Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tirumala, Tirupati, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a manifestation of Vishnu who is said to have appeared here to save mankind from the trials and tribulations of the Kali Yuga. As a result, the location is also known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, and the Lord here is known as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple are some of the other names for the temple. Venkateswara is also known as Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. The temple is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is directly regulated by the Andhra Pradesh Government, which also appoints the TTD's head and uses the shrine's revenue.
Medieval history Pallava queen Samavai made the first known investment fund in 966 CE. She gave several jewels and two parcels of land (one 10 acres and the other 13 acres) and directed that the proceeds from the land be used to celebrate major festivals in the temple. Venkateswara was a devotee of the Pallava dynasty (9th century), the Chola dynasty (10th century), and the Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries). The temple acquired the majority of its current wealth and scale during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, thanks to donations of diamonds and gold.In On one of his many visits to the temple in 1517, Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya donated gold and jewels, allowing the Ananda Nilayam (inner shrine) roofing to be sculpted. Krishnadevaraya installed his own statue in the temple on January 2, 1517, and he has made many donations to the temple. Following the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, representatives from states such as the Kingdom of Mysore and the Gadwal Samsthanam visited the temple as pilgrims and donated ornaments and valuables. Between 1320 and 1369, idols from Srirangapatnam's Ranganatha temple were housed in this temple for safekeeping.
Tirupati, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh
180004254141,9399399399 helpdesk@tirumala.org S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Lord Sri Venkateswara, also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Vekaachalapati, built his abode in Tirumala five thousand years ago. Lord Varahaswami had made Tirumala his residence long before them. Over centuries, many devotees have continued to build grand entrances on the temple's ramparts. The temple complex encompasses 16.2 acres of land.
The East facing Sri Varahaswami temple is situated in the North West corner of the temple tank - Swami Pushkarini - in Tirumala. According to temple tradition, Lord Srinivasa requested a land gift from Sri Varahaswami, which he readily granted.
In exchange, Srinivasa gave him an arrangement deed guaranteeing that he would receive the first darshan, worship, and offerings from all devotees entering the temple. This tradition is still practised today in Tirumala, and Lord Varahaswami continues to be worshipped in the traditional manner. Even today, all offerings are made to Lord Varahaswami first, followed by Lord Sri Venkateswara.
Since the 13th century, the height of the main entrance has been raised on a regular basis. The current height is fifty feet. This entrance is also known as ‘Padivaakili' and ‘Simhadwaram.' It is known as ‘Periya Thiruvasal' in Tamil. There are two-foot-high alloy metal statues on either side of the main entrance (Pancha loha). The guardians of Lord Sri Venkateswara's treasure, Navanidhi, are Sankanidhi and Padmanidhi.
The Maha Dwaram has three entrances, the first of which is brass, and the second of which is silver. The third entrance is a golden one.
These are the two angels who protect Lord Sri Venkateswara's riches and treasure. According to tradition, these are placed at the temple's third entrance. After saluting the first defence thresholds - Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi - one enters the holy shrine. According to legend, these statues were consecrated by Vijayanagara emperor Achyutha Rayalu, Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu's younger brother.
A high-rise mandapam adjoins the Mahadwara and to its right (Porch). This is known as the Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam or the Pratima Mandapam. This mandapam was built in the Vijayanagara architectural style. Tall copper sculptures of the Vijayanagara kingdom's ruler, Sri Krishnadevarayalu, and his two consorts, Tirumala Devi and Chinnadevi, can be found on the porch's right side.
These three statues, which are set in front of Lord Sri Venkateswara, express their love for them. According to legend, Sri Krishnadevarayalu himself installed these statues on January 2, 1517 A.D., and since then, this mandapam has been known as the Krishnadevarayalu mandapam. The shoulder badges of these statues feature their names.
A tall copper statue with folded hands stands to the left of the main entrance or Mahadwaram. This is a statue of Venkatapatirayalu, the Chandragiri king. He was a benevolent king who ruled Chandragiri in the 1570s and conferred several valuable gifts on the gods.
A glass porch is located 12 feet north of Sri Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam. Every day at 2 p.m., a service called "Dolotsavam" is held on this glass porch for the Lord. According to historical records, this seva programme started in 1831.
Ranganayakula Mandapam, located directly across from the glass porch, is another high-rise mandapam. Due to Muslim invasions between 1320 and 1369 A.D., the idols of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangapatnam were relocated to Tirumala for protection. In this Mandapam, he received regular prayers and poojas. Following the end of the Muslim invasions, these sculptures were relocated back to Srirangam. Even so, the name Ranganayakula Mandapam has remained being used to this day.
This mandapam is said to have been constructed by Tirupathi's king, Ranganadha Yadava Rayalu. Kalyanothsavams for the Lord were conducted in this mandapam. However, due to a increase in pilgrim traffic, Sampangi Pradakshinam now hosts daily Kalyanothsavams.
Another stone-pillared pavilion, Tirumalaraya Mandapam, is located ten feet to the south of the flagstaff. This was constructed by Saluvanarasimharayalu, the emperor of Vijayanagara, to express his gratitude to the Lord for his victories.
Every couples who have children with the Lord's blessings give money in the form of coins, silver, sweets, and camphor equal to the weight of their children, as they avowed. And patients who have been cured of their illnesses show their gratitude in the same way. This Tulabharam is located directly in front of the Ranganayakalu Mandapam.
Three copper statues of devotees facing the Lord and saluting him with folded hands are located about a hundred feet from the flagstaff. The first is Lala Khemaramu's, the second is his mother Mata Mohana Devi's, and the third is his wife Pita Bibi's. Lala Khemarumu is a Raja Todaramallu kshatriya. During the seventeenth century, he bravely defended Tirumala against Muslim and British invasions. This family was blessed by the Lord and given a place in the temple.
The golden flagstaff, Dwajasthambham, stands in the centre of a twenty-pillared square pavilion. There is an altar to the east of the flagstaff and a granite stone called 'Kshetrapalakasila' to the northeast. This pavilion is thought to have been built in the fifteenth century.
During Brahmotsavams, a flag with the imprint of Garuda is hoisted on this flagstaff to extend an invitation to the gods and goddesses (Yaksha, Kinnera, and Gandharva) to attend this festival. Those who wish to bring pooja material or other items into the sanctum must circumambulate along Dwajasthamba, including the Lord if he has been taken outside or returned to the main temple.
The Bali Peetam, or altar, is located next to the flagstaff. The Prasadam is held on this altar after offering Naivedyam to the Lord and other deities and exiting through the silver gate. This food offering is thought to be embraced by deities, angels, and elemental energies.
A one-and-a-half-foot-high stone slab stands to the northeast corner of the altar, under the flagstaff porch. This is referred to as 'Kshetrapalaka Sila.' This stone slab is said to have marched around the temple at night to provide protection to the Shrine.
Every night after closing the temple, priests would place the temple keys on this stone slab and collect them the very next morning after saluting it.
The circumambulation passage is known as ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam' is the first thing one sees when entering the temple precincts. Outside the temple, the grand circumambulation passage is not considered for this reason. As a result, ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam' is regarded as the most significant. Sampangi flower plants (gold flowers, Michelia Champaka) were previously grown in this pathway for the purpose of decorating the Lord, hence the name.
After losing a fight with Vayu, Adisesha settled on earth as Seshachalam Hills during the Dvapara Yuga. Tirumala is considered Adivaraha Kshetra by the Puranas. Adivaraha lived on this hill after killing Hiranyaksha. The legend surrounding Tirumala Temple is known as Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam.
During the Kali Yuga, Narada instructed Rishis to perform Yajna to determine who among the Trimurtis could be given the fruits of the yagna. Trimurtis was put to the test by Bhrigu. The sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot went unnoticed in both Brahma and Shiva's temples. Finally, he pays a visit to Vishnu, who behaves as though he is unaware of Bhrigu's presence. Sage Bhrigu was enraged by this act and kicked Vishnu in the chest, but Vishnu did not respond and instead massaged Sage's feet as an apology. He squashed the extra eye that was present in Bhrigu's soul during this act. Lakshmi, on the other hand, considers it an insult and has sent Vaikuntam to Kolhapur and started mediation.
As seen from Srivari Padalu on Narayanagiri hill Dwarams and Prakarams, Tirumala Temple and Vaikuntam Queue Complex (semicircular building in the foreground).
From the outside, three Dwarams (entrances) lead to Garbhagriha. The first entrance, known as Mahadwaram or Padikavali, is given via Mahaprakaram (outer compound wall). This Mahadwaram is topped by a 50-foot, five-story Gopuram (Temple tower) with seven Kalasams at its apex. The second entrance, Vendivakili (Silver Entrance), is given by SampangiPrakaram and is also known as Nadimipadikavali (Inner compound wall). Vendivakili is covered by a three-story Gopuram with seven Kalasams at its top. The third entry, Bangaruvakili (Golden Entrance), leads into Garbhagriha. On either side of this door are two tall copper images of the Dvarapalakas Jaya-Vijaya. The thick wooden door is adorned with gold gilt plates that represent Vishnu's Dasavathaaram.
Pradakshinam is the practice of important to know the level the temple or deities' Sanctum sanctorum. In the temple, there are two circumambulation routes. The region between Mahaprakaram and Sampangiprakaram is the first. Many Mandapas, Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam, Kshetrapalika sila, prasadam distribution area, and other structures can be found along the Sampangipradakshinam road. The Vimanapradakhinam, which circumambulates Ananda Nilayam Vimanam, is the second pradakshinam. Sub-shrines dedicated to Varadaraja and Yoga Narasimha, Potu (main kitchen), Bangaru Bavi (golden well), Ankurarpana Mandapam, Yagasala, Nanala (coins and paper notes), Parkamani, Almyrah of Sandal paste (Chandanapu ara), cell of records, Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu, Lords' hundi, and the seat of Vishvaksena.
Before the building of the Ananda Nilaya Gopuram and other related works, King Thondama laid the foundation here.
The Sanctum sanctorum is where the presiding deity Venkateswara and other minor deities live. Garbhagriha is reached via Golden Entrance. Between Bangaruvakili and Garbhagriha, there are two more entrances. The deity will be standing with four paws, one in varada, one on the thigh, and the other two carrying Shanka and Sudarshana Chakras. Precious ornaments adorn the god. Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi are depicted on the deity's right and left chests, respectively. The Garbhagriha (beyond the Kulasekharapadi (path)) is closed to pilgrims.
The main Gopuram built over 'Garbhagriha is Ananda Nilayam Vimanam. It's a three-story Gopuram with a single Kalasam at the top. It had gilt copper plates on it and was used to cover a golden vase. Many gods' idols are carved into this Gopuram. Venkateswara's deity is known as "Vimana Venkateswara" on this Gopuram, and is thought to be a mirror of the deity inside. Garbhagriha is the name of a place in India.
The temple's presiding deity is Venkateswara, a Vishnu avatar. The Moolavirat is thought to be Swayambhu (self manifested).
Left- Sridevi-Bhudevi, Malayappa Swamy, Center- Lord Venkateswara Main Deity (Dhruva Bram), Center bottom- Bhoga Srinivasa, Right- Ugra Srinivasa, Sita, Lakshmana Sri Rama, Krishna, Rukmini, a replica of the Garbhagriha of the Venkateswara Temple.
Venkateswara is depicted by five deities (berams) in Vaikanasa agamas, including the Moolavirat, who are collectively known as Pancha beramulu (Pancha means five; Beram means Deity). Dhruva Beram (Moolavar), Kautuka Beram, Snapana Beram, Utsava Beram, and Bali Beram are the five deities. Under Ananda Nilayam Vimanam, all the pancha berams are put in the Garbha griha.
5. Koluvu Srinivasa or Bali Beram: Bali Beram is represented by Koluvu Srinivasa. Koluvu Srinivasa is the temple's guardian deity, presiding over the temple's financial and economic affairs. The morning Koluvu seva (Telugu: Koluvu means engaged in), during which the previous day's offerings, revenue, and expenses are notified to this deity, along with a presentation of accounts, will be performed. Panchanga sravanam will be conducted at the same time that Venkateswara is informed of the Tithi, sunrise and sunset times, and nakshatra for that particular day.
The temple practises the "Vaikhanasa Agama" worship ritual, which is said to have been revealed by Sage Vikhanasa and is passed down through his disciples Atri, Bhrigu, Marichi, and Kasyapa. Vaikhanasa is one of Hinduism's most important practises, focusing on Vishnu (and his related Avatars) as the Supreme God. This ancient text recommends six times puja (worship) for Vishnu per day, with at least one puja being required. Daily, weekly, and periodical rituals are the three types of rituals. Suprabhata Seva, Thomala Seva, Archana, Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva), Arjita Brahmotsavam, Arjita Vasantotsavam, Sahasra Dipalankarana Seva, and Ekanta Seva are the regular sevas in Temple (in order of occurrence). Vishesha Pooja is held on Monday, Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana is held on Tuesday, Sahasra Kalasabhishekam is held on Wednesday, Tiruppavada Seva is held on Thursday, and Abhishekam and Nijapada Darshanam is held on Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are no weekly sevas. Jyesthabhishekam, Aaniwara Asthanam, Pavithrotsavam, and Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam are all annual rituals.
Laddu offered to Venkateswara at Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
The world-famous "Tirupati Laddu" is served as prasadam at Tirumala Temple. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams are the only ones who can produce or sell Tirumala Tirupati Laddu because it has a Geographical Indication name. Many other prasadams, such as Anna-prasadams and Panyarams, are also provided to Venkateswara. Chakerapongal (sweet), Pulihora (tamarind rice), Miryala pongal, kadambham, and daddojanam are some of the Annaprasadams (curd rice). (44). Laddu, vada, Dosa, Appam, jilebi, muruku, poli, and payasam are some of the panyarams. (44). The pilgrims are provided with free meals on a regular basis. On Thursdays, the Tiruppavada seva is performed, in which a large quantity of pulihora is lavished up into a pyramidal shape in Tirummani mandapam and offered to Venkateswara (ghanta mandapam).
More than 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims have Darshan of the presiding deity, Venkateswara, while the number of pilgrims visiting the temple swells to 500,000 on special occasions and festivals, such as the annual Brahmotsavams, making it the world's most-visited holy spot. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam built two Vaikuntam Queue Complexes to handle the large number of devotees who visit the temple: one in 1983 and the other in 2000.
The administration recently established a separate line for pedestrian pilgrims. For pilgrims to join this special queue, a free but restricted number of biometric tokens are distributed. On a first-come, first-served basis, tokens are distributed. Pilgrims will worship Venkateswara during the times specified on the token. Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu are the two entry points for pilgrims on the footpath. The Alipiri Mettu is open 24 hours a day, while the Srivari Mettu is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Many devotees have their heads tonsured as an offering to God, known as "Mokku." About a lot of hair is collected every day. The temple earns a large profit by collecting the hair and selling it abroad. According to legend, a small portion of Venkateswara's scalp became bald after he was struck on the head by a cowherd. Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess, observed this. She then cut a strand of her hair and used her magic to introduce it into his scalp. Venkateswara was aware of her self-sacrifice. He told her that all his devotees who came to his abode would give their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received since hair is a beautiful asset of the female type. As a result, it is thought that Neela Devi embraces hair provided by devotees.
Daily Routine | Open: 6.30 am and 7.30 pm every day |
By road, rail, and air, Tirupati is well linked. Pilgrims can travel by bus, train, or flight, as controlled by the appropriate agencies (RTCs, Indian Railways, Airlines, or any private mode of transportation) from time to time.
Pilgrims can enter Tirupati in 30 minutes or 1 hour 30 minutes thanks to frequent connections to Renigunta and Gudur Railway Stations. Pilgrims can also fly into Chennai or Bangalore and drive to Tirupati in three or five hours, depending on their preferred mode of transportation.
There are two well-kept stone footpaths known as SOPANAMARGAS that pilgrims can use to walk to Tirumala and fulfil their vows.
One route begins in ALIPIRI, while the other begins in SRIVARIMETTU.
Pilgrims can travel to the foot of the hills, ALIPIRI and SRIVARIMETTU, on free buses operated by TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS or APSRTC buses available from Tirupati Railway station and Bus stations.
The ALIPIRI to Tirumala footpath is about 7.80 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours, while the SRIVARIMETTU to Tirumala footpath is about 2.10 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
While entering the temple, there is a small shrine dedicated to Varadaraja in Vimana-pradakshinam, to the left of Vendivakili (silver entrance). When this god was mounted is unknown. The stone deity is seated with his back to the west.
In the Vimana-north-east Pradakshina's corner, there is a shrine dedicated to Narasimha. Between 1330 and 1360 A.D., the shrine is said to have been built. Yoga-Narasimha is depicted sitting cross-legged, bound by yoga patta and carrying Shankha and chakra in the upper two hands and two lower hands in yoga mudra.
The sub-shrine dedicated to Hanuman is the Bedi-Anjaneya Temple. Near Akhilandam, the temple is located directly across from the Mahadwaram (place where coconuts are offered). Both of the hands of the deity in this temple are cuffed (Telugu Language:Bedilu).
With a height of 270 feet, the Talakona Waterfall is Andhra Pradesh's highest and one of India's most beautiful waterfalls. The waterfall originates 30 kilometres within the forest, and tourist must trek for about 2 kilometres to see it. However, the strain of trekking will vanish into thin air once they see this magnificent waterfall in its natural setting. It has a beautiful atmosphere throughout the rainy season. During the rainy season, the enticing and cascading beauty engulfs much of its stony base and falls on the stony bed with constant chatter.
TTD, or Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, maintains this natural park. The garden contains much more than deers and is one of Tirupati's most famous tourist attractions. Deer Park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including deer. Although the park has a large number and variety of deer, the enclosures are fenced. Nobody is permitted to enter the enclosures. The deer park is engulfed in and surrounded by nature in all of its magnificence. Not only will the person be able to see various varieties of deer, but they will also be able to witness a true piece of nature in action. This is why the deer park is one of Tirupati's most famous and attractive tourist attractions.