According to officials, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the famous sri Venkateswara Temple, has pure gold reserves of over 9,000 kg. Furthermore the TTD said that it has 7,235 kg of the yellow metal deposited with two nationalized banks under different gold deposit schemes and around 1,934 kg gold in its treasury, which includes 1,381 kg which it recently got back from Punjab National Bank last month following the end of a three year term of gold deposit scheme.
Reportedly the TTD Board, the highest decision-making body, is yet to decide on the bank where 1,381 kg gold will be deposited. Sources added it was studying various gold deposit schemes and would opt for the one which offers the best returns. 553 kg of gold in TTD treasury comprises of small jewelry and other items offered by the devotees.
Moreover TTD deposited gold reserves under short, medium and long term schemes in various public-sector banks but only after the central bank brought certain amendments to ensure that the interest will be paid in the form of gold. Perhaps the number on special occasions like the annual Brahmotsavam and festivals goes up to 4-5 lakh and the temple earns Rs 1,000 crore to Rs.1,200 crore from ‘Hundi' collections or offerings by devotees every year.
