If you are going to Tirumala Tirupati for darshan of Lord Venkateswara, one of the best things is the free food service called Annaprasadam (also known as Nithya Annadanam or Vengamamba Annaprasadam). TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) provides pure vegetarian, wholesome meals to all devotees every day – no cost, unlimited, and served with devotion. This helps lakhs of pilgrims who come without worry about food.
This simple guide covers everything: what is Annaprasadam, timings, menu, location in Tirumala, how to get it, and tips. Info is based on official TTD sources and recent updates (as of February 2026). TTD serves around 2-3 lakh meals daily at Tirumala!
What is TTD Annaprasadam?
Annaprasadam is TTD’s free meal program started many years ago under Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust. It follows the idea “Annam Brahma” (food is divine). Meals are sattvic (pure, no onion/garlic in main items), hygienic, and made in large kitchens. It’s available to everyone – rich or poor, after darshan or during wait.
Devotees praise it for being tasty, hot, and served respectfully. It’s one of the biggest free food services in the world!
Annaprasadam Timings in Tirumala (Main Hall)
The main center is open almost all day:
- Breakfast: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Lunch: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (some sources say up to 10:30 PM or later)
There might be a short break between lunch and dinner. On busy days (festivals like Ratha Saptami), it’s extended or food is given in queue lines too. Always check on spot as timings can adjust slightly.
Annaprasadam Menu (Typical Items)
Meals are simple South Indian style, served on plates or banana leaves sometimes:
- Breakfast: Upma, Pongal, Semiya Upma, Idli/Vada (sometimes), Chutney/Pickle
- Lunch/Dinner: Rice, Sambar, Rasam, Curd/Buttermilk, Vegetable curry, Dal/Pappu, Sweet (like Sweet Pongal or payasam occasionally), Papad
- Extras: Recently added items like vadas in dinner (from 2025 updates). Pulihora (tamarind rice) sometimes as prasadam.
Food is unlimited – you can go for seconds! It’s kept simple and healthy for pilgrims.
Price: Completely FREE! No ticket or payment needed. Just join the queue.
Main Location in Tirumala
- Name: Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasada Complex (also called Nitya Annadanam Hall or Vengamamba Hall)
- Where: Near Adi Varaha Swamy Temple (Sri Varaha Swami Temple) or Srivari Koneru. It’s about 300 meters from the main Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
- Easy to reach: Walk from the temple after darshan – follow signs or ask volunteers. It’s in the temple area, close to other spots like Potu (kitchen area).
Other spots: Food packets or drinks sometimes in queue lines during heavy crowds.
In Tirupati town: Free meals at places like Srinivasam Complex, Vishnu Nivasam, or hospitals (smaller scale).
How to Get Annaprasadam
- After darshan or anytime, go to the hall.
- Join the queue (separate lines for men/women/families sometimes).
- Sit in rows, food is served by volunteers.
- Eat peacefully, then leave – no rush.
- Clean your plate and follow rules for hygiene.
Tip: Best time is after darshan when you feel hungry. Carry your own water bottle if needed.
Why Annaprasadam is Special
- Served to 1-3 lakh people daily.
- Run by donations (you can donate to the trust on TTD website if you want).
- Keeps devotees strong during long waits or travel.
- Many say eating it feels like prasadam – divine energy!
Important Notes (2026)
- Always hygienic and hot.
- During festivals (like Ratha Saptami 2026), more counters and special items.
- For latest: Check official TTD website (tirumala.org) or TTD app/social media.
- If in Tirupati, smaller free meals at TTD complexes.
Planning Tirumala trip? Don’t worry about food – Annaprasadam is there for you! Share your experience if you tried it.
Govinda! Om Namo Venkatesaya 🙏
