Tirumala – TTD Honours 116-Year-Old Devotee After Alipiri Trek
Tirumala – Tirupati temple authorities arranged a special VIP break darshan for 116-year-old Navaneethamma after she completed the challenging Alipiri footpath trek to reach Tirumala for worship at the Sri Venkateswara temple.
Navaneethamma, a resident of Tamil Nadu, drew widespread attention after a video showing her climbing the hill route went viral on social media over the weekend. The elderly devotee covered the Alipiri path, which has around 3,550 steps through the Seshachalam hills, to fulfil her wish of having darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu said the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams made arrangements for Navaneethamma and her family to receive VIP break darshan on Monday.
Temple Officials Welcome Elderly Devotee
At Ranganayakula Mandapam, TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra welcomed Navaneethamma and facilitated Vedic blessings by temple scholars. She was honoured with a silk cloth and presented sacred prasadam by the temple administration.
Ravichandra also paid his respects to the elderly devotee and sought her blessings during the ceremony. The occasion was attended by members of her family, who accompanied her for the temple visit.
Family Expresses Gratitude to TTD
Navaneethamma’s grandson, Dikpati, thanked the TTD authorities and the chairman for making special arrangements for his grandmother. He said the family was grateful that her long-held desire to visit the shrine and receive darshan was fulfilled.
According to the family, the journey to Tirumala was an important spiritual moment for Navaneethamma. Her determination to take the traditional footpath route despite her advanced age became the focus of attention after the video circulated widely online.
Social Media Helps Identify Devotee
B.R. Naidu said support from social media users played a role in helping authorities identify the elderly woman after the video surfaced. He also acknowledged the prompt response of TTD Vigilance officials, who verified her identity and coordinated with the family.
The chairman said the temple administration was pleased to fulfil the devotee’s wish and provide darshan arrangements for her relatives as well. He described the occasion as a source of satisfaction for everyone involved in facilitating the visit.
Chief Minister Praises Her Determination
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had earlier shared the video on social media and expressed admiration for Navaneethamma’s effort. He said her journey showed that age does not limit sincere devotion.
Following the Chief Minister’s post, the TTD chairman announced that the temple body would arrange special darshan for the elderly devotee and her family. He called her determination to reach Tirumala on foot at the age of 116 inspiring.
The Alipiri route remains one of the most widely used pedestrian paths for devotees travelling to Tirumala. Thousands of pilgrims use the route each year as part of their religious journey to the hill shrine. Navaneethamma’s visit has now become a memorable example of faith and perseverance for many devotees.