Annadanam

Following the sacred tradition of Annadanam — serving food freely to pilgrims, devotees and families in need.

Services · Annadanam

Annadanam (free food service) at Sree Shivaji Sphoorti Kendram, Srisailam

Sree Shivaji Sphoorti Kendram follows the great Indian tradition of Annadanam — the sacred act of serving free food — as part of its social and spiritual service. Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's ideals of compassion and equality, the Kendram organises regular food distribution for pilgrims, devotees and underprivileged communities visiting Srisailam.

How the Annadanam is organised

Community participation: Local volunteers help with cooking and serving.
Donor support: Devotees and philanthropists sponsor meals, often in memory of loved ones.
Hygiene standards: Food is prepared in a clean, temple-style kitchen with strict quality checks.

Contribute Annadanam photos

Why it matters

Significance of Annadanam

Spiritual belief

Annadanam Mahadanam — serving food is considered the greatest form of charity in Hindu tradition.

Historical connection

Shivaji Maharaj was known for caring for his soldiers and the common people, including through community kitchens that fed them.

Social welfare

Helping to ensure that no pilgrim or person in need goes hungry in the holy town of Srisailam.

Services

Types of Annadanam

Daily prasadam distribution

Free meals for devotees visiting the memorial
Simple, nutritious sattvic food — rice, dal, vegetables and chapatis
Served on hygienic, eco-friendly plates

Maha Annadanam (mass feeding)

Held on festivals, Shivaji Jayanti and Ekadashi days
Serves 500 to 1,000 or more people in a single day
Special meals such as sweet pongal, tamarind rice and curd rice

Tribal and rural food drives

Food packets distributed to Chenchu tribal communities in the Nallamala forests
Rice, pulses and essential groceries for families in need

Special Annadanam occasions

Shivaji Jayanti (19 February): A grand feast with Maharashtrian dishes such as puran poli, shrikhand and amti.
Shravan month and Maha Shivaratri: Special prasadam for devotees of Lord Shiva.
New Year and Republic Day: Meals served to schoolchildren and the elderly.

How you can contribute

Sponsor a meal: A one-day Annadanam for 100 people costs around ₹5,000–₹10,000.
Volunteer: Help with cooking, packing or serving food.
Donate groceries: Rice, dal, oil or vegetables for the kitchen.

Please contact the Kendram office for donation details. The Kendram maintains an annual record of meals served.

Join as a volunteer