Chandrababu Naidu awestruck by 116-year-old woman who trekked up to Tirumala temple
Tirupati, July 5
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that he was awestruck by a 116-year-old woman who trekked up to Tirumala on foot to worship at Sri Venkateswara temple.
The Chief Minister posted on social media that age is truly just a number when it comes to pure devotion.
"Absolutely awestruck by this 116-year-old grandmother from Karnataka who trekked all the way up to Tirumala on foot to have the divine darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Wonderful to see her family supporting her lifelong faith. Truly inspiring!" the Chief Minister posted on X.
The woman reached the hill shrine after scaling the Alipiri footpath on foot. The Alipiri trekking route comprises about 3,550 steps cutting through the Seshachalam hills.
The video of the centenarian trekking the Alipiri route has gone viral on social media.
Reacting to this, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman B. R. Naidu on Sunday announced that he will arrange a special darshan of the Lord for her and her family members
"The unwavering devotion of the elderly female devotee who reached Tirumala on foot for the darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy at the age of 116 is truly inspiring," he said.
B. R. Naidu posted on X that he has decided to arrange a special darshan of the Lord for her and her family members.
"If anyone has details about her, please contact the TTD Chairman's camp office in Tirumala directly. I sincerely pray that the blessings of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy remain with her and her family members always," he said.
The TTD chairman later tweeted that, responding to his request, TTD Vigilance officials identified the details of the 116-year-old female devotee.
"She has been identified as Smt. Navaneethamma from Tamil Nadu, currently staying with relatives in Jeevakona, Tirupati. It brings me great joy that Smt. Navaneethamma and her family members will have the privilege of the VIP Break Darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara tomorrow morning," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the devotion, let's also acknowledge how difficult this must have been for her health. Not everyone should attempt such a trek at that age. The real heroes are the family members who supported her. Also, why is TTD giving VIP darshan based on viral videos? Shouldn't it be for all elderly pilgrims who make the effort?
Just goes to show, age is truly just a number when faith is strong. My grandfather used to walk 20 km to the temple every month till he was 90. These stories remind us of our rich spiritual culture. Jai Venkateswara! 🌺
I am from Tirupati and have done this trek many times. It's tough even for young people. For a 116-year-old, this is nothing short of a miracle. But honestly, I wish the government would also focus on basic facilities for elderly pilgrims - rest points, medical help, wheelchairs at some sections. Not everything should be about viral moments.
As someone from the US, I find this deeply humbling. We live in a world where many complain about a 15-minute walk to the grocery store. This grandmother's faith and determination put everything in perspective. TTD's quick response is heartwarming. Blessings to Navaneethamma from across the oceans! 🌏
Touching story, but also a stark reminder that many elderly in our country do not even get basic medical care or family support. This lady is fortunate to have relatives who care for her. What about those who are alone and can't make it
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