TIRUMALA, OCTOBER 13, 2026: TTD has discontinued the practice of blessings by temple elephants as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees and the welfare of the elephants.
The decision was announced by TTD SV Goshala Director Sri Sivakumar during the media conference held on Tuesday evening at the Media Centre in Rambhageecha 2.
He said the practice of receiving blessings from elephants has been prohibited following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated for the safe handling and management of elephants.
He appealed to devotees to extend their cooperation by following the prescribed regulations, maintaining a safe distance from the elephants. Clear instructions were also issued to the Mahouts in this regard, he maintained.
The Director of SV Goshala said TTD accords the highest priority to the protection of cows and other animals.
The TTD Goshala regularly supplies milk, curd and butter required for various rituals and services (kainkaryams) in TTD temples.
He added that 15,000 litres of milk are supplied every day to the Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Anna Prasadam Complex in Tirumala.
He said special measures have been initiated for cow protection, with particular emphasis on the health and well-being of the animals.
Sri Sivakumar further stated that dedicated veterinary teams, including a team from Kerala and doctors rendering service under the Srivari Vaidya Seva initiative, making special efforts to ensure comprehensive animal care.
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