116-year-old woman’s walk to Tirumala wins hearts, gets special VIP darshan from TTD | Vijayawada News
VIJAYAWADA: Age proved no barrier to devotion as 116-year-old Navaneethamma from Tamil Nadu fulfilled her lifelong dream of walking to Tirumala to offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara. Moved by her unwavering faith, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday arranged a special VIP Break Darshan for her and her family.Navaneethamma went viral after a video showed her walking up the Alipiri footpath to Tirumala, earning widespread admiration for her determination and devotion.Even N. Chandrababu Naidu shared her story on social media, saying that “devotion knows no age” and describing her as an inspiration to millions of Lord Venkateswara’s devotees.After the video gained traction, TTD Chairman B. R. Naidu appealed for information about the elderly devotee. TTD Vigilance officials soon traced Navaneethamma, a Chennai resident, and contacted her family.On the Chairman’s instructions, TTD officials escorted Navaneethamma from the biometric verification centre to the temple and ensured a comfortable, hassle-free darshan.Following the darshan, TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra honoured the 116-year-old at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. Vedic scholars blessed her with chants, while she was presented with a silk shawl, sacred tirtham and prasadam of Lord Venkateswara.Her grandson, Dikpathi, thanked TTD officials for their care and respect, calling the experience a divine blessing that the family would cherish forever.
