Lord Venkateshwara Temple at Tirumala . Review on Tirupati

The ‘holy hill’ of Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He showers his magnificent blessings on all mankind. No wish prayed for remains ungranted. The magnanimity of the almighty draws enormous pilgrims seeking his mercy. Everything is well

organized in Tirumala to keep the visitors fed, sheltered and moving.

The pilgrims are offered free food and free buses. Tirumala is claimed to be the busiest place in the world eclipsing Jerusalem, Rome and Mecca. It's an engrossing place and one of the few places in India, which allows non-Hindus into the temple sanctum sanctorum. The temple is one of the richest temples in India with an annual income exceeding one billion rupees. The majestic hills, the beautiful gardens, calm and serene atmosphere further add to grace to this sacred place. The worship of Venkateshwara, the Lord of the seven hills originated in the 9th and 10th centuries.

The shrine at Tirumala was expanded and Lord Venkateshwara was adopted the protective deity under the patronage of the 15th century-16th century Vijayanagara emperors. In 1517, Krishnadevaraya in one of his many visits to the temple donated gold and jewels. The temple was also patronized by the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and later by the kings of Mysore. Sri Venkateshwara Swamy is well known as “Srinivasa” in the south and “Balaji” in the north. There are many legends associated with the origin of the temple.

According to one of the legends, Lord Venkateshwara was enchanted by the charm of the Seshachalam hills. He settled down there to meditate and in due course of time his body was transformed into stone. Puranas say that, the

Seshachalam hill represents the body of Adisesha(the serpent) on which Lord Venkateshwara is supposed to have taken rest. The seven hills denote the seven hoods of Adisesha on which Lord Venkateshwara resides.

The main temple is a masterpiece of Dravadian architecture with its “Ananda Nilaya Vimanam”, the granite canopy over the sanctom sanctoram, covered with gilded copper sheets. The sanctum stands at the western end of a complex of structures. The first is an open hall, borne on sixteen pillars. It is called the Tirumamani Mandapa. Through the golden entrance door comes the Snapana mandapa . On either sides of the entrance are two dwarakapalakas, Jaya and Vijaya.

Suprabhatam is recited in front of this door. Then passing the Rama meda and the Kukkoti Pradakshina, the pilgrim comes to the Sayana mandapa. The stone step which stands before the sanctum is called the Kulasekharapadi. There is only one main image or Mula Murthi in the sanctum and that is of Sri Venkateshwara. It is interesting to note that, there is only one Vaishnava temple in the country where this is so. The image is said to be self-created and immortal.

The body of the lord is anointed with camphor, saffron and musk. Sandal wood paste is applied on it. The idol of Lord Venkateshwara is the perfect blend of attributes of both, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple is therefore worshipped by both the Shaivites and the Vaishnavites.

For devotees, the deity Venkateshwara symbolizes goodness. With his conch he creates the cosmic sounds that destroy

ignorance. Statistics reveal that the number of pilgrims range as high as 1 lakh on certain occasions. The concourse of late is particularly numerous on the 1st of every new year. Entry is regulated by queues. There is the tradition of visiting the Lord Varahara Swamy temple before visiting the main shrine. After worship most devotees make their offerings in the treasury. Then the prasadam is distributed to the devotees( Daddojanam, Laddu, Vada, Pulihora and Parvannam.).

There is an age-old custom of having one’s head tonsured, an act symbolic of renouncing the ego. The Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated here in September/October. The sacred texts are recited and the images of the deities are taken out in a colourful procession around the temple. The chariot of Brahma, believed to be the instigator of the festival leads the procession.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple:

Sri Padmavathi is the goddess of abundance and prosperity. This temple is down the hill from the main temple. There are images of Lord Hanuman the monkey God, Lord Krishna and others in the white pillared hall.

Sila Thoranam:

Sila Thoranam is a natural rock formation, few kilometers up the hill from the temple. It is the only one of its kind in Asia. It is believed to be the place, where the deity Lord Venkateshwara descended to earth. There are rock impressions of foot and wheel behind the arch. According to the mythology, the foot belongs to Lord Vishnu.

Narayanagiri:

The highest point on Tirumala is called Narayanagiri. From here, you can have a panoramic view of the landscape.

How to reach:

By Road: Tirumala is located 18 kms northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt above sea level. The temple can be approached from Tirupati either by a 10-km long foot path or by road. TTD Buses from Tirupati, ply to Tirumala every 5 minutes.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Tirupati.

By Air: Nearest airport is at Tirupati.

Where to stay: Hotels in Tirupati Cottages, dormitories etc. of TTD

once u visit the place, u'll really feel like going again and again..