Tirupati: Donations to Sri Venkateswara Gau Samrakshana Trust of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), have crossed ₹250 crore.
Announcing this at the Gau Puja Mahotsavam held at the SV Gau Samrakshanasala in Tirupati on the occasion of Kanuma, TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, emphasised the need to safeguard cows for protecting the Indian culture.
He underlined that TTD has been promoting Gau Puja programmes to bring awareness among younger generations about the significance of holy cows as highlighted in Vedas and Puranas.
Explaining the working of TTD's Tirupati and Palamaner Gaushalas, Karunakar Reddy said together, they shelter around 2,500 cows, bulls, elephants and horses. “These animals are integral to the daily rituals and festivities organised at the famed Tirumala and Tiruchanoor temples, which attract millions of global devotees. Desi cow butter and dairy products of these Gaushalas are part of the worshipping ceremonies on Tirumala hills,” he stated.
The chairman described Gau Puja as an age-old Kanuma tradition that blesses devotees with prosperity, health and peace. “The stupendous support to Sri Venkateswara Gau Samrakshana Trust, with over ₹250 crore donations till today since it started in 2002, underscores people's commitment to cow protection,” he underlined.
Earlier in the day, Bhumana participated in special pujas, including Tulasi Puja, at the ancient Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple as part of the Kanuma celebrations. He personally fed fodder to cows, bulls, horses and elephants at the Gaushala after performing the traditional Gau Puja ceremony. Artists from Annamacharya and Dasa Sahitya projects, apart from students of SV College of Music and Dance present Annamayya Sankeertanas, bhajans and cultural programmes.
