No, prices at Tirupati temple have not been reduced by new Andhra Pradesh government

By: Rajeswari Parasa
June 27 2024

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Screenshot of the claim that says Tirumala special darshan and laddu prices have been reduced (Source: X/ Modified by Logically Facts)

What is the claim?

Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) have claimed that the prices for special darshan (viewing of the idol) and 'laddu prasadam' (food offered to god and distributed to devotees) at the renowned Tirupati temple in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh have been reduced.

The claim suggests this change occurred after the newly elected Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-Jana Sena Party (JSP)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government took office. According to viral posts, the special darshan price has supposedly dropped from Rs 300 to Rs 200, and the laddu prasadam price from Rs 50 to Rs 25. Archives of these posts can be found here and here.

However, this claim is false; prices have not been reduced at the temple. Situated in the Tirumala hills, the Tirupati temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji, a revered Hindu deity.

Screenshots of the claims circulating online (Source: X/Modified by Logically Facts)

Here are the facts

Upon checking online for any official announcements from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the body overseeing the temple's administration, no such notices were found on their website.

A news report by the Deccan Chronicle did cite a statement released by TTD refuting the speculation of price reductions as "fake news."

The official statement issued by TTD's Chief Public Relations Officer said, (archived here): “While confirming that there is no change in the price of Rs.300 Special Entry Darshan and Rs.50 Laddu Prasadam of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple, TTD urged devotees not to believe the fake news on social media platforms."

This statement was also shared by TTD on its official X account (archived here). It emphasizes that the ticket prices remain at Rs 300 and the laddu rates remain unchanged and cautions against believing false information on social media.

Screenshot of the post shared by TTDevasthanams (Source:X)

When we checked the official website for the prices, we found that the price for the Special Darshanam (archived here) is Rs 300 per devotee, and as part of this darshan, a single laddu is provided free of charge. Other devotees visiting the temple can purchase a laddu from the prasadam counter for Rs 50 each.

The TTD introduced this special entry darshan, known as Seeghra Darshan, on September 21, 2009, according to the website.

The verdict:

Contrary to social media claims, the prices of special darshan or laddu prasadam at the Tirupati temple in Tirumala have not been adjusted. The TTD has explicitly dismissed these claims as "fake news."