Tirupati is a hugely popular pilgrim centre in South India. Located in Chittur District in Andhra Pradesh, it is home to the famous Sri Venkateshwara temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (also known as Balaji and Govinda). It is fine to visit Tirupati at any time through the year, but September to March is the ideal season.

The Sri Ventakeshwara temple, widely known as the Tirupati Balaji temple is located on the seventh peak of the Tirumala hills, while the town is located at the foothills. The seventh peak is called Venkatachala and hence the main deity of the temple is commonly known as Lord Venkatachalapati. This sacred temple is ancient, dating back to the 13th century. It was built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a pagoda style tower called Gopuram which looks splendid. The sanctum sanctorum or the Garba Griha houses the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. The idol is said to be swayambhoo (self manifested). This exquisite jet black stone idol is ornamented with precious stones and wears a diamond crown. It stands at a height of 8 feet under a gold plated dome called the Vimana or Cupola. The Vimana is completely plated with brilliant gold and is known as the Ananda Nilayam. The main shrine consists of three prakarams or enclosures. The outermost enclosure has the Dhvajastambha or the banner post along with statues of King Kirshnadevaraya, his consorts and other legends.

The temple opens very early in the morning at 3:00 a.m and the day starts with the chanting of Suprabhatam (the awakening on god) and ends with Ekanta Seva (Putting to rest) at 1:00 a.m in the night.

Many festivals are celebrated in the temple, but the main festival is the annual festival called Brahmotsavam. It is celebrated for nine days in the month of September. It is celebrated with great splendor and vigor. During this time several devotees across the country and foreign tourists throng the temple to get a glimpse of their favorite god and to witness the proceedings and gala celebrations of the festival.

The Tirupati Balaji temple is said to be the richest temple in the world. Millions of devotees visit this temple every year and donate billions of rupees, diamonds, gold and expensive jewelry to the temple.

It is a popular ritual for people to donate their hair to the temple. This is said to symbolic to give up ones ego.

Other attractions in Tirupati

Sri Govindarajswami is the biggest temple in the town of Tirupati and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Sri Kondaramaswami temple is another prominent temple in Tirupati. The main deities that are housed in the temple include Sita, Rama and Lakshmana.

Tiruchanur, which is at a distance of 5 kilometers from Tirupati, is home to the famous Padmavati temple and is definitely worth a visit.