Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh): President Pratibha Patil arrived here Sunday on a two-day visit to inaugurate the platinum jubilee celebrations of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

After an overnight stay, the president would offer prayers at the hill temple of Lord Venkateshwara and take part in a series of programmes organized as part of the jubilee celebrations.

TTD, which runs the affairs of the richest temple in the country, is launching the four-day long celebrations 'Amruthotsavam' Monday to mark completion of its 75 years.

The president would formally launch devotional television channel of TTD. The 24-hour 'Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel' aims to propagate devotion towards Lord Venkateswara and the Hindu religion.

The president would also lay foundation stone for pilgrim amenities complex, costing Rs.3 billion, to accommodate 10,000 to 20,000 pilgrims.

The foundation stone would also be laid for 'Annadanam' complex. According to TTD officials 10,000 pilgrims would be able to have food at one time in this complex, to be built at a cost of Rs.350 million.

TTD has made elaborate arrangements for Patil's visit. Security agencies and police have also have made massive security arrangements for the visit.

Source : IANS