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Tirupati town is 67-km from Chittoor in
Chittoor district, the southern
portion of Andhra Pradesh. The most
important place of interest at the place is the historic shrine of Sri
Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country.
The
Tirupati Balaji shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of
seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with an elevation of
853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. Said to be the richest temple in the
world, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution
with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from
all over the country who stand in line for hours together to obtain a
glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds.
A Fine Example Of Dravidian Temple Architecture
The temple at Tirumala is believed to have existed from ancient times.
The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the
Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara, vied with one
another in endowing the Shrine and offering worship of the presiding
deity. The temple with its gopuram or tower is a fine example of Dravidian
architecture.
The Vimana or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with
gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam". The Shrine
consists of three Prakarams or enclosures. The outermost enclosure
contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post and, among others, the
statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of
Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of
Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana' or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' (as is
called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu
and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu Trinity.
The elaborate rituals and mode of worship in the temple were prescribed
by the saint Ramanujacharya and are being followed even today. Anointing
the idol with camphor, and the offering by pilgrims of the hair on their
heads by getting themselves shaved by licensed barbers are the important
customs in vogue at this temple.
The Daily Routines
The daily program starts with 'Suprabhatam' (awakening the Lord) at three
in the morning and end with the 'Ekanta Seva' (putting the Lord to sleep)
at one in the night. Daily, Weekly and Periodical sevas and utsavams are
performed to the Lord. Interested pilgrims can choose from the list and
pay to get the 'Sevas' or 'Utsavams' done on their name. Devotees offer
their gifts and donations in the "Hundi", which is the main
source of income.
TTD, or Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
manages the affairs of the temple, the well-being of the pilgrims, the
upkeep of the environs in and around the Tirumala hills and sponsors
several undertakings that are religious, charitable, social and
educational in nature.
The TTD provides ample conveyance and halting facilities to thousands of
pilgrims. Many pilgrims climb the hill by walk to fulfil the vow they have
taken. Facilities like shelters, drinking waters, toilets, canteens,
medical facilities etc are provided for a quick and relaxing walk uphill.
The number of pilgrims visiting Tirumala-Tirupati is increasing every
year. To avoid stampedes, TTD has constructed the Vaikuntam Queue Complex,
which is a series of inter-connected halls that lead to the main temple.
Wide range of facilities ranging from canteen services, toilets,
Television etc are provided within the queue complex.
Darshan:
Different darshans are arranged for the convenience of the pilgrims, The
'Sarvadarshan' (meaning darshan for all, free of cost), special darshan
(paid darshan), 'Sudarshanam' (free and paid darshan minimizing the
waiting time) and special darshan for the physically disabled and the
aged.
Commutation & Food:
The buses run by the Tirumala- Tirupathi Devasthanam, starting from
Tirupati, carry pilgrims and visitors up the hills through the ghat road
which is over 22 Km in length. There are also buses that take you to the
different places of sight seeing within Tirumala. All these bus services
are free of cost.
Vegetarian meals are provided free of cost to devotees, in the Sri
Venkateswara Canteen Complex, from 10.00 hrs to 23.00 hrs, everyday. One
can avail this facility on production of the free meal coupon, which is
distributed inside the temple after worshipping the Lord. About 20,000
pilgrims avail this facility every day.
Everyday is a day of festivity at Tirumala. The most famous is the annual festival called 'Brahmotsavam', which is celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on those days.
Other Temple Shrines: There are
many places of religious and tourist interest in Tirumala. The Varahaswami
Temple, Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami Temple, Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple, Sri
Garuda Temple, Sri Yoga Narasimha Swami Temple etc are the other important
shrines in Tirumala. There are also several Teerathams, which are worth a
visit.
Swami Pushkarani: Swami Pushkarani, a tank considered highly
sacred by the pilgrims is adjacent to the temple. Pilgrims take a bath
here before entering the temple.
Waterfalls: Akasa Ganga waterfalls are about 3-km to the north of
the temple. Papavinasanam waterfalls are about 5-km to the north of the
temple.
Silathoranam: Silathoranam, a rare geological formation is
situated at 1-km north of the temple.
Lepakshi Emporium: Lepakshi Emporium, an ideal place for
purchasing attractive handicrafts at moderate prices, it is situated near
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central Reception Office. T.T.D Gardens,
the beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species of plants and trees.
Asthana Mandapam: Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall) is the venue for
the devotional programs like discourses, music concerts, harikathas and
bhajans conducted under the auspices of Dharma Prachara Parishat.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Tirupati .
Rail: Tirupati is the nearest railway station. There are trains
that travel via Renigunta or Gudur, but do not touch Tirupati. In such
cases, Renigunta (just 10-km from Tirupati) or Gudur (100-km from
Tirupati), are convenient points to alight. From Renigunta/Gudur, one can
reach Tirupati by train, bus, or taxi.
Buses: APSRTC buses run from all the important places in the state
and between Tirupati and Tirumala. TTD also runs buses between Tirupati
and Tirumala, free of cost. Taxis are also available over here.
At the Cottages, Choultries or Guest houses in Tirumala. One can also stay at the Hotels in Tirupati. Free accommodation is also provided for pilgrims.
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