Tirupati Balaji, Hindu Pilgrimage in India

Tirupati Balaji, Hindu Pilgrimage in India

TIRUPATI FACTS & FIGURES

Location: Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, North India
Best time to Visit: September to February
Significance: A very significant hindu pilgimage center and noted as World's Richest Temple.

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

Tirupati is a result of contributions made by kings during their rule. Every ruler of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine of Tirupati. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.

The Brahmotsavam is the most important temple festival celebrated at Tirupati-Balaji and is celebrated annually in September. This festival is especially grand every third year when it is called Navratri Brahmotsavam. On the third day of the Brahmotsavam, the temple car festival called Rathotsavam is held. Both the temple chariot and the Lord are beautifully decorated and taken around the streets of Tirumala.

Tirupati along with its natural beauty and religious significance attracts innumerable tourists.

The Legend

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that he came to reside on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarni, a tank which passes by Tirumala.

The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of Sheshnag – the cosmic serpent. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri.According to one legend, as Saint Ramanuja born in 11th Century AD climbed the seven hills of Tirupati, Lord Srinivas- another name for Lord Venkateswara- appeared before him and gave him his blessings. And after that he is believed to have been blessed to live till the ripe age of 120 years to spread the gospel of Sri Venkateswara.

Pilgrim Attractions in Tirupati

Sri Venkateswara

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala of the Tirupati Hills, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. Lord Venkateswara is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills. Here, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism.

Sri Varahaswami Temple

Sri Varahaswami Temple in Tirumala is to the north of the Sri Venkateswara temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini. According to legend, Tirumala was originally the Adi Varaha Kshetra or the place belonging to Sri Adi Varahaswami. Lord Sri Venkateswara took up residence here, with the permission of Sri Varahaswami.

Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple

Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple is located opposite the Sri Varahaswami temple on the northeastern banks of the Swami Pushkarini. It was constructed during the Mahant's period. The idol's hands are joined in supplication (in the Anjali posture). Sri Anjaneyaswami is believed to be a bestower of boons and a protector from all evils.

Swami Pushkarini

Swami Pushkarini, believed to be a pleasure tank of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntham, is adjacent to the Sri Venkateswara temple. A bath in the Swami Pushkarini is believed to cleanse pilgrims of their sins and bestow temporal prosperity. Pilgrims bathe here before entering the main temple.

Sri Govindarajaswami Temple

Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is an important temple in Tirupati. It has an imposing gopuram that can be seen from a distance. Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in AD 1130.

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple is situated in the heart of Tirupati town. The presiding deities are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana.

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Siva, in the pantheon of Vaishnava temples in Tirupati.

Sri Kariya Manikyaswami Temple

Sri Kariya Manikyaswami Temple or Sri Perumala Swami Temple is located in Nagiri, 51 km from Tirupati. It is believed that Lord Vishnu killed Makara, a crocodile, and saved Gajendra, an elephant at this place.

Sri Annapurna Sameta Kasi Visweswaraswami Temple

Sri Annapurna Sameta Kasi Visweswaraswami Temple is located in the Bugga Agraharam village, 56 km from Tirupati. The temple is on the banks of Kusasthali River.

Festivals in Tirupati

It is believed that Lord Sri Venkateswara enjoys festivals (utsavams), and therefore, every moment in Tirumala is considered a festive occasion. Important festivals areBrahmotsavam, Vinayaka Chavithi, Maha Shivaratri, Skhanda Shasthi and Annabhishekam

How to Reach Tirupati

• Air: There are direct flights from Hyderabad and Chennai.

• Rail: Direct railway services are available from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.

• Road: We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportation