In an era dominated by UPI and online banking, a traditional financial service is witnessing a remarkable revival at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites. The humble money order, facilitated by India Post, continues to be the chosen medium for lakhs of devotees of Lord Venkateswara to send their offerings to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
A Steadfast Stream of Devotion and Donations
Official data reveals the enduring significance of this system. In the year 2025 alone, about 1.2 lakh devotees from across the nation contributed a total of Rs 3.1 crore to the temple trust through money orders. TTD executive officer Anil Kumar Singhal highlighted that many of these contributors hail from the remotest corners of India, for whom a physical journey to Tirumala remains a financial challenge.
"They fulfilled their vows by sending their donations through money orders. Some even sent donations of Rs 10," Singhal stated, underscoring the depth of faith that transcends the amount. In return for these heartfelt contributions, TTD dispatches divine blessings in a tangible form.
The Sacred Reciprocation: The Asirvachanam Packet
Each devotee who sends a donation via money order receives an Asirvachanam packet from the temple. This sacred packet contains a picture of Lord Balaji and Goddess Padmavathi, a booklet with 1,008 names of Lord Venkateswara (Akshata), and a pack of Kumkum. This initiative, which costs TTD around Rs 20 lakh annually including postal charges, bridges the physical distance between the deity and the devotee.
The Asirvachanam scheme was launched in 2009 as a collaborative effort between TTD and India Post. Its success has been staggering. Over the past 16 years, a whopping 31.68 lakh devotees have donated an incredible Rs 49.18 crore through this channel, proving its resilience in the face of a digital payments explosion.
Digital Age and Traditional Trust: A Coexistence
The story of TTD's donations is one of plurality. While the money order system thrives, the temple also receives massive contributions through other means. In 2025, over 2.6 crore devotees visited the temple physically and made donations exceeding Rs 1,380 crore. Crores more were received via online modes. Yet, the postal system holds its unique place.
V Upendra, Postmaster General of the Kurnool division, explained the scheme's evolution and daily impact. Post-2015, devotees could use electronic money order (eMO) or instant money order (iMO) services from any post office nationwide. "On an average, about 500 e-MOs are delivered daily to TTD under this scheme," Upendra said. He added that the initiative provides a meaningful service to devotees while generating consistent revenue for the postal department.
This enduring partnership between a centuries-old spiritual institution and a foundational national service demonstrates how tradition can adapt and flourish. It ensures that devotion, regardless of geographical or economic barriers, finds a way to reach the sacred hills of Tirumala.
