VP C.P. Radhakrishnan offers prayers at Tirumala's Venkateswara temple
Synopsis
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan made his second pilgrimage to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala since taking office, receiving a ceremonial 'Istikaphal' welcome and offering prayers across multiple shrines. The visit followed his address at Andhra University's centenary and signals a deepening spiritual connection with Andhra Pradesh's religious heritage.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple , Tirumala, on 28 April .
This is his second visit to Tirumala since assuming office as Vice President.
He was welcomed with the traditional 'Istikaphal' ceremony by temple priests and senior TTD officials.
He visited shrines of Goddess Vakulamata , Lord Vimana Venkateswara , Bhashyakara Sannidhi , Lord Yoga Narasimha Swamy , and Bedi Anjaneya Swamy .
Radhakrishnan prayed for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all , according to his official X account.
The visit followed his address at Andhra University's centenary celebrations in Visakhapatnam on 27 April .
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday, 28 April offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple atop Tirumala, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This marks his second visit to the hill shrine since assuming office as Vice President.
Ceremonial Welcome and Darshan
Radhakrishnan was accorded a warm welcome by Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu, and Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra, along with other senior TTD officials. A team of temple priests extended the traditional ceremonial welcome known as 'Istikaphal'.
He subsequently paid obeisance to the Dwajasthambham (the temple flagpole) before proceeding for prayers. He also visited the shrines of Goddess Vakulamata, Lord Vimana Venkateswara, the Bhashyakara Sannidhi (shrine of the Acharyas), and Lord Yoga Narasimha Swamy.
Vedic Blessings and Prasadam
At the Ranganayakula Mandapam, Vedic scholars rendered 'Vedasirvachanam' — Vedic blessings — for the Vice President. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra presented Radhakrishnan with a portrait of the presiding deity along with 'Teertha Prasadam', the sacred water and consecrated food offered to distinguished pilgrims.
The Vice President also visited the shrine of Bedi Anjaneya Swamy, located directly opposite the main temple. TTD Additional Executive Officer Venkaiah Chowdary and TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy were among those who facilitated the arrangements for the darshan.
Prayer for Peace and Prosperity
According to a post on the Vice President's official X (formerly Twitter) account, Radhakrishnan prayed for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all. The statement reflected the spiritual tenor of the visit, which carried no official government agenda beyond devotion.
Context: Andhra Pradesh Visit and Previous Tirumala Trip
Radhakrishnan had arrived in Tirupati after addressing the centenary celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam on Monday, 27 April. His first visit to Tirumala after taking office was on 25 September 2025, during a two-day Andhra Pradesh tour on 24–25 September 2025. On that occasion, he had also inaugurated the newly constructed Pilgrim Amenities Centre (PAC) 'Venkatadri Nilayam' at TTD, in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, ministers, and senior officials. He had then prayed for the well-being of all citizens, mirroring the sentiment expressed during Tuesday's visit.
The back-to-back spiritual engagements underline the Vice President's continuing connection with Andhra Pradesh's cultural and religious heritage, with Tirumala emerging as a consistent stop on his state visits.
Point of View
These Andhra Pradesh visits serve a dual purpose: cultural outreach and quiet political signalling in a state where the BJP is rebuilding its footprint alongside the ruling Telugu Desam Party. The TTD's elaborate reception, involving the Endowments Minister and senior board members, also reflects how temple visits by constitutional dignitaries carry institutional weight beyond personal devotion.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visit Tirumala on 28 April?
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala on 28 April to offer prayers, praying for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all, according to his official X account. The visit was part of his broader Andhra Pradesh trip that included addressing Andhra University's centenary celebrations in Visakhapatnam.
Is this Radhakrishnan's first visit to Tirumala as Vice President?
No, this is his second visit to the Tirumala temple since assuming office as Vice President. His first visit was on 25 September 2025, during which he also inaugurated the Pilgrim Amenities Centre 'Venkatadri Nilayam' at TTD in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
What is the 'Istikaphal' ceremony at Tirumala?
'Istikaphal' is a traditional ceremonial welcome extended by temple priests at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala to distinguished visitors and dignitaries. It is part of the customary honours accorded during a formal darshan at the shrine.
Who received Vice President Radhakrishnan at Tirumala?
Radhakrishnan was received by Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra, Additional Executive Officer Venkaiah Chowdary, and TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, among other officials.
Which shrines did the Vice President visit at Tirumala?
The Vice President offered prayers at the shrines of Goddess Vakulamata, Lord Vimana Venkateswara, Bhashyakara Sannidhi, Lord Yoga Narasimha Swamy, and Bedi Anjaneya Swamy, in addition to the main Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
