Faith knows no age as 116-year-old completes Tirumala trek

In an extraordinary story of faith transcending age, a 116-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu, whose age is claimed by her family, has captured the imagination of devotees across the country after completing the arduous trek on foot to the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

For most people, 116 is an age associated with memories rather than milestones. For Navaneethamma, however, it became the age to fulfil a lifelong spiritual calling.

Her determined ascent to one of Hinduism’s most revered temples, driven solely by devotion, quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread admiration for her grit and unwavering faith. Images of the centenarian making her way along the steep footpath with quiet determination struck a chord with devotees, serving as a powerful reminder that faith transcends both age and physical limitations.

The inspiring journey also caught the attention of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who praised the elderly pilgrim on social media, describing her as a living embodiment of the profound faith devotees repose in Lord Venkateswara. “Age is no barrier to devotion,” he remarked, lauding her remarkable pilgrimage.

Moved by the extraordinary display of devotion, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) sprang into action. Responding to an appeal by the TTD Chairman to trace the elderly pilgrim and her family, vigilance officials quickly established contact with Navaneethamma, a resident of Chennai.

On Monday, the TTD arranged VIP break darshan for Navaneethamma and her family, ensuring that her pilgrimage culminated in a seamless audience with the presiding deity. Temple officials personally escorted her from the biometric verification centre to the sanctum, extending every possible assistance throughout her visit.

Following the darshan, TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra felicitated the elderly devotee at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. Amid Vedic chants by temple priests, Navaneethamma was honoured with a silk shawl and presented with theertham and prasadam.

Expressing the family’s gratitude, her grandson, Dikpathi, said the arrangements made by the TTD had transformed his grandmother’s lifelong wish into an unforgettable spiritual experience. He thanked the temple administration and its staff for their warmth and care.

In an age when viral moments are often fleeting, Navaneethamma’s journey stands apart, not merely as a social media sensation but as a moving testament to the enduring power of faith.