Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, the matriarch of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, made a significant contribution to the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, by donating two giant silver lamps, each weighing approximately 50 kilograms. This grand gesture, presented at the temple’s Ranganayakula Mandapam in the presence of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu, marked the revival of a 300-year-old tradition of the Mysuru royal family offering substantial gifts to the sacred site. Accompanied by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the titular head of the Wadiyar dynasty, Pramoda Devi’s donation underscores the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between the Mysuru royalty and one of India’s holiest shrines, reinforcing their legacy of devotion and philanthropy.
The Sri Venkateswara Temple, popularly known as the Tirupati Temple, is one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of devotees annually. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum, or garbha griha, houses the deity Lord Venkateswara, and the silver lamps, known as Akhanda Deepams, are intended to illuminate this sacred space, symbolizing eternal light and divine presence. Each lamp, meticulously crafted, stands as a testament to the artistry and reverence associated with the Mysuru royal family’s offerings. The donation was formalized after Pramoda Devi and Yaduveer paid their respects through darshan at the temple, a ritual that deepened the spiritual significance of their contribution.
This act of giving is not an isolated event but part of a historical bond between the Mysuru Wadiyar dynasty and the Tirupati Temple. The Wadiyars, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysuru from 1399 to 1947, have a storied tradition of patronage toward religious institutions. Historical records indicate that the dynasty made significant offerings to Tirupati centuries ago, including land grants and precious items, to support the temple’s rituals and upkeep. The last major donation of this magnitude from the Mysuru royals occurred over 300 years ago, making Pramoda Devi’s gift a historic milestone that reconnects the present with a venerable past. This gesture aligns with the Wadiyars’ legacy of fostering cultural and spiritual heritage, evident in their contributions to temples, education, and infrastructure during their reign.
Pramoda Devi, widow of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, the last direct descendant of the Wadiyar dynasty, has been a prominent figure in preserving the family’s heritage. Since her husband’s passing in 2013, she has taken on a leadership role, overseeing initiatives like the conservation of the Mysuru Palace and supporting cultural events such as the Mysuru Literature Festival, which she inaugurated in 2024. Her decision to donate the silver lamps reflects her commitment to upholding the Wadiyars’ tradition of devotion to Lord Venkateswara, a deity revered as the “Kaliyuga Daivam” (God of the Kali Age) by millions. Yaduveer, adopted by Pramoda Devi in 2015 and crowned the titular head of the dynasty, joined her in this act, symbolizing the continuity of the royal family’s values across generations.
The donation ceremony was attended by TTD officials, who received the lamps on behalf of the temple trust. The TTD, responsible for managing the temple’s operations, has a history of receiving significant contributions from devotees, including recent donations of silver lamps from Bengaluru devotees in May 2025. However, the Mysuru royal family’s offering stands out due to its historical context and the sheer scale of the lamps, which are expected to enhance the temple’s sacred ambiance. The lamps’ placement in the garbha griha ensures they will play a central role in daily rituals, serving as a lasting symbol of the Wadiyars’ faith and generosity.
The Mysuru royal family’s connection to spirituality extends beyond Tirupati. The Wadiyars have long been patrons of the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru, considered their tutelary deity, and have maintained its traditions despite legal disputes over its management. In 2024, Pramoda Devi challenged the Karnataka government’s attempt to take over the temple through the Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Act, arguing that it is a denominational temple tied to the royal family’s unique traditions. This commitment to preserving sacred spaces underscores the motivation behind the Tirupati donation, which serves as both a spiritual offering and a cultural statement.
The timing of the donation coincides with a period of renewed focus on India’s cultural heritage, with state governments and institutions emphasizing the preservation of traditions. Karnataka, home to the Mysuru royal family, has seen efforts to promote its historical legacy, from the grandeur of the Mysuru Dasara festival to the conservation of heritage sites like the Mysuru Palace. The Wadiyars’ gift to Tirupati aligns with this broader narrative, reinforcing the role of royal families in bridging India’s past and present. The lamps, weighing a combined 100 kilograms, are not just objects of devotion but also artifacts of cultural significance, crafted with precision to reflect the Wadiyars’ reverence for tradition.
Public sentiment, as reflected on social media platforms like X in May 2025, celebrated the donation as a revival of a 300-year-old tradition. Posts highlighted the Mysuru royal family’s enduring devotion, with some noting the lamps’ symbolic importance in illuminating Lord Venkateswara’s sanctum. Others praised Pramoda Devi and Yaduveer for their role in upholding the Wadiyars’ legacy, drawing parallels with their ancestors’ contributions to irrigation, education, and industry in the erstwhile Mysuru state. These reactions underscore the donation’s resonance with a public eager to see India’s royal heritage celebrated in modern contexts.
The donation also highlights the evolving role of royal families in contemporary India. While the Wadiyars no longer hold political power, their influence in cultural and spiritual spheres remains significant. Pramoda Devi’s initiatives, from supporting literary festivals to advocating for heritage conservation, demonstrate a forward-looking approach to legacy. The Tirupati donation, in particular, serves as a bridge between the Wadiyars’ historical patronage and their current role as custodians of tradition. By choosing to revive a centuries-old practice, Pramoda Devi has ensured that the Mysuru royal family’s devotion to Lord Venkateswara remains a living tradition, inspiring future generations.
Looking ahead, the silver lamps will stand as a beacon of the Wadiyars’ faith, illuminating the Tirupati Temple’s sanctum and reminding devotees of the enduring bond between Mysuru and Tirumala. The donation also sets a precedent for other families and individuals to contribute to India’s sacred sites, reinforcing the collective responsibility to preserve spiritual heritage. As India navigates rapid modernization, gestures like Pramoda Devi’s offer a reminder of the timeless values that continue to shape its cultural identity.
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