God
Lord Venkateswara is the main deity of the Tirumala temple, Tirupathi. The lord is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped by the people with different names like Balaji, Srinivasa, Govinda. Venkateshwara means the Lord who destroys the sins of the people. According the Hindu Scriptures, Vishnu, out of love towards his devotees, incarnated as Venkateshwara and appeared for the salvation and upliftment of humanity in this Kali Yuga and is considered the supreme form of Vishnu in this age.
The idol of Lord Venkateswara is Swayambhu. He is depicted as having a dark complexion and Four hands. In his upper two hands, he holds a discus (a symbol of power) and a conch shell (a symbol of existence). His lower hands are extended downward wherein the Lord asks the devotees to have faith and surrender to him for protection. Lord Venkateswara is 9′ 9″ (nine feet and nine inches) including the crown over the head. Further, the statue stands on a stone pedestal of 18 inches in height.
Goddess
Sridevi and Bhudevi are the consort of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
Interesting Facts
- 35 million pilgrims visit the temple every year, it is one of the most visited holy places in the world.
- Temple located at 2500 feet high above the sea level on Seshachalam hills. The hills comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha. The temple lies on the seventh peak "Venkatadri", hence the temple is also referred to as "Temple of Seven Hills".
- The world's richest Hindu temple and is also famous for its Laddu prasadam across the world.
- Another popular tourist places in here is Silathoranam, a natural rock formation, with immense archaeological significance, which one should visit once in a life time.
Best Season To Visit
The best season to visit Tirupati is Winter season. The best months to visit are September to February.
Weather
Highest - March to July (42 °C during day and 20 °C during night)Average - May (40 °C during day and 20 °C during night)Lowest - November to February (27 °C during day and 18 °C during night)Monsoon season - August to November
Dress Code
- For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
- For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
- Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
- Pilgrims/visitors will not be allowed inside the temple if dress code is not followed.
Do's & Dont's
- Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
- Do respect ancient customs and co-piligrims while at temple.
- Smoking and drinking is prohibited on tirumala hills.
- Chewing betel leaves, tobacco, gutka and spitting inside temple is strictly prohibited.
- Don't wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats is not allowed in the temple.
transport connections
| Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
 A.P.S.R.T.C. BUS STAND, Tirumala |
1 KM | 0877-2289907 |
 Tirupati Railway Station |
22 KM | 0877-2225810 |
 Tirupati International Airport |
40 KM | 0877-2275354 |
Architecture
Sri venkateswara swamy temple is an east facing temple. Sri venkateswara swamy temple is built in Vijayanagar style of architechure.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple welcomes with a 5 tier Gopuram known as Mahadwaram. Vendi vakili, the threshold opposite to the flagstaff is called the ‘silver entrance’. This is also known as ‘nadimipadi kavali’. This is the second entrance leading to the sanctum sanctorum.Inscriptions say that the construction of the fortifications of this second entrance was started in the 12th century and completed in the 13th century. The doors of this entrance were silver plated on october 1st 1929 A.D. By sriram dwarakadas pharabhani,belonging to nizam estate. Inscriptions in hindi and english are found on this entrance.
Dwajasthambham - The golden flagstaff is located in the middle of a twenty-pillared square pavilion. During Brahmotsavams, a flag with garuda’s imprint is hoisted on this flagstaff for extending an invitation to gods and goddesses(Yaksha, Kinnera and Gandharva), to attend this festival. Those wishing to take pooja material or other things into the sanctum, have to perform circumambulation along dwajasthamba including the lord whenever he is taken outside or returned to the main temple.
Vimana Pradakshinam
Beyond the silver door, the path which circumambulates the main gopura of Ananda Nilaya is known as ‘Vimana Pradakshina’. Early, at the pre-dawn hour, while Suprabhata seva is performed to the Lord, devotees make Anga Pradakshina (rolling one’s body in humility all round the temple as a religious vow). Hence, it is also called Angapradakshina marg. In this pathway one can witness Sri Ranganadha just opposite to the silver entrance, Sri Varadaraja Swami temple, main kitchen, golden well, Ankurarpana Mandapam,Yagasala, Nanala (coins) Parakamani, Notla (Paper notes) Parkamani, Almyrah of Sandal Sreeranganathudu Vendi Vakili paste (Chandanapu ara) darshan of Vimana Venkateswara, cell of records, Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu - the seat of Sri Ramanuja, the temple of Yoganarasimhaswami, Lords’s hundi and the seat of Vishvaksena.All the small temples in this path way are called ‘Chutttu Gullu’(Sub-shrines encircling the main shrine).
Sri Ranganadha
As soon as we enter the temple through the silver door, we can witness Sri Ranganadha kneeling on Adisesha (serpent).There are small gold plated idols of Sri Varadaraja Swami and Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami on the upper and lower sides of Sri Ranganadha.The angapradakshina commences from here,moves round the Vimana Pradakshinam and comes to an end here.It is said that the Lord loves the devotees doing ‘Porlu dandalu’ and grants them their wishes.
Sri Varadaraja Swami Temple
In the Vimana Pradakshina pathway and at a distance of nine feet to the south of the silver door,is the Varadarajaswami temple.The idol is five feet high with a single pagoda over the shrine.Devotes have to go round this temple on their way to the Lord’s Darshan.The period in which this idol was installed is not known.It symbolises the glory of Varadaraja who is ever merciful and grants boons to the devotees.
Ananda Nilaya Vimanam
The golden abode of the Lord of the universe is Ananda Nilaya.It is the sacred place where the Lord Sri Venkateswara receives his ‘Poojas’ and ‘archanas’.The golden gopuram on this Ananda Nilaya is the ‘Ananda Nilaya Vimana’,which is also known as Bangaru Gopura Vimanam.As per mythology,Garuthmantha (Vehicle of Sri Vishnu) brought this Ananda Nilaya Vimanam from Vaikuntam (the celestial abode of Vishnu) and consecrated it in this sacred place as desired by Lord Sri Vishnu.This Golden Gopuram carries 64 images of various deities of Hindu mythology.
Vimana Venkateswara Swami
Lord Sri Venkateswara ingrained on Ananda Nilaya Vimanam is said to be as powerful and sacred as the main deity in the sanctum.Even if devotees fail to have the darshan of the Lord, they could have a glimpse of Vimana Venkateswara and derive the same benefits usually associated with the darshan of the main deity in the Sanctum.Golden door leading to the sanctum sanctorum of Lord.
Several inscriptions mentioning about the sanctions of various kings supporting the temple are engraved on temple walls.The temple wall bears many inscriptions which are historically,culturally and linguistically relevant.It is also believed that over the years,many inscriptions have disappeared beyond recovery.The temple has the mark of several empires like the pallavas,cholas,pandyas and yadavarayas among the rest of the ruling empires of those times.
Abutting the Mahadwara and to its right, there is a high-rise mandapam (Porch).This is called Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam or Pratima Mandapam.This mandapam has been constructed in Vijayanagara architectural style.To the right side of this porch,one can find tall copper statues of the emperor of Vijayanagara kingdom,Sri Krishnadevarayalu and his two consorts,Tirumala Devi and Chinnadevi.These three statues placed in front of Lord Sri Venkateswara express their devotion to him.It is said that Sri Krishnadevarayalu himself installed these statues on 2nd January 1517 A.D. and then onwards this mandapam has become famous as the Krishnadevarayalu mandapam.Their names are inscribed on the shoulder badges of these statues.
Addala Mandapam
Twelve feet to the north of Sri Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam,there is a glass porch.Every day at 2 p.m.,a service called "Dolotsavam” is performed for the Lord in this glass porch.Historical evidence proves that this seva programme began to be performed in 1831.
Ranganayaka Mandapam
Just opposite to the glass porch, there is another high rise mandapam called Ranganayakula Mandapam.Due to the Muslim invasions between 1320 and 1369 A.D.,the idols of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangapatnam were shifted to Tirumala for safe keeping.Daily prayers and poojas were offered to him in this Mandapam.After the cessation of the Muslim invasions,these statues were once again shifted back to Srirangam.Yet this place has retained the name of Ranganayakula Mandapam to this day.This mandapam is said to have been built by the king of Tirupathi, named Ranganadha Yadava Rayalu.It is in this mandapam that Kalyanothsavams were performed for the Lord.However, due to the increase in pilgrim rush,currently daily Kalyanothsavams are performed in Sampangi Pradakshinam.
Tirumalaraya Mandapam
Ten feet to the south of the flagstaff, there is another stone pillared pavilion called Tirumalaraya Mandapam.This was built by Saluvanarasimharayalu, the emperor of Vijayanagara,to express his gratitude to the Lord for the help extended towards his victories.
Four Pillar Mandapam
Four pavilions in the four corners of ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam’ were built by Saluva Narasimha Raya in 1470 A.D. in the names of himself, his wife and his two sons.
Sampangi Pradakshinam
On entering the precincts of the temple, one first encounters the circumambulation passage called ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam’.The grand circumambulation passage outside the temple is not considered for this purpose.Therefore ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam’ is considered to be the primary one.Earlier Sampangi flower plants (Michelia Champaka) were grown in this pathway for decorating the Lord and hence,the name.
Kalyanotsava Mandapam
Earlier all wedding festivities of the Lord were celebrated at the pavilion in the ‘Vimana Pradakshinam’.With the increase in the number of the devotees attending the events,these festivities started being held for some time in Ranganayaka Mandapam.Now, the celestial wedding is performed in this Kalyanotsava Mandapam.
Garuda Mandapam
Just opposite to the golden gate and facing the Lord there is a six feet high statue of Garuda saluting the Lord with folded hands.Every day at the pre-dawn hour,Suprabhatham is recited in the place between the golden gate and the statue of Garuda.The Lord sitting on the golden throne in this mandapam,listens to the recital of almanac and the submissions of receipt and expenditure account of the previous day.
Snapana Mandapam
The pavilion that you notice after crossing the golden gate is known as ‘Snapana Mandapam’.Every day after Thomala Seva, the idol of Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy is brought here and placed on the golden throne and his court is held. During this court, almanac is recited,the affairs of the day,the details of income and the expenditure of the previous day are reverentially presented to the Lord.The golden throne that is used during this court is stored in the adjacent grilled chamber.There are two rooms on either side of the golden door. In the right side room, the Hundi collections are kept.In the left side room,the Lord’s jewels that is,the crown,the conch,the chakra,necklaces made of diamonds,gems,rubies,emeralds,sapphires,topazes and so on are kept.
Ghanta Mandapam
Lord Brahma, the Deva Ganas and Maharshis like SanakaSanandanaSanatkumara wait for the darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara at the golden gate. Opposite to the golden gate, there is Garuda Mandapam.The pavilion that links the golden gate and the Garuda Mandapam is called ‘Ghanta Mandapam’ or ‘Mahamani Mandapam’.It was constructed in 1461 A.D. by Mallanna,a native of Chandragiri and minister in the Vijayanagara empire. ‘Garudalwar Mandir’ is also located just opposite to the golden gate in this Mandapam.To the south of the golden gate in this mandap, two big bells are suspended from a wooden log using iron chains.The Brahmin who rings this bell is called ‘Ghantapani’.The ringing of this bell denotes that it is time for the Lord to have his meal.Historical evidences say that whenever the emperor of Vijayanagara Empire camps at Chandragiri, the bell sounds are relayed to Chandragiri through intermediary bell porches for enabling the emperor to have his food thereafter. Because of these bells, this porch has become famous as ‘GhantaMandapam’.Keeping the legacy live,even today in Tirumala, many devotees have their food only after the bell stops ringing.
Ankurarpana Mandapam
To the south of ‘Bangaru Bavi’ and opposite to the main kitchen is located ‘Ankurpana Mandapam’.Ankurapanam means the sprouting of nine varieties of grains usually called ‘Navadhanyam’ before every festivity and every celebration. The idols of Anantha, Garuda, Vishwaksena (Lord’s army chief) and the idols of Lord Sri Rama’s attendant deities Sugreeva, Angada and Anjaneya are kept in this Mandapam and priests offer Teertham (holy water) to the devotees in this place. To the east of the flagstaff there is an altar and to the northeast, there is granite stone called ‘Kshetrapalakasila’.This pavilion is said to have been constructed in the fifteenth century.
The temple also has a holy pond called Swami Pushkarni, located towards the northern side. Pushkarni, which covers a huge area of 1.5 Acres, is one of the most sacred places of the temple. A legend has it that the pond was carried to the hills all the way from Vaikuntham (Lord Vishnu's abode) by Garuda. Saluva King Narasimha Raya constructed a pillared hall at the center of the pond in 1468.
Deity is of Shaligrama shila (Shaligram stone). Shaligrama is a type of black-coloured ammonoid fossil found in the River Gandaki of Nepal. Major parts of the temple is built with Granite stone.
Religious Significance
Manifestation Of Lord Venkateswara On Venkatadri
Frustrated over not finding his consort anywhere, Lord Vishnu rested in an ant-hill on Venkatadri under a tamarind tree as a dwelling place, besides a Pushkarini. Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, taking pity at the plight of Lord Vishnu, made up their mind to serve him in the guise of a cow and calf. Surya – the Sun God, informed Lakshmi of this and requested her to sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country assuming the form of a cattle care-taker. The Chola king sent the cow and its calf to graze on the Venkata Hill along with his herd of other cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu in the ant-hill, the holy cow everyday emptied her udder into the ant-hill and thus fed the Lord. Over a period of time, the queen noticed that the cow was not yielding any milk and chastised the cowherd severely for its peculiar behaviour. The cowherd trying to investigate the cause, followed the cow and discovered to his utter shock that the cow was emptying her udder over the ant-hill. In his anger, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow but accidentally hit the Lord Vishnu who rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow’s life. On seeing Lord Vishnu bleeding, the cowherd fell down and died. On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned to the king with blood stains on her body, bellowing in the presence of the Chola King. An anxious king followed the cow to the scene of the incident, the ant-hill, where the King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground. While the King stood wondering how it had happened, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill and cursed the king to become an Asura (Demon) for the fault of his servant. Entreated by the king who pleaded innocence, the Lord blessed him by saying that his curse would end when he was adorned with the Kireetam (crown) presented by Akasa Raja at the time of his marriage with Sri Padmavati. To atone the sins of raising the axe against the Lord, the cowherd's atma (spirit) received the rare boon from the Lord, which is that, he and his descendants enjoy the privilege of opening the main door in the Lord's sanctum sanctorum in due course.
Introduction
Bharat, the land of spiritual bliss is strongly believed to be pervaded by the Lords, their deep imprints and a sense of divine presence, eternally available in the environment around. The presence of deities is often felt in the structures called temples, which are the epitomes of the great, age old, rich Hindu Sanatana Dharma. Among the galaxy of temples, which are also the architectural marvels located in our country, the hill shrine of Tirumala is accredited as being the most visited temple in India and also in the world as a whole. Located on the picturesque Seshachalam Hill Ranges, this temple occupies a unique place in our great land of holy shrines.
Temple Legend
The “Temple Legend” is made out of references from a range of ancient scriptures such as Varaha Purana,Padma Purana,Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana,Markandeya Purana,Harivamsa Purana,Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana,Brahmottara Purana,Aditya Purana,Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana.These extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the deity,temple and the hills around Tirumala, besides the numerous teerthams, streams and springs that abound them.The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular.
Restoration Of Earth By Adi Varaha
During the eight thousand yugas (the time equivalent to a day and night for Brahma, the Creator), there was a raging fire, and everything on Earth was reduced to ashes. Man had to forsake the Earth and seek refuge in Janaloka. At the approach of night (for Brahma), Vayu, the Wind God, blew furiously. Huge clouds were formed, there was a torrential rain, which resulted in Pralaya Kalpa (the Great Deluge). The Earth sank into the Patala loka, and remained in that state for a thousand years (during a part of that night of Brahma).
Sri Adi Varaha Bringing Up The Earth On His Tusks
Sri Maha Vishnu, who decided to save Mother Earth, assumed the form of Adi Varaha, a giant wild boar and proceeded to Patala loka. He fought a fierce duel with the demon king Hiranyaksha and killed him. He then splashed the water and brought the Earth up by carrying it on his huge tusks. Brahma, the Devas and the sages extolled Adi Varaha's virtues, by chanting the Vedic mantras. They prayed to him to re-establish the Earth as before. Adi Varaha obliged them and called upon Brahma to recreate the Universe. He expressed his desire to reside on the Earth to protect its people. He commanded his vehicle, Garuda to fetch Kridachala (a massive natural hill with lofty peaks, embedded with gold and precious stones resembling Adisesha in shape) from Vaikuntam. Garuda brought Kridachala and placed it on a sacred spot, the East of Swami Pushkarini, chosen by Adi Varaha himself. Adi Varaha stood within the divine vimana of Kridachala, which glittered with many splendorous gem-studded gopuras. Brahma and the other holy personages requested the fearsome-looking Adi Varaha to assume a tranquil and composed look, and rest on the hill to protect the mankind and grant boons to people unable to reach God through Dhyana Yoga (meditation) and Karma Yoga (doing one's own duty). Adi Varaha with his consort Bhudevi appeared with four arms and a blissful countenance, adorning an array of jewels. He took a divine decision to stay at Venkatadri, under a Divya Vimana, to answer the prayers of the devotees.
Contest Between Adisesha And Vayudeva
During the Dwaparayuga, Vayudeva (the Wind God) went to Vaikuntam to pay his obeisance to Lord Sri Vishnu. The Lord was reclining in the company of Maha Lakshmi and the doorway was guarded by Adisesha. Vayudeva was incensed when Adisesha prevented him from entering Sri Vishnu’s holy abode resulting in a fierce battle between them. When Lord Vishnu intervened, each was boasting of his superior valour and supreme might. To test who was stronger, the Lord suggested that Adisesha should encircle the Ananda hill, an off-shoot of the Meru Mountain on its northern side, while Vayudeva should blow hard to dislodge the Ananda hill from Adisesha's strangle hold. The contest waxed furiously, and as the World trembled, Brahma, Indra and the other deities prevailed upon Adisesha to yield victory to Vayudeva for the welfare of the world, as a whole.
Obliging them, Adisesha released his hold on the hill, with the result, Adisesha and the Ananda hill were together blown away to the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. As Adisesha was crestfallen over his defeat, Lord Brahma and the others appeased him by saying that he would be integrated with the hill Venkatadri and would become the abode of Lord Vishnu. Adisesha then metamorphosed into the vast Seshadri hill range, while his hood manifested itself into Venkatadri, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, his trunk portion turned out to be Ahobila supporting Lord Narasimha and his tail housing Srisailam bearing Lord Mallikarjuna (Lord Siva).
Test Of The Three Divinities
At the commencement of the Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu left Venkatadri for Sri Vaikuntam, his divine abode. Lord Brahma was saddened over the Lord’s departure and asked Narada to persuade Vishnu to return to Venkatadri. Narada then went to the banks of the River Ganga, where several rishis were performing a holy sacrifice. The rishis could not decide as to whom they should dedicate the fruit of their yaga. Bhrigu, one of the rishis took the task upon himself for testing who among the three chief divinities-Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, is the supreme Lord to receive the divine boon of the Yaga.
Sage Bhrigu At Satyalokam
Sage Brigu first went to Satyalokam, the abode of the three-headed Lord Brahma the creator. Brahma was found busy chanting the Vedas with one face, uttering the name of Narayana with another and looking at Goddess Saraswati with the third. He took no notice of Bhrigu’s arrival. Bhrigu resented by the lack of courtesy from Brahma, left Satyalokam in a huff.
Bhrigu In Kailasam
Bhrigu then proceeded to Siva's abode (Kailasam) as a part of his holy mission. Here too, he found Lord Siva absorbed in sporting with his consort Parvathi Devi taking no notice of his visit. Lord Siva also became indignant at Bhrigu’s intrusion into his privacy which further enraged the sage.
Bhrigu In Vaikuntham
Finally, Bhrigu went to Sri Vaikuntam, the abode of Lord Vishnu and found Vishnu and Sri Maha Lakshmi reclining on Adisesha unmindful of his arrival. Disgusted over this, Bhrigu, known for his intemperate nature, kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest, where Sri Maha Lakshmi was reclining. Vishnu immediately got up, massaged Rishi's foot and enquired if his foot was injured when he kicked on his hard chest. Taken aback over Vishnu’s attention and cool composure, Bhrigu returned to the Rishis and advised them to dedicate the fruit of their sacrifice to Vishnu, as he deserved it best, among the divine Trinity. But, Sri Maha Lakshmi was furious over Bhrigu for kicking the holy spot and her favourite abode - the bosom of the Lord. She left Vishnu in a fury and went on to stay at Karavirapura (now Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra) to commence a deep penance. Unable to bear the solitude after Sri Maha Lakshmi’s departure, Vishnu left Vaikuntam in search of her and wandered across the forests and hills.
Goddess Padmavathi in course of time, the Chola king was reborn as Akasa Raja and though he ruled well, he had no children much to his displeasure. As part of the yaga, he was ploughing the fields, he found a baby in a lotus flower and named her Alarmel mangai (Lady born in Lotus petals) and adopted her as his daughter. Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Srinivasa (or presented himself after penance in the ant-hill) as the son of an elderly woman-saint Vakula Malika Devi. Vakula Devi was Yasoda in her previous birth, Lord Krishna's foster-mother and was unhappy in that life for not seeing his marriage. As per the boon received from Krishna, she was reborn as Vakula Devi and enjoyed the rare spectacle of witnessing the celestial wedding of the divine couple. In course of time, Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was visited by Saint Narada. On reading her palm, he foretold that she was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu himself. In due time, Lord Srinivasa on a hunting spree was chasing a wild elephant in the forest. The elephant led him into a garden where Princess Padmavati and her maids were playing. The sight of the elephant frightened them and their Princess. When Lord Srinivasa appeared in front of the Elephant, it immediately turned round, saluted the Lord and disappeared into the forest. Lord Srinivasa noticed princess Padmavathi and enquired about her from her maids. Enthralled by her bewitching beauty, Lord Srinivasa lost interest in other activities and told his foster mother Vakula Devi about his love for Padmavathi. He also revealed his identity as Lord Vishnu and narrated her about her past life as his foster-mother then as Yasodha.
Marriage Of Lord Srininvasa And Goddess Padmavathi
Vakula Devi left her hermitage to approach Akasa Raja with the marriage proposal of marriage between Lord Srinivasa and Padmavathi. In the mean time, an anxious Lord Srinivasa came to the city in the disguise of a lady fortune-teller. Princess Padmavathi also lost her heart to Lord Srinivasa and fell ill after returning to the palace. Unable to diagnose her ill-health, the maids invited the fortune-teller into the palace to foretell the future of their princess. When the Lord in the guise of a lady fortune-teller revealed that Padmavathi was born with a cause to marry Lord Vishnu in his current avatar as Lord Srinivasa, she recovered and regaled in joy. As the king heard of this news, Vakula revealed her to the King and asked for his daughter's hand in marriage to her son, Lord Srinivasa. The overjoyed king gleefully agreed and his advisor Bhrihaspati wrote the invitation for the wedding between the two celestial beings of Srinivasa and Padmavathi. Lord Srinivasa called for a conference of the Gods to declare his marriage with Princess Padmavati. According to mythologies, the Lord also obtained a huge loan from Kubera, the god of wealth, towards meeting the expenses for the divine and grand wedding matching his stature as the supreme Lord of the universe.
Lord Srinivasa Turns To Lord Venkateswara
In about six months after this celestial marriage, Goddess Maha Lakshmi who left the Lord, in the past in a huff after sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest, her dwelling place, came to know that her husband married again and came to see him in disbelief. It is said that the Lord turned himself into a granite statue right in front of his two spouses when they together encountered him over his remarriage. Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva then appear before the confused queens and explain the main purpose behind all this complex episode, the Lord's desire to be on the holy seven hills for the emancipation of the mankind from the perpetual trials and tribulations of Kali Yuga. Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi also turn into stone idols expressing their wish to be with their Lord eternally. Goddess Lakshmi stayed with him on the left side of his chest while Goddess PadmavatHi rested on the right side of his chest.
Sri Venkatesa Mahatyam (History & Glories of Lord Venkatesha & Tirumala) is mentioned in Varaha Purana. According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Sriman-Narayan as Venkateswara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini. "Venkatesha Ashtottara namavali" which is 108 names of Lord Venkatesha is also mentioned in Varaha Purana (this is different from 108 names mentioned in Brahmanda Purana), which is recited in Tirumala temple during morning worship after second bell.
It is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD by King Thondaiman after he had a fantasy about Lord Vishnu. The Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald which is still preserved in a box named after the General. Among the later rulers who have endowed large amounts are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.
History
After the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and then the Britishers took over and many of the temples came under their supervisory and protective control. In 1843 AD, the East India Company divested itself of the direct management of non-Christian places of worship and native religious institutions.The administration of the shrine of Sri Venkateswara and a number of estates were then entrusted to Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumal and the temple remained under the administration of the Mahants for about 90 years, till 1933 AD. In 1933, the Madras Legislature passed a special act, which empowered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Committee to control and administer a fixed group of temples in the Tirumala-Tirupati area, through a Commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras. In 1951, the Act of 1933 was replaced by an enactment whereby the administration of TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees, and an Executive Officer was appointed by the Government.
Temple Timings
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| All Days | 02:30 AM - 01:30 AM |
Darshanam Details
| Darshanam | Price | Estimated Time | Entrance From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online 300/- tickets | 300.00 | 3 Hours |
Sevas
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Pooja
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Tours
Airports
| Airport Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Shamshabad | 40 KM |
| Lorem Ipsum | 12 KM |
Railway Stations
| Railway Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Secunderabad | 10 KM |
| Nampally | 12 KM |
| Begumpet | 6 KM |
| Lingampally | 20 KM |
Bus Stations
| Bus Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| MGBS | 35 KM |
| CBS | 28 KM |
| kukatpally | 20 KM |
| Lingampally | 30 KM |
| Uppal | 35 KM |
Private Transports
| Transport Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Private Transport | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
Local Transports
| Transport Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transport | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
Nearest Temples
SRI GOVINDARAJA SWAMY TEMPLE
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Lord Govindaraja (Vishnu) is in sleeping posture
SRI KODANDA RAMASWAMY TEMPLE
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Lord Sri Rama took rest here on his return from Lanka.
SRI KALYANA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
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Considered most sacred after Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala.
PRASANNA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
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Lord Venkateswara lived here along with Sri Padmavathi after marriage on request of sage Siddeshwara
SRI PARASURAMESWARA TEMPLE
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One of the oldest Siva temple in India (3rd century BC).
SHRI KALYANA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
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Lord Venkateswara swamy married Padmavati Devi at this place
SRI KALAHASTHEESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
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One of the 5 Panchaboota (Vayu) Lingams in India
Nearest Attractions
Museum
SRI VENKETESWARA MUSEUM,TIRUMALA
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Religious artifacts of Puja utensils, Time-honored art
Natural Attractions
SILATHORANAM
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Natural stone formation
Spiritual Monuments
SREEVARI PADAALU
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Lord Venkateswara set his feet first when he came down from Vaikuntam.
Waterfalls
AKASAGANGA
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Akasa Ganga water is used for daily Abhishek at main Sri Venkateswara temple
Boating
SHILPARAMAM BOATING AREA
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A joyful Boat ride in the Art and Artifactual hub, The Shilparamam
Wildlife
SRI VENKATESWARA NATIONAL PARK
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One of the biosphere reserves of India in admist of Seshachalam hill ranges
Fort
CHANDRAGIRI FORT
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Chandragiri was the fourth capital of Vijayanagar Empire
Trekking
NAGALAPURAM TREKKING
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Mystical Trek along with tier wise Water pools alongside the Trek
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