Vehicles will have to stop at the GNC toll gates and free buses will be run from there to all locations in Tirumala'' he said.

TTD executive officer K V Ramanachary said all arrangement were underway to ensure peaceful and smooth conducting of Garudotsavam festival and appealed that all VIPs should stop following the Garudotsavam to avoid dissatisfaction among the countless devotees''.

Temmple Special officer A V Dharma Reddy said, 'in view of the huge crowds still waiting for darshan and anticipation of larger crowds in the next 48 hours, darshans of VIPS have been cancelled to avoid inconvenience to common pilgrims.

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