Tirupati
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.
Other attractions in Tirupati
As per folk legends there was a huge anthill at Tirupati. A farmer heard a voice from the heavens asking him to feed the ants. By chance the local king heard the voice and began supplying milk for the ants, himself. His compassion resulted in the liquid uncovering a magnificent idol of Lord Venkateshwara hidden beneath the anthill.
Hindus all over the world believe that in Kali Yuga it iss possible to attain Mukti or salvation only by worshipping Lord Venkateswara. The exact period in which the temple was founded is not known, and tradition has it that the temple is Swayambhustala, meaning, it came into existence on its own without anyone making it.
According to some evidence in the inscriptions, the history of the temple dates back to almost 2,000 years. In the ancient times a queen of the Pallava dynasty is said to have constructed a silver image here. Numerous temple inscriptions from the 9th century record details of the temple and contributions made by both Pallavas and Chola Kings. It is believed that originally there was only one shrine at Tirumalai. The Vaishantive saint, Ramanunja, is said to have built the temple of Tirupathi after visiting Andhra Pradesh in the 12th century. The Chola period saw the temple complex prospered and expanded.
How to get there:
By Air
By Rail
By Road