TTD Plans ‘Divine Plantation’ To Grow Sacred Wood For Dwajasthambhams

Under the initiative, about 100 acres of TTD-managed land will be developed to grow Agama-approved tree species required for Dwajasthambhams, a central and indispensable feature of ancient Hindu temples. The project aims to ensure that sacred timber is home-grown, ritually sanctified and sustainably sourced.

Naidu said the initiative reflects TTD’s future-ready vision under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and its commitment to preserving ancient traditions through environmentally responsible practices.

The Dwajasthambham, positioned along the sacred axis between the Raja Gopuram and the sanctum sanctorum, symbolises the divine connection between heaven and earth. As prescribed in the Agama Shastras, it must be carved from a single, long and straight trunk of a sacred tree, selected through defined ritual and spiritual procedures.

Traditionally used species include teak (Tectona grandis), egisa or Indian kino (Pterocarpus marsupium) and select Terminalia and Shorea species, valued for their strength, durability and straight growth. After decades of nurturing, the tree is ritually consecrated before felling, shaped according to Agamic norms and encased in brass or copper, with gold plating in major temples such as Tirumala.

The hoisting of the Garuda flag on the Dwajasthambham marks the commencement of the annual Navahnika Brahmotsavams, invoking divine blessings.

TTD, which administers over 60 temples across the country and plans to establish more Sri Venkateswara Swamy temples nationwide, said the project will meet both the replacement needs of ageing Dwajasthambhams and future requirements.

With this initiative, TTD will become the first temple institution in India to systematically cultivate sacred trees solely for Dwajasthambham construction, ensuring Agamic purity, spiritual continuity, ecological responsibility and self-reliance for generations.