The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, perched atop the Seshachalam Hills in Andhra Pradesh, is not only a prominent pilgrimage site but also a center of rich traditions that reflect profound spiritual significance. Among these time-honored customs, the Hundi (offering box) and the Koluvu (daily court ritual) stand out as integral components of the temple's sanctity and operations. Understanding the spiritual essence of these practices provides a deeper appreciation of the devotion and meticulousness that characterize Tirumala.

The Hundi, a seemingly simple receptacle, holds a central place in the temple's spiritual and economic ecosystem. It serves as a tangible representation of devotees' material sacrifices to Lord Venkateswara. The act of placing offerings—cash, gold, and other valuables—into the Hundi is considered a Yagna, a selfless act of giving up material gains for spiritual merit. This tradition is rooted in a legend where Lord Venkateswara borrowed a large sum from Kubera, the god of wealth, for his marriage to Padmavathi and promised to repay it until the end of Kali Yuga. Consequently, devotees contribute to the Hundi, symbolically assisting the Lord in fulfilling his eternal debt.

Beyond the legend, the Hundi embodies the principles of Dana (charity) and Tyaga (sacrifice), fundamental virtues in Hinduism. Devotees offer their wealth with the understanding that it will be utilized for the maintenance and development of the temple, as well as for various charitable activities that benefit the community. The funds collected through the Hundi are used to sustain the temple's operations, including the salaries of staff and priests, the provision of free meals (Anna Prasadam) to thousands of pilgrims daily, and the upkeep of infrastructure. In 2024 alone, the temple received ₹1,365 crore in Hundi offerings, demonstrating the scale of devotion and the financial responsibility entrusted to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The Koluvu ritual is another significant aspect of Tirumala's daily proceedings, reflecting the temple's meticulous attention to detail and its adherence to ancient customs. Koluvu, also referred to as Durbar, is a daily court ritual performed after the morning Thomala Seva (flower decoration) or Abhishekam (sacred bath). During this ritual, Koluvu Srinivasa, a silver idol representing Lord Venkateswara, is brought to the Tirumamani Mantapam inside the sanctum sanctorum and seated on a silver-plated chair.

The Koluvu Srinivasa idol is regarded as the guardian deity of the temple, presiding over all financial and economic affairs. The daily Koluvu serves as an occasion to present the previous day's accounts to the Lord, ensuring transparency and accountability in the temple's financial management. The priests read out the Panchangam (almanac), detailing the day's calendar, including festivals and observances, to the deity. This practice signifies seeking the Lord's blessings and guidance for all activities undertaken by the temple.

The Koluvu ritual underscores the importance of order, discipline, and devotion in the temple's administration. It also highlights the integration of spiritual and temporal affairs, with the belief that all activities, including financial transactions, should be conducted with divine oversight and approval. The annual Anivara Asthanam, performed at the end of the financial year, involves submitting the yearly records to the Lord and seeking his blessing for the continued service of the principal officers, further emphasizing this integration.

In recent times, the Tirumala temple has been subject to increased scrutiny and audits to ensure the security of the temple and the safety of pilgrims. These measures underscore the commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the temple while adapting to modern challenges. A high-level security audit meeting was held in May 2025, involving senior officials from the police department and TTD, to assess and strengthen security arrangements. The focus was on fortifying temple security, ensuring pilgrim safety, and revising protocols to address evolving security challenges.

Both the Hundi and Koluvu rituals exemplify the deep-rooted faith and traditions that define the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Hundi symbolizes the devotees' material sacrifices and their trust in the temple's administration, while the Koluvu represents the meticulous management and spiritual oversight of the temple's affairs. These practices, steeped in legend and devotion, contribute to the unique spiritual ambiance of Tirumala, making it a beacon of faith for millions of pilgrims each year.