A shrine serves as a centre point for attracting and binding a culture and its devotees. A community serves and engages in its coven an gives a significant meaning to its existence. As for our own culture, Hindus have given utmost priority to serving the deities and taking traditions forward.
The Tirupati Balaji temple is a shrine of significant existence and holds meaning in many people’s lives. The temple exudes divinity and imparts salvation to its devotees.
A well-known temple situated in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, The Tirupati Balaji Shrine is devoted to the avatar of Vishnu, Lord Venkateshwara. The core reason for its existence is to worship Lord Venkateshwara who descended to earth to relieve human kind of trials and tribulations of the Kaliyuga and the area itself is known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntham, and due to this the god himself is known as Kaliyuga Pratyakhsa Devam.
Having 7 summits signifying the seven heads of Adishesha, the Tirumala Hills hold the precious shrine in its lap. Located on the southern borders of Sri Swami Pushkarini ancient water tank, the seventh hill peak, Venkatadri is the home to this ancient shrine. Due to this specific reason, the temple is also known as the “Temple of Seven Hills”. The name of these hills are- Neeladri, Seshadri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushubhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatdari.
The Varaha purana and Bavishyottra purana mention the might and significance of Tirupati Balaji Temple. King Thondaiman, a ruler during 8th century was the one who built the very first shrine in Tirumala Tirupati. In 966 CE, the temple got its very first donation through Pallava Queen Samavai who offered innumerable valuables and piece of land. The land was used to be sold off in parts to fund important festivities.
The temple received wealth and riches from all parts of the country to be embellished and built. Krishnadevarya, the most famous emperor of Vijaynagara dynasty contributed significantly. He donated money, jewels and decorations for the Ananda Nilayam to be embellished.
A Maratha General, Raghoji Bhonsle gave a systematic management tactic to the temple to run smoothly. The temple was always abundant with riches and resources but the authority was passed on a lot due to the challenges in ruling. The French, English and the Golondas headed it for quite a few years before the Devsthanam board was established in 1933 under the wise eyes of Mahants, who oversee it till this day.
Built on the ideologies of Dravidian style of architecture, 3 paths lead to the main shrine and the first entryway is named ‘Mahadwaram’. There are many subshrines inside the temple , and the other two paths lead to other main structures.
The Ananda Nilayam or the sanctorum, is a gold plated structure built inside the temple complex. This was built in the 12th century AD, and eventually rebuilt in1950’s. The sanctorum hold the most worshipped deity. The temple’s sacred pool Swami Pushkarni is located in the northern side of the shrine and covers a whopping 1.5 acres of land. According to the legends, Garuda carried this pool to the Vaikuntham. A columned pavilion was also built in the centre of the pond by Saulva king in 1468.
The large scultupture of the divine is believed to have emerged on its own. The Rig Veda also mention the same and its importance as well. The sculpture is said to be one Swamyambhu Kshetras of Lord Vishnu. The Mauryan and Gupta Literature refer the temple to as Aadhi Varaha Kshetra.
Perforing Yajna, Rishis were thinking who will receive the fruit of the Yajna. Thinking this, Mahrashi Brighu headed to Vainkunthdham to see the triad without being detected as he had an additional eye on his feet. He was undetected when he visited lord Shiva and Brahma. But when he headed to Lord Vishnu, he saw him resting on Adishesha with Goddess Lakshmi on his feet. Thinking that he was ignoring his presence, the rishi became enraged and kicked the god on his chest. This angered the lord and he subdued the sage by squashing that third eye.
But Goddess Lakshmi was enraged as she believed that she lived in the Lord’s heart and the place he kicked was a downplay for her too. She flew out of Vainkuntha. Feeling dejected, Lord Vishnu Flew out to Tirumala and assumed the physical form of Srinivasa and married Padmavati, Akasaraja’s daughter. Hearing this, Goddess Lakshmi headed to enquire about the same and confront Lord Vishnu. When Padmavati confronted Srinivasa, he turned to stone. In love with their Lord, both Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavati turned to stone as well to spend their eternity with the lord. Now, Padmavati rests on right side of the lord and Lakshmi on the left.
Do remember to get yourself listed before going to the temple, as a security measure. For seeing the whole temple, 2-3 hours is a must.
The timings to visit the temple 8am to 9pm with closings throughout the day to feed prasadam to the idol. The temple complex has these facilities-
Please refrain from eating non-vegetarian food and consuming improper substances before entering the temple premises. Other useful materials can be purchased from or outside the temple complex.
Madikeri- Madikeri is enriched with beautiful waterfalls and natural spas. Encapsulating heaven itself, Madikeri is a perfect tourist destination. Waterfalls like Abbey falls and beautiful Tibetan monasteries are places that embellish this perfect spot. For seeing the wonders of nature, you can head down to Kota Betta and Mercara Gold Estate.
Chittor- The best place to explore architectural and religious explorations, this is one of the best recommendations to visit near Tirupati Balaji. With beautiful cascading waterfalls, and popularly known as ‘mango city’, Chittor is best pick for travelers who want to enjoy the real Andhra Vibes!
Vellore- Located on the bank of Palar River, this region is one of the most beautiful and important ones in the Conoor Dynasty and is known as the ‘fort city’. It houses many beautiful parks, forts and observatories for tourists to enjoy. To account for nature, Yelagiri Hills and Swamimalai hills are popular trails located in hidden spots of Vellore. The place also serves as a popular shopping hub for many kind of artistic and cultural things for tourists to enjoy!
Summers in the southern part of the country are very uncomfortable. So, the best time to visit the shrine is between November to February. The temperature is mild and the rush is also a little less as compared to other parts of the year.
How to reach Tirupati Balaji
As your travel agency, we’ll make sure to get you the smoothest travel arrangements possible. Apart from that, you can know your preferred routes to reach your destination!
By Air- You can reach easily by booking a flight directly to Tirupati Airport. You can also connect to Chennai Airport which is accessible through any airport as well. Transport is available very easily for the temple visit.
By Train- Tirupati is the closest station from the temple. You can hire transport from here. Otherwise, another station just 35kms from the location called Renigunta can also be taken as an option.
By road- The temple is well-connected through road networks of the state. Otherwise, buses are available from Bangalore. Hyderabad, Chennai and other close major cities.
On foot- To complete vows, many worshippers also take foot as a means to reach the temple. The Tirumala hills are accessed by two stone walkways built for the purpose.
