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Pilgrim Tips / September 7, 2026

Why do Muslims visit Tirupati?

The relationship between the Muslim community and Lord Venkateswara is rooted in a beautiful legend that dates back over 800 years.

Why do Muslims visit Tirupati?

When you think of the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, you probably imagine millions of Hindu devotees flocking to the sacred hills of Andhra Pradesh. But here is something that might surprise you: Muslims have been visiting this temple for centuries, and they continue to do so with deep devotion.

The relationship between the Muslim community and Lord Venkateswara is rooted in a beautiful legend that dates back over 800 years — a story that stands as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony in India. This tradition is so strong that, during the annual Ugadi festival, every fourth person in the queue outside the Sri Venkateswara temple at Devuni Kadapa is a Muslim.

To understand how this tradition fits into the broader pilgrimage landscape, you may want to read our guide on which day is less crowded in Tirumala — because Ugadi is one of the busiest and most spiritually significant days at the temple.

The Legend of Bibi Nancharamma

At the heart of this unique tradition is the story of Bibi Nancharamma (also known as Bibi Nanchari), a Muslim woman believed to be one of the consorts of Lord Venkateswara.

According to popular legend, Lord Balaji married a local Muslim woman named Bibi Nancharamma, who was the daughter of a general named Malik Kafur in 1311 AD. Some versions of the story trace this connection even further back, to around 800 to 900 years ago.

Because of this divine interfaith marriage, the Muslim community of the Rayalaseema region treats Lord Venkateswara as their son-in-law. TTD itself acknowledges this tradition, noting that "Lord Venkateswara married one of his consorts, Bibi Nanchari, in an inter-religious event, leading to establishment of close relations between Hindus and Muslims in Kadapa".

Consequently, Muslim devotees consider Bibi Nancharamma as a daughter of their community and present gifts to their son-in-law Lord Venkateswara every year on Ugadi. They also offer saris and other materials to their daughter Bibi Nancharamma.

The Annual Ugadi Tradition

Every year on Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, hundreds of Muslim men, women, and children from across the Rayalaseema region — including Kadapa, Chittoor, Kurnool, and Anantapur districts — visit the Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple at Devuni Kadapa.

What happens on this day?

  • Muslims start arriving as early as 4:00 AM to prepare themselves for darshan
  • They carry offerings including flowers, jaggery, sugarcane pieces, tamarind, and neem fruits
  • They offer a special dish called 'Vepapathi' made of jaggery and sugarcane
  • They do not consume non-vegetarian food for several days before Ugadi
  • They take a bath and dress modestly before entering the temple
  • They offer rice, green gram, jaggery and other essential commodities to the lord
  • Temple priests offer 'harathi' and give blessings to the Muslim devotees

One remarkable detail: In 2016, it was observed that "every fourth person in the serpentine queue outside the Lord Sri Venkateswara temple at Devuni Kadapa was a Muslim". Temple priests have noted that Muslims make the first prayer every year on Ugadi day.

Devuni Kadapa: The Threshold of the Lord

The temple at Devuni Kadapa holds special significance. The name itself means "the threshold of the Lord". According to TTD, it has been a tradition for centuries for devotees to first visit Devuni Kadapa before proceeding to the main Tirumala temple, some 120 kilometres away.

Shaik Khadar Basha, a local Muslim businessman who has been visiting the temple on Ugadi for over 10 years, explains: "It is a tradition among many Muslims in Kadapa town. We have chosen the Devuni Kadapa temple as it has a long history and religious significance. Ardent devotees first visit this temple and later proceed to Tirumala for the darshan".

M Krishna Mohan, head priest of the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Devuni Kadapa, adds: "For Muslims of the region, Lord Venkateswara is their son-in-law. One of the consorts of the Lord is Bibi Nanchari or Bibi Nancharamma, who is a Muslim princess. She was a devotee of the Lord. Since she is a consort of Venkateswara Swamy, Muslims visit the temple to pay their obeisance".

The tradition has been ongoing for at least 350 years, when the nearby town of Kadapa was founded by Neknam Khan, a chieftain of the Golconda kings.

Beyond Ugadi: A Year-Round Connection

While Ugadi is the most prominent day, the connection does not end there. Many Muslim families in Kadapa district consider it essential for the eldest child to visit the temple at least once a year. If they miss the temple visit on Ugadi, they make it a point to visit on any other day until the next Ugadi.

B Chand Basha, a local Muslim devotee, describes the tradition: "My wife and I religiously wake up at 4 am on Ugadi. We prepare ourselves for darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. A few days before Ugadi, we even stop consuming non-vegetarian food and eagerly wait for the festival".

Another devotee, a Muslim woman from Chittoor, said: "For us, like Ramadan, Ugadi is also similar to Eid. We come here to pray to the lord, break coconuts and take his blessing. Our elders also used to come here on Ugadi and we follow the tradition".

Muslim Donations to the Temple

The devotion of Muslims to Lord Venkateswara extends beyond prayer — it includes substantial donations to the temple.

Abdul Ghani and the Golden Lotus

In 1984, a Hyderabad-based Muslim devotee donated 108 tiny golden lotus flowers and requested TTD to utilise the flowers for the main deity of Lord Venkateswara at the inner sanctum. Upon receiving this unique offering, TTD introduced a special ritual called 'Ashtadala Paada Padmarathana' at the shrine.

From then onwards, the ritual is conducted by the high priests every Tuesday by chanting 108 celestial names of Lord Venkateswara while placing each golden flower at the divine feet of the Lord. Several VIPs and cash-rich devotees have since evinced interest in taking part in this ritual.

Abdul Ghani and Subeena Bhanu (2022)

In September 2022, Abdul Ghani and Subeena Bhanu, a Muslim couple from Chennai, donated Rs 1.02 crore to the TTD. The donation included:

  • Rs 87 lakh worth of furniture, utensils, and other items for the VIP guest house on the hills
  • Rs 15 lakh to the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasada Trust, which runs the free meal kitchen for thousands of pilgrims daily

This was not their first contribution. Abdul Ghani has been making different kinds of offerings including vehicles, furniture and cash for over three decades. TTD executive officer A V Dharma Reddy formally received the donation and thanked the couple for their gesture.

TTD's Recognition of Muslim Devotees

The TTD has officially acknowledged the dedication of Muslim devotees. In February 2024, TTD announced it would explore the possibility of Muslim devotees participating in Srivari Seva (voluntary service) for the deity.

This decision came in response to a request from Hussain Bhasha, a Muslim devotee from Naidupeta, during TTD's monthly "dial your EO" program. TTD Executive Officer noted that "several devotees belonging to other faiths have been making donations to the deity" and expressed happiness over "the dedication of the devotees". The EO assured Bhasha that he would examine the feasibility of his request.

The TTD official website also acknowledges the unique tradition: "The unique tradition is Muslims offer prayers on Ugadi. A legend mentions that Lord Venkateswara married one of his consorts, Bibi Nanchari, in an inter-religious event, leading to establishment of close relations between Hindus and Muslims in Kadapa".

A Powerful Symbol of Communal Harmony

The tradition of Muslims visiting the Venkateswara temple has been hailed as a perfect example of communal harmony and religious tolerance.

Syed Akbar, a senior journalist, writes: "The Devuni Kadapa temple stands as a symbol of religious harmony. You witness heart-moving scenes here like a Hindu priest offering blessings to a burqa-clad Muslim woman".

Social activist P Lakshmi Narayana observed during the 2016 Ugadi celebrations: "It was a welcome sight at a time when the country is debating the growing levels of 'intolerance'. The Devuni Kadapa temple stands as the perfect example of communal harmony and religious tolerance".

Chand Basha, a local devotee, adds: "Devuni Kadapa temple stands as a symbol of religious harmony". Kadapa incidentally has a Pedda Dargah (great Dargah), which also attracts people of all religions.

One Muslim devotee, speaking to a local TV channel, summed it up beautifully: "It's not about being Hindu or Muslim. It's about maintaining a tradition that has been passed on to us from our forefathers. We do this every year and will continue to do it".

Practical Information for Muslim Devotees

If you are a Muslim devotee planning to visit the Tirumala temple, here is what you should know:

Entry Requirements

Under TTD rules, non-Hindus are allowed to enter the temple but must sign a self-declaration form stating their faith in the presiding deity before entering. This is in accordance with the TTD Act rules.

Dress Code

All devotees must follow the traditional dress code:

  • Men: Dhoti with angavastram, or formal trousers with a shirt
  • Women: Saree, salwar kameez with dupatta, or long skirt with dupatta

For a complete guide on the dress code, read our article on what is the dress code for VIP Break Darshan at Tirumala.

Plan Your Pilgrimage with Confidence

Whether you are a Hindu or Muslim devotee, planning a Tirumala pilgrimage involves navigating the complex TTD system. At Tirupati Darshan Ticket Booking, we help devotees from all backgrounds secure their darshan:

  • VIP Break Darshan bookings through the Srivani Trust route
  • Special Entry Darshan tickets
  • Complete pilgrimage assistance including accommodation arrangements

To understand whether VIP Break Darshan is the right choice for you, read our comprehensive guide on can I get VIP Break Darshan in Tirumala.

Ready to book your darshan? Visit our dedicated booking page: https://tirupatidarshanticketbooking.com/tirupati-vip-break-darshan.php

Looking for Special Entry Darshan? Check out: https://tirupatidarshanticketbooking.com/ttd-special-darshan.php

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