Simhachalam Devasthanam’s ‘Nitya Annadanam’ Completes 36 Years of Devotion Through Food
“Annidanala kanna, annadanam minna” — serving food is regarded as a higher service than any other form of charity. For 36 years, this timeless adage has guided the operations of Simhachalam Devasthanam, where devotees are not only drawn to the darshan of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy but also to the flavourful Anna Prasadam served daily through the temple’s ‘Nitya Annadanam’ scheme.
The initiative began on August 14, 1989, when a group of temple employees pooled together Rs 50,000 to start the scheme. The inauguration was held under the aegis of then Executive Officer G.V. Narasimha Murthy. “Our goal was simple but ambitious,” recalls Rao Vendra Trinadha, the current Executive Officer. “We wanted to ensure that every devotee who visits the temple leaves with a filled stomach and a satisfied heart. Over three decades later, that commitment continues.”
From humble beginnings, the scheme has grown exponentially. Donations from devotees, coupled with interest earned over the years, have enabled the uninterrupted serving of Anna Prasadam, feeding thousands daily. “There is something truly divine about the food here,” says Sita Reddy, a regular devotee. “The taste, aroma, and care that go into each meal make it more than just food — it’s a blessing.”
The temple attributes the scheme’s enduring success to its unwavering focus on quality and taste. Hereditary trustee and Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has been instrumental in emphasizing cleanliness and maintaining a spiritual atmosphere at both the temple and Annadanam Bhavanam premises. “Every meal is prepared with devotion and strict hygiene standards,” notes Assistant Executive Officer Vadrevu Ramana Murthy.
Financially, the scheme is robust. For the 2024-25 year, deposits reached Rs 36.45 crore, generating Rs 2.09 crore in interest — enough to sustain Anna Prasadam service without interruption. Temple records reveal that five donors have contributed Rs 10 lakh or more each, and 1,217 donors have given Rs 1 lakh and above since the scheme’s inception.
“This year alone, over one million devotees have partaken in Anna Prasadam,” says Rao. “On special occasions such as Vaikuntha Ekadasi, annual Kalyanam, Chandannotsavam, and Giri Pradakshina, we make special arrangements to serve lakhs of devotees seamlessly.”
Supervising Officer Paluri Narasinga Rao adds, “The devotion of the donors, combined with the dedication of our staff, allows us to continue this tradition without compromise. Every meal is a labour of love.”
As the Annaprasadam scheme enters its 37th year, the Devasthanam continues to uphold the spirit of service encapsulated in its founding adage. For devotees, it remains more than a meal — it is a sacred experience, a moment of connection, and a reminder that in giving food, one gives devotion.