Srisailam Annadanam Timings Temple Donation Online Benefits
A practical, independently researched guide to Srisailam Annadanam timings, the Annapurna Bhavanam dining hall, and the temple’s official Nitya (Saswatha) Annadanam donation scheme and its benefits.
The Srisailam Nitya Annadanam is the free vegetarian meal served daily to pilgrims at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh. On a normal day the main free lunch is generally served in a broad window from around 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with several sources narrowing the busiest lunch service to roughly 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Pilgrims simply walk to the temple’s Annapurna Bhavanam dining hall and eat at no cost — no ticket, booking or donation is required to be fed. The programme is funded entirely by devotee donations. Because serving hours are extended and adjusted on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and festival days, always confirm the current timing on the official Devasthanam portal before you travel.
Srisailam Annadanam Timings and Donation Scheme at a Glance
Srisailam, on the banks of the Krishna river in the Nallamala hills, is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Parvathi as Bhramaramba Devi. It is one of India’s most revered Shaiva kshetras, uniquely being both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha. Lakhs of pilgrims visit through the year, and the Devasthanam runs a perpetual free-food programme so that no visitor goes hungry.
| Detail | Information (verify before travel) |
|---|---|
| Main free lunch | Roughly 10:00 am – 4:00 pm window (peak lunch service commonly around 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm) |
| Evening light meal / breakfast (Alpaharam) | A lighter evening tiffin has been introduced in addition to lunch; timing varies |
| Dining hall | Annapurna Bhavanam, behind the Devasthanam Administrative Building, close to the main shrine |
| Cost to pilgrim | Free |
| Pilgrims fed | Approx. 2,000–3,000 on normal days; 3,000–4,000 on rush days and festivals |
| Funded by | Devotee donations to the Nitya / Saswatha Annadanam scheme |
Annadanam timings and how the meal works
- The main free lunch is served across a wide window, commonly cited from about 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; the heaviest service typically falls around midday (roughly 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm). Reach within the window rather than at the very end.
- No ticket or advance booking is needed to eat. Pilgrims go directly to the Annapurna Bhavanam dining hall and are served free of charge.
- The Devasthanam reports serving around 2,000 to 3,000 pilgrims on normal days, rising to 3,000 to 4,000 on busy days such as Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays and during festivals.
- A lighter evening meal / breakfast (Alpaharam) has been added in recent years alongside the main lunch; confirm its timing locally.
What is served
The Bhojana Prasadam is a simple, wholesome vegetarian meal. As documented by the Devasthanam, it is typically served on plantain (dining) leaves and generally includes chutney, one curry, dal, sambar, buttermilk, pulihora and one sweet item. The exact menu changes day to day, so treat this as an indicative list rather than a fixed one.
Where the dining hall is located
The Annadanam is served at the modernised Annapurna Bhavanam, built at a reported cost of around Rs 3 crore behind the Devasthanam Administrative Building — a short walk from the main Mallikarjuna Swamy shrine. It houses two dining halls and two waiting halls with modern kitchen equipment, so pilgrims can conveniently eat around their darshan. Serving is organised in batches; signage and staff on the day indicate batch timings and the current queue arrangement. Some pilgrims also take meals at satrams (choultries) run in the temple town.
The Nitya / Saswatha Annadanam donation scheme and its benefits
The free meals are sustained by the Devasthanam’s Saswatha (perpetual) Annadanam scheme. Under it, a donor’s contribution is placed with a nationalised bank and the interest is used to fund the meals, so the seva continues year after year. The commonly documented details are summarised below; amounts and terms can change, so the official portal is the only authority for current figures.
| Option | Indicative amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Saswatha (perpetual) Annadanam | From about Rs 5,000 | Annadanam performed in the donor’s name and gotram, on a chosen date, once a year for a period of ten years |
| One-day Annadanam | A few hundred rupees (figures cited vary, e.g. around Rs 250–500) | Sponsoring the meal on a single chosen day |
| Higher-tier donors | Rs 1 lakh and above | Additional recognition such as a donor identity card and a displayed photograph, as documented by the Devasthanam |
Reported donor benefits include the meal being offered on the name and gotram of the donor on a date of their choice, and, for higher-tier contributors, an identity card and an exhibited photograph. Donations to the Devasthanam are generally noted as eligible for income-tax exemption under Section 80G; confirm current eligibility and receipts at the time of donating. Contributions can be made online through the official Srisailam Devasthanam website or offline at the temple’s donation-receiving counters.
How to reach Srisailam
- By road: APSRTC and TSRTC buses connect Srisailam with Hyderabad, Kurnool, Vijayawada and other cities; the drive crosses the scenic Nallamala forest.
- By train: Convenient railheads include Markapur Road and Kurnool, from where road transport reaches Srisailam.
- By air: Hyderabad and Vijayawada are the nearest major airports.
Why Annadanam matters
In Hindu tradition, Annadanam — the gift of food — is considered among the highest forms of charity, since it relieves hunger directly and is offered without distinction of caste, creed or means. Devotees contribute as an act of seva and gratitude, and the programme practically ensures that every visiting pilgrim, including those of limited means, receives a proper meal during their darshan of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Devi.
Tips for pilgrims
- Reach the dining hall well within the serving window rather than at the tail end.
- Carry a valid photo ID for darshan and any accommodation.
- Expect heavier crowds and extended or altered hours during Maha Shivaratri and other festivals.
- Combine your meal with darshan of both Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Devi.
- If you wish to contribute, donate only through the official temple counters or the official website, and keep your receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Srisailam Annadanam timings?
The main free lunch is generally served in a window of roughly 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with peak service commonly around 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. A lighter evening meal has also been introduced. Confirm current timings on the official Devasthanam portal, as they change on busy and festival days.
Is the Srisailam Annadanam free?
Yes. Meals at the Annapurna Bhavanam are served free of charge to pilgrims and are funded entirely by devotee donations.
Where is the Annadanam served?
At the Annapurna Bhavanam dining hall, located behind the Devasthanam Administrative Building and a short walk from the main shrine. Some pilgrims also take meals at satrams in the town.
Do I need to book in advance to eat?
No. No booking is required to be fed — simply reach the dining hall within the serving hours. Booking applies only if you wish to sponsor or donate towards the Annadanam scheme.
How can I donate for the Annadanam, and what are the benefits?
You can donate online through the official Srisailam Devasthanam website or offline at the temple counters. The perpetual (Saswatha) scheme starts from about Rs 5,000 and performs the Annadanam on the donor’s name and gotram on a chosen date once a year for ten years; higher-tier donors receive additional recognition. Verify all current amounts, terms and 80G eligibility on the official portal only.
What food is served in the Annadanam?
A simple vegetarian meal, typically including chutney, a curry, dal, sambar, buttermilk, pulihora and a sweet, served on plantain leaves. The menu varies day to day.
Sources & last verified (July 2026): Details cross-checked against the official Srisaila Devasthanam / srisailamonline Annadanam information, the AP Endowments Devasthanam donation portal, and reputable pilgrim-information references. Timings, amounts and menus are set by the Devasthanam and can change without notice — always confirm on the official portal before travelling.
tirumalatirupationline.com is an independent pilgrim-information blog. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official website of the Srisailam Devasthanam, TTD or any temple authority. We do not take bookings or donations. Donations should be made only through the official Devasthanam portal linked below.
Official Srisailam Temple Online Donation Page
Ganga Sadan Srisailam Online Rooms Booking details
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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
