Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Andhra Pradesh

Description :
Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the earth to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. The temple is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government. The revenue from this shrine is used by Andhra Pradesh government.

Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level. The hills comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha. The temple lies on the seventh peak—Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as “Temple of Seven Hills”. Tirumala town covers about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km2) in area.

The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 CE. The Garbhagruha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called Ananda Nilayam. The presiding DEITY, Venkateswara, is in standing posture and faces east in Garbha Gruha. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras and is listed as the 75th Divya Desam. The Temple premises have two modern Queue complex buildings to organise the pilgrim rush, Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites.

It is one of the richest temples in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.

There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti (DEITY) of Venkateswara, which it is believed, shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.

About the Temple:

LOCATION: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504.
COUNTRY: India
NEAREST AIRPORT:Tirupati (TIR).
Construction began:300 AD
BUILT-BY:Veera Narasingadeva,Yadavaraya,
Veera Rakshasa Yadavaraya,
Ranganatha Yadavaraya.
ARCHITECTURE STYLE:Dravidian architecture.
DEITY: Venkateswara (Vishnu)
FESTIVALS:Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ratha Saptami.
TEMPLE TIMINGS: 5 AM to 11 PM (extended till 1 AM on peak season).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: All time