Venkateswara Temple,Tirupati : Temple of Seven Hills

Venkateswara Temple,Tirupati : Temple of Seven Hills

Popular among the tourists for the golden habitat of Lord Venkateshwara Swami, Tirupathi is a temple city in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. A city covered with lush green vegetation and not-so-high hills, Tirupati is visited by Hindus from across the world irrespective of their castes and beliefs.

Tiru in Telugu means Shri (Laxmi) and Pati denotes husband. So the literal meaning of Tirupati is the husband of Laxmi, i.e. Vishnu. There are several myths and legends associated with the formation of the Tirumala Venkateswara Devasthanam and it is claimed to be the most reputed religious sites in the world in terms of visitors visiting the temple and the amount of donation it gets every year.

 Even though Hindu married women are not supposed to shave their head, but out of devotion they often donate their hair in Tirupati.

Architecture

This ancient temple is supposed to have been standing since ages. Comprised of ‘Gopuram’ (tower), the temple is a fine example of Dravidian style of architecture. There is a gilded cupola (Vimana) by the mane of “the Ananda Nilayam” over the main shrine. The shrine comprises three enclosures, which are also known as ‘Prakarams’. The outmost enclosure comprises the ‘Dhvajastambha’ (banner post) and the other enclosures have many statues including statues of King Krishnadevraya and Todarmal (minister of Akbar). The striking idol of Sri Venkateswara / Balaji lies in the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. 

Managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam

The temple affairs are managed and controlled by the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam). TTD has made adequate arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims and to maintain healthy environmental condition on the hills. Guest Houses and various food counters are developed for the benefit of the pilgrims. On the way to the temple, amenities of toilets, shelters and drinking water have been made to facilitate the pilgrims, who come on foot to the temple. 

Sermons

Till date, the lavish temple follows complex rituals and sermons of worship that were prescribed by Ramanuja Acharya in the 12th century. Every day, the program begins with ‘Suprabhatam’, which encompasses awakening of the Lord at 3’O clock in the morning. ‘Ekanta Seva’ is the last program, in which, the Lord is made to sleep at 1’O clock in the night. 

As per the day and period, different ‘sevas’ (services) and ‘utsavams’ (festivals) are held in the shrine of the Lord. ‘Hundi’ is a donation box and this is the main source of temple’s income. Devotees offer donations as per their desire in these boxes that are kept at intervals in the temple. For the ease of the pilgrims, different ‘darshans’ including ‘Sarvadarshan’, ‘Special Darshan’ and ‘Sudarshanam’ are prearranged. 

Festivals 

Tirupati is another name of festivities, so with each new day, there comes a festival. Everyday, fair of pilgrims at the shrine add to the festivity of this temple. However, ‘Brahmotsavam’ is the most famous festival of Tirupati. This festival is celebrated on a grand level for nine days in September. Arrival of this festival increases the gush of pilgrims and tourists from the country. 

Depicting the Indian legacy, Tirupati Balaji Temple is really significant from the religious point of view. Every year, the popularity of this temple attracts tourists from all over the world. Sri Venkateswara is a benefactor of boons in the Dark Age and people come here to seek the blessings from the Lord.