A 116‑year‑old devotee from Andhra Pradesh walked the 12 km footpath to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, drawing nationwide attention after a video of her journey went viral on social media.
The pilgrim, identified as Smt. Ravula Venkata Lakshmi, set out from the base town of Tirupati on Monday, covering the steep ascent without assistance. Her trek was documented by on‑lookers and shared widely on platforms including Facebook and Twitter, prompting officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to locate her after the video spread.
TTD officials confirmed that once her identity was verified, they arranged a special darshan for her at the sanctum sanctorum on Wednesday. “We are humbled by her devotion and have ensured she receives a comfortable and respectful worship experience,” a TTD spokesperson said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy praised the centenarian’s perseverance, stating that her act exemplifies the spirit of devotion that transcends age. “Her faith is an inspiration to all, and we congratulate her on this remarkable achievement,” the chief minister said in a brief statement.
Local residents reported that the 116‑year‑old, who lives in the village of Peddapuram, has been a lifelong devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Family members said she embarked on the trek to fulfill a lifelong vow, despite concerns about her health.
TTD officials noted that the pilgrimage route, known as the “Srivari Mettu,” is typically undertaken by pilgrims on foot over two days, though some complete it in a single day. The organization has not disclosed any medical assistance provided during the trek, but confirmed that Lakshmi was examined by a TTD medical team after her arrival.
Analysis: The rapid spread of the video underscores the powerful role of social media in highlighting individual religious acts, especially those that challenge conventional expectations of age and mobility. The response from TTD and the state government reflects an institutional interest in supporting high‑profile devotional narratives, which can reinforce the cultural significance of the Tirumala pilgrimage. However, officials have not detailed any specific safety protocols for elderly pilgrims undertaking such strenuous journeys, raising questions about how future cases might be managed to balance devotion with health considerations.
Sources
– The Hindu, “Faith knows no age as 116‑year‑old completes Tirumala trek,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/faith-knows-no-age-as-116-year-old-completes-tirumala-trek/article71189649.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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