In one of the biggest philanthropic initiatives for a temple in India, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has announced a ₹120 crore donation to build a state-of-the-art, fully automated mega kitchen for the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust at Tirumala.
The project, being developed in collaboration with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, aims to significantly enhance the temple's renowned free meal (Anna Prasadam) programme by preparing and serving more than 2 lakh nutritious meals every day, with the capacity to support up to 3 lakh devotees during peak festival seasons.
Latest Update
Following the project announcement and TTD Board approval, planning and implementation activities are progressing for the construction of the advanced Annaprasadam complex. The project forms part of TTD's broader strategy to strengthen pilgrim amenities as the number of visitors to Tirumala continues to increase every year.
Why the Mega Kitchen is Needed
Tirumala is one of the world's busiest pilgrimage destinations.
Every day, the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust provides free meals to lakhs of devotees.
Current average meal distribution:
Regular weekdays: 1.8–1.9 lakh devotees
Weekends and peak days: Around 3 lakh devotees
More than 4.4 crore meals were served during the first five months of 2026 alone.
With pilgrim numbers steadily rising, expanding cooking infrastructure has become essential.
Key Highlights of the Project
Investment
₹120 Crore donation by Reliance Industries
Beneficiary
Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust
Location
Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
Daily Capacity
Over 2 lakh meals
Expandable to 3 lakh meals during festivals
Technology
Fully automated cooking systems
Advanced food preparation equipment
Modern hygiene standards
Efficient meal distribution
A Modern Kitchen with Traditional Values
Although the facility will use cutting-edge automation, the objective remains unchanged:
Maintain purity of Anna Prasadam
Improve food quality
Increase production efficiency
Reduce waiting time
Ensure hygienic preparation
Serve every devotee with dignity
The project blends modern food technology with the centuries-old tradition of Anna Seva, one of the most sacred services offered at Tirumala.
Supported by TTD and Andhra Pradesh Government
The mega kitchen is being developed:
In partnership with TTD
With support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh
Under the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust
The TTD Board formally approved the proposal as part of its infrastructure expansion plans.
Benefits for Devotees
The new kitchen is expected to deliver several advantages:
Faster Meal Service
Automation will significantly reduce cooking and serving time.
Better Hygiene
Modern food-processing equipment will help maintain consistent hygiene standards.
Higher Capacity
The kitchen can comfortably cater to heavy pilgrim rush during:
Brahmotsavam
Vaikunta Ekadasi
New Year
Summer holidays
Weekends
Improved Food Quality
Uniform cooking processes will ensure consistent taste and nutritional quality.
Supporting TTD's Expanding Anna Prasadam Programme
TTD's Annaprasadam programme has grown tremendously since its launch in 1985.
Today it serves:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Tea
Coffee
Milk
across multiple Annaprasadam centres in Tirumala.
Daily operations consume enormous quantities of:
Rice
Vegetables
Milk
Pulses
Ghee
Cooking oil
The new facility will strengthen this massive humanitarian initiative.
Mukesh Ambani's Commitment
During his Tirumala visit, Mukesh Ambani praised TTD's large-scale free meal programme and announced Reliance's support for automating Annaprasadam services.
He stated that the initiative is being undertaken as a humble contribution to serving millions of devotees visiting Lord Venkateswara's sacred shrine.
A Major Boost for Pilgrim Infrastructure
Besides improving food services, the project supports Andhra Pradesh's broader vision of modernizing pilgrim facilities through:
Better infrastructure
Advanced technology
Improved crowd management
Sustainable operations
Enhanced visitor experience
Future Impact
Once operational, the mega kitchen is expected to become one of the largest automated temple kitchens in India.
Its benefits include:
Serving over 2 lakh devotees daily
Improved operational efficiency
Reduced food wastage
Better energy utilization
Faster service during peak seasons
Enhanced food safety standards
The project could also serve as a model for other large pilgrimage centres across the country.
Why This Project Matters
The Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust represents one of the world's largest free community meal programmes.
With pilgrim numbers increasing every year, the Reliance-supported automated kitchen will help ensure that every devotee continues to receive nutritious, hygienically prepared Anna Prasadam without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Reliance donating for the Tirumala mega kitchen?
Reliance Industries has announced a donation of ₹120 crore for the project.
Who will operate the kitchen?
The kitchen will function under the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, managed by TTD.
How many meals can it prepare daily?
The facility is designed to prepare and serve over 2 lakh meals daily, with the capability to support around 3 lakh meals during peak periods.
Why is automation being introduced?
Automation will improve cooking efficiency, hygiene, consistency, and the ability to handle growing pilgrim numbers.
When is the project expected to be completed?
Construction planning and implementation are underway following TTD Board approval. An official commissioning date has not yet been announced.
Conclusion
The proposed ₹120 crore fully automated mega kitchen at Tirumala marks a significant milestone in the modernization of temple services while preserving the timeless tradition of Anna Seva. Through the partnership between Reliance Industries, TTD, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the project will strengthen one of the world's largest free meal programmes by combining advanced technology with devotional service. As Tirumala welcomes millions of pilgrims each year, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to improve efficiency, maintain the highest standards of food quality and hygiene, and ensure that every devotee receives sacred Annaprasadam with care, dignity, and devotion for generations to come.
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