Annadanam

"Annadanam" refers to the act of offering food to others, usually as a form of charity or service. In the context of Lord Venkateswara, Annadanam holds significant importance in Hindu tradition, particularly at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The practice of Annadanam at the Tirumala temple involves providing free meals to devotees who visit the temple. It is considered a divine and selfless service, as it fulfills the basic need for sustenance while fostering a sense of community and equality. The belief is that offering food to others is a sacred act, and those who contribute to Annadanam are believed to receive blessings from the deity.

Devotees and philanthropists often contribute to the Annadanam program by making donations or sponsoring meals. The TTD temple is known for serving millions of free meals to pilgrims each year through its Annadanam initiative.

The practice of Annadanam aligns with the Hindu principle of "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu," which means "May all beings be happy." It emphasizes the importance of compassion, charity, and selfless service in promoting the well-being of all living beings.