|
|
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
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.
Tirupathi - 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 Tirupati
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 Tirupati
Temple.
The Daily Routines - Tirupati Tirumala
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.
FESTIVALS
OF TIRUPATHI
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.