Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy

Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy is one of the richest temples in India. It is located in Tirupati, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the hill town of Tirumala which has seven peaks, each peak designates individual Hindu gods known as Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. Tirupati is also called Kaliyuga Vaikunta. It is one of the richest pilgrimage places, people from all corners of the world visit. According to data, more than 1,00,000 devotees visit the temple.

Legend of Tirumala Temple: 

According to the Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy temple scripture, Sage Bhrugu visited Satya Loka which is the abode of Lord Brahma, he was busy praising Lord Vishnu and didn’t recognize the visit of Sage Bhrugu, he felt Lord Brahma was unfit to worship. Later he reached Kailasa which is the abode of Lord Shiva, even though he was busy and didn’t notice his presence. 

At last, he visited Vaikunta which is the abode of Lord Vishnu, even though he was busy with Goddess Mahalakshmi. Sage Bhrugu got angry and kicked the chest, which is said to be the place of Mahalakshmi. In the process of cooling the anger of Sage Bhrugu, Lord Vishnu tried to pierce the extra eye which is present in the sole of his foot. This extra eye is believed to represent the sage’s egotism.

With the act of sage, Sri Mahalakshmi was angry with Lord Vishnu and left Vaikunta. Unable to stay in lonely Vaikuntha, the lord came down to earth and was meditating without food and sleep. Unable to his situation, Lord Brahma and Shiva took the form of a cow and its calf to serve. The cow reached the cattle of Chola country. 

One day Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy who went to the forest to hunt, chased a wild elephant. At the sight of the elephant, Princess Padmavati and her maids were afraid and started pelting stones. Injured Srinivasa reached Vakula Devi and narrated the whole story. Vakuladevi learned from the maids of Padmavati Devi that even she was pinning for Srinivasa. Both Lord Srinivasa and Padamavathi were ready to get married with the acceptance of their elders. In order to overcome marriage expenses, Lord Srinivasa sought a loan of 11,400,000 gold coins from Lord Kubera. Understanding the commitment of Lord Vishnu towards Goddess Mahalakshmi, she chose to live in his heart forever.

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Famous Temple Activities: 

In remembrance of the act, devotees offer donations so that the lord can pay back the whole money along with interest to Lord Kubera. People also offer head tonsures, as when Lord Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy got hurt on his head, a small portion was bald. Unable to see such an attractive face having a mark, Princess Neela Devi offered some of her hair and covered the part. 

Unknown facts about lord Venkateswara in Tirumala:  

• The idol of Lord Venkateswara has real hair on its head. The hair is said to grow by about a centimeter every year.
• The idol is made of a black stone that is said to be constantly growing in size.
• The idol sweats profusely, especially on Thursdays. The sweat is wiped away with a silk cloth and is considered to be sacred.
• The idol is said to be self-manifested, or swayambhu. This means that it was not created by any human hand.
• The idol is believed to be so powerful that it can grant the wishes of its devotees.

Here are some other interesting facts about Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy:

• Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy is also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Tirumala.
• He is considered to be the presiding deity of the Kali Yuga, the present age.
• He is worshipped as the god of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
• The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the richest and most visited temples in the world.
• Millions of devotees from all over the world visit the temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Places to visit in and around the Tirumala Temple:

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur: Situated in Tiruchanur, approximately 5 kilometers from Tirupati, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram: Located about 12 kilometers from Tirupati, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is another important shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple is known for its association with the divine marriage of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi. The architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular spot for devotees.

Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Tirupati: Situated in the heart of Tirupati, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the region. The temple showcases impressive Dravidian architecture and hosts various festivals throughout the year.

Chandragiri Fort: Located approximately 15 kilometers from Tirupati, Chandragiri Fort is a historical fort built in the 11th century. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort boasts a mix of architectural styles and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular attraction for history enthusiasts.

Silathoranam: Situated in Tirumala Hills, Silathoranam is a unique rock formation that resembles a natural arch. It is considered a geological wonder and holds religious significance. Silathoranam is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Along with temples, there are many magnificent nature-rich places to visit like Akasa Ganga, Kalipaka Thirtham, etc..

You may also like to check other temples:

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple,

Srisailam Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple,

Shani Shignapur,

Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple,

Chilkur Balaji Temple.

Temple Timing:

Morning Timings:

Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan): 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM

VIP Break Darshan: 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM

Divya Darshan (Footpath Darshan): 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Afternoon Timings:

Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan): 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Evening Timings:

Ekantha Seva: 1:30 AM (Next Day)

FAQ:

Where is Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy Temple located?

The temple is located in the town of Tirumala in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Who is the presiding deity of the temple?

The presiding deity of Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy is Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. He is also known as Balaji or Srinivasa.

What is the significance of the temple?

The temple is renowned for its association with Lord Venkateswara, who is believed to be the “Lord of the Seven Hills.” It is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is known for fulfilling the wishes of devotees.

What are the major festivals celebrated at the temple?

Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy Temple celebrates various Hindu festivals, with the most significant being Brahmotsavam, which is a nine-day festival celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Other important festivals include Vaikunta Ekadashi, Rathasapthami, and Deepavali.

Can I book darshan tickets online?

Yes, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) offers online booking services for darshan and other seva (ritual offerings). It is recommended to book in advance to secure a specific darshan time.

What is the dress code for visiting the temple?

Devotees are expected to wear traditional and modest attire while visiting Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy temple. Men are typically required to wear dhotis, and women are expected to wear sarees or traditional dress.

Are there any accommodation facilities near the temple?

Yes, there are various accommodation options available near the temple for pilgrims and tourists, including guesthouses, hotels, and choultries.

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple’s inner sanctum. It’s important to respect the temple’s rules and regulations regarding photography and mobile devices.

What is the significance of the tonsuring (hair shaving) ritual at the temple?

Tonsuring is a common practice among devotees, and it is considered an offering to Lord Venkateswara. The hair collected from tonsuring is auctioned, and the proceeds are used for the temple’s operations and charitable activities.

How to reach Tirumala:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Tirumala Tirupati is the Tirupati Airport (TIR), also known as Renigunta Airport. It is well connected to major cities in India like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tirumala Tirupati, which is approximately 15 kilometers away.

By Train:

Tirupati Railway Station (TPTY) is the major railhead closest to Tirumala Tirupati. It has good connectivity with several cities across India. Once you reach Tirupati Railway Station, you can take a taxi, bus, or avail of shared cabs or autos to reach Tirumala. The distance between Tirupati Railway Station and Tirumala is around 26 kilometers.

By Road:

Tirumala Tirupati is well-connected by road networks. You can reach Tirupati by bus or private vehicle. Several government and private buses operate from major cities in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states to Tirupati. From Tirupati, you can take buses or hire taxis to reach Tirumala.
Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, you can take your own vehicle or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Chennai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad. Tirumala Tirupati is approximately 140 kilometers from Chennai, 250 kilometers from Bangalore, and 550 kilometers from Hyderabad.

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