TTD introduces 'Garuda Map' app to guide Tirupati pilgrims

09-10-2026 · English

Topics: Technology · 9 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) introduced 'Garuda Map', a digital guide app that helps pilgrims reach places in Tirumala–Tirupati without help (Oct 2026). Users can search by typing or speaking; it shows walking/vehicle distance, travel time and alternative routes. It comes ahead of the Navaratri Brahmotsavam on 12–20 Oct.

Key facts

Background

• Geography: Tirumala is in the Seshachalam range of the Eastern Ghats (seven hills – 'Ezhumalai'), in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district (formed 2022). Seshachalam is a biosphere reserve (2010), famous for red sanders.
• TTD: an autonomous trust set up in 1932 under a Madras Government Act; one of the world's richest temple bodies. The Tirupati laddu got a GI tag in 2009.
• Garuda Vahana Seva: Garuda is the mount of Lord Vishnu; it is the holiest day of the Brahmotsavam.
• Technology: GPS is American; India's own navigation system is 'NavIC' (IRNSS, ISRO).
• Devotional literature: the Alvars sang of Lord Venkateswara; Tallapaka Annamacharya (15th c.) composed thousands of kirtanas.

Tamil Nadu link: when Andhra State was formed in 1953, Tirupati went to Andhra; after the 'northern border struggle' led by Ma. Po. Sivagnanam, Tiruttani joined Tamil Nadu on 1 April 1960. In Sangam literature, Venkatam marked the northern boundary of the Tamil land ('Vadavenkatam Thenkumari').

Source: Daily Thanthi, ETV Bharat, 9 Oct 2026

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