Floral symphony that spreads fragrance, inspires devotion

Nestled atop the sacred hills, the abode of Lord Venkateswara has long been celebrated as a veritable ‘Pushpa Mandapa’, a celestial pavilion of flowers.

Every year, an astonishing 2.60 to 2.70 lakh kg of flowers are offered in devotional service at the Lord Venkateswara temple, underscoring the temple’s grandeur and the scale of its rituals.

Behind this fragrant spectacle stands the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ (TTD) Horticulture Department, the unsung caretaker of the ‘Srivari Pushpa Kainkaryam’.

Since 1991, the department has meticulously progressed and developed lush gardens across 61 acres in Tirumala and Tirupati, in addition to 54 acres of ornamental landscapes and seven acres dedicated exclusively to flower cultivation.

With over 450 festivals and rituals observed annually, the floral demand at the hill temple is colossal. On an average, about 300 kg of flowers are used for ‘nitya sevas’ and other sacred ceremonies inside the temple. The scale shoots up during major occasions such as the annual ‘Pushpayagam Mahotsavam’, held on the auspicious ‘Sravana nakshatra’ in the ‘Kartika’ month, marking the Lord’s birth star. On that single day, nearly 10 tonnes of flowers and sacred leaves spanning 16 to 18 varieties are offered in an awe-inspiring ritual of gratitude.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, the TTD sources flowers from its own gardens, generous donations by devotees and registered farmers’ associations. This apart, exotic blooms are procured from countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, England and the United States for special festivities.

Beyond temple rituals, donor support has transformed Tirumala’s public spaces into verdant sanctuaries. Gardens at 20 key locations are maintained with donor backing, complementing 16 others directly overseen by the TTD. Iconic spots such as Geethopadesam Park and Garuda Circle now stand as serene retreats for pilgrims.

Blending devotion with nature’s fragrance, the TTD’s gardens continue to offer a divine visual and spiritual experience to millions of devotees each year.