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Location : 67-km
from Chittoor in Chittoor district
Famous For : Architecture and Festivals
Ideal Time To Visit : October To March
¤ A Sacred Monument
Considered as the most sacred and the richest temple in the
world, Tirupati temple is situated in the town of Tirupati. It
is located 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district of
southern Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple,
it is a major pilgrimage center of south India. Besides,
Tirupati also focous on other attraction of this place, the
ancient and famous shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of
Seven Hills are worth a viist.
The temple is located on a hill at Tirumala. It is a
conglomeration of seven hills known as Seshachalam or
Venkatachalam having an height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the
sea level. The temple boasts of a vibrant and colorful culture
also speaking volumes about its grand past. It is an important
pilgrimage center, where devotees stand for long hours waiting
to get a glance of the presiding deity.
¤ Highlight of The Temple
The temple is the most popular and most visited temples in
India. Being situated on a hill of Tirumala, it is climbed up
by pilgrims, which is not an easy task.
Sri Venkataswara temple or the Tirupati temple is the richest
temple in India. It is said that people drop bags of diamonds
at the feet of Sri Venkataswara. Devotees flock this temple in
huge numbers. In fact there are two lines to enter the temple,
one is a free line, where you don' t pay anything to get a
view of the deity. But, for the second line, which takes less
time to get a glance of the deity, you have to pay a minimum
amount of Rs. 50.
¤ Temple Architecture
The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of
architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The
'Vimana' or Cupola, named the "the Ananda Nilayam" is placed
over the sanctum sanctorum. It completely veiled with gold
plate.
There are three 'Prakarams' or enclosures in the temple, among
them the outermost enclosure boasts of the 'Dhvajastambha' or
the banner post. Apart form these, other highlights of the
temple are the statues of Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya
and his spouse. There is also an idol of Todarmal, the
minister of Akbar.
The image of the temple deity represents both Lord Vishnu and
Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is considered as the preserver whereas
the Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer in Hindu
religion.
¤ A Day At Tirupati Tirumala
A day at Tirupati Tirumala temple begins with 'Suprabhatam'
(awakening the Lord) as early as three in the morning. The day
ends with the 'Ekanta Seva' ( putting the Lord to sleep) at
around 1 O'clock in the night.
Prayers are offered daily, weekly and periodically in the form
of 'Sevas' and 'Utsavams' to the Lord. Devotees who want to
pay homage to the Lord can do it by giving a small amount in
return of the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. The gifts
and donations offered to the deity, is known as the 'Hundi'.
It is the main source of income of the Temple.
¤ Festivals
Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple celebrates many festivals but
the annual festival of 'Brahmotsavam' is particularly
important. This festival is celebrated extravagantly for nine
days in the month of September every year. The Garudostavam
and Rathotavam rituals take place on the fifth and sixth day
of the festival. Thus, attracting flocks of tourists and
devotees to the temple.
¤ Reach Tirupati Temple
By Air : The nearest airport is at Renigunta(15 kms). Tirupati
is connected by air with Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore.
From the airport you can hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw or
you can take a bus to reach the temple.
By Rail : Tirupati temple is well connected by roads and
proper transport services to the nearest railway station
situated at Tirupati. This place is connected by rail with
Hubbi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolhapur , Mumbai, Puri,
Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi and Vijayawada.
By Road : To reach Tirupati temple, one should first reach
Tirupati. It is linked with important cities like Hyderabad
(617), Banglore(248), Chennai(151 km), Vijayawada(380 km) and
Lepakshi (379 km) through good roadways |
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