In an awe-inspiring testament to unwavering devotion, 70-year-old Ramana Murthy has become a figure of spiritual wonder at the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara. The Tirupati local has reportedly climbed the arduous steps to the Tirumala temple, known as the Srivari Mettu or Alipiri Mettu, an astonishing 2,600 times in his lifetime.
Ramana Murthy’s spiritual journey has culminated in having the divine Swamy Darshan of Lord Venkateswara an incredible 3,350 times, making him a living legend among the millions of pilgrims who visit the temple annually.
Speaking to local media, Ramana Murthy shared that his decades-long practice of climbing the hill on foot is a personal expression of devotion and commitment to the deity. While pilgrims from all corners of the world undertake the physically challenging climb—which can involve over 3,500 steps depending on the route—to fulfill vows or seek blessings, Murthy’s consistency and staggering cumulative total stand out as a monumental feat of faith and endurance.
“Every step is a prayer, and every climb strengthens my bond with the Lord,” Murthy remarked, his story quickly gaining traction across social media platforms and inspiring countless devotees.
The sheer scale of his achievement—scaling the hill a literal thousands of times—has prompted many to call for his dedication to be officially recognized, highlighting a unique and powerful example of bhakti (devotion) in contemporary India. Ramana Murthy’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that for many, age is no barrier to spiritual discipline and fervent worship.
