‘Divine connect’ through Money Order prevails over digital currency

At a time when Universal Payments Interface (UPI) transactions have become the order of the day and digital currency has virtually taken over the physical currency notes, there is still a crowd of devotees that sends offerings to the abode of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala by Money Order (MO) and receives back ‘divine blessings’ through their neighbourhood postman.

The ‘Aseervachanam’ scheme was launched in 2009 as part of a tie-up between India Post and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Devotees wishing to get the Lord’s blessings on auspicious occasions or personal events such as weddings or a family member’s birthday can send any amount of their choice by Money Order to the TTD.

In return, they receive a divine gift set comprising Akshintalu (sacred rice mixed in turmeric), kumkum and a pocket-size photo of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati, which will be hand-delivered by postman.

Devotees attach a lot of sentiment to this sacred gift, as it is considered ‘divine blessings’ arriving directly from the Lord of Seven Hills.

The scheme is over fifteen years old today, but what has surprised the stakeholders is the patronage it is still getting from the devotees, despite the rapid changes in the manner transactions are done.

When Money Orders have been replaced by digital payments, it is still the preferred mode of payment for many using this scheme.

In 2025 alone, the TTD received ₹3.1 crore as donations through M.O. from 1.26 lakh devotees. “While the number of devotees scanning the QR code or using our website to make contributions is on the rise, those using the age-old and reliable mode of Money Order has not diminished,” observes TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal.

In the 16 years since its launch, as many as 31.68 lakh devotees from across the country have collectively contributed ₹49.18 crore to the TTD, some donating as less as ₹10.

“While news of the rich and affluent donating millions to the TTD grabs headlines, this silent majority has shown that Lord Venkateswara is a factor that goes beyond the rich-poor divide,” Mr. Singhal pointed out.

“India Post acts as a bridge between the devotee and the divinity,” quips Vennam Upender, Post Master General (Kurnool region), India Post.

According to him, many devotees repeatedly used Money Order between 2009 and 2025, pointing to their adherence to the reliable mode of payment as well as their loyalty to India Post.

The scheme has been lauded as a win-win situation for the TTD and the India Post, which delivers around 500 e-M.O.s everyday to the temple under this scheme.