An Introduction to Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple

Sri Venkateshwara Temple that is popularly known as Tirupati Tirumala Balaji temple is devoted to supreme God Vishnu. The historical and sanctified shrine of Lord Venkateshwara is located in the 7th peak of Venkata Tirupati Hill in Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Venkateshwara, the presiding deity, is known as ‘Balaji’ and ‘Lord of the Seven Hills’. The temple is considered as one of the richest shrines of the world and approximately 25000 devotees from all the corners of the world visit it every day.

Like other shrines of Indian origin, Tirupati Venkateshwara temple also has a philosophy behind it. It is mentioned in various scriptures like Puranas and Shastras that worshipping of Lord Venkateshwara is the only way to attain salvation. Originated in Hinduism/Vaishavism, the hallowed place observes the values of love, equality and truthfulness.

History of Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple

The stunning temple has seen rise and fall of numerous powerful dynasties. The Pandyas, Cholas and Pallavas were the patrons of this holy place and they bequeathed it with sumptuous jewels and money. Later on in 16th century, the great Vijaynagar rulers bedecked and enriched the shrine and gave it a new face. After the fall of Vijaynagar Empire, many nobles and chieftains from various parts of country carried on to pay their reverence and other sumptuous offerings to Lord Venkateshwara. After the fall down of Hindu rulers, the Muslim kings of Karnataka and then the Britishers handled the responsibility.

Architecture

This spectacular and beauteous ancient temple is an outstanding specimen of Dravidian style of architecture. There is a Vimana or cupola that is covered with gold and known as “The Ananda Nilayam”. There are several mandapams in the prakaram area. The main shrine has three prakarams or the path to take a walk around temple. The gopuram or the tower of impressive edifice is a classical example of ancient architectural adroitness. The mandapams and the front entrances are richly beautified and can easily captivate anyone’s senses for a while. The fascinating statue of deity, Lord Venkateshwara, has the facets of both Shiva and Vishnu, the destroying and preserving features of Hindi trinity.

The temple is divided into three enclosures or ‘Prakarams’. The exterior one comprises the Dhvajasthambha post with the idol of Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya and his wives, and an idol of Todarmal, an eminent minister of Akbar. The main gate is known as ‘Padi Kali Maha Dwara’, which has a quadrangular base. Statues of Lord Kevale Narsimha, Hanuman and Lakshmi Narasimha are portrayed on the Dwara. The Tirumala Raya Mandapam is a complex with several beautiful pillars. The central pillar is enclosed by many small size pillars and when hit with the stone; the small pillars emit musical sounds.

The main temple comprises three repeated halls and sanctum in front right up till Bangaru Vakaii. These are Sayana Mandapam that is rectangular in shape, Ramar Meda, a rectangular hall and Snapana Mandapam, a square hall, where the Ekanta Seva is carried out.

Daily Chores at Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple

The daily services begins at 3:00 am in the morning with ‘Suprabhatam’ that basically means the waking up of the Lord and ends with ‘Ekanta Sevam’ means the putting the God to sleep. Besides these daily chores, weekly and periodical activities are also held in the temple. Donations and other gifts are accepted in iron-box or “Hundi” only.

Festivals at Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple

Every day brings a new festival at Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple and it is another name of festivals. ‘Brahmotsavam’ is the most revered and famous carnival celebrated in Tirupati. The grand gala is celebrated for nine days in the month of September. The magnificent festivity starts with ‘Dhwajarohana’, hoisting of flag with a black symbol. During Brahmotsavam, an impressive procession of Lord on the Pedda Seshvahana is taken in the region of four major streets of the main shrine from 2200 hours till midnight. Other main carnivals include Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami), held in February and Vasanthotsavam that is celebrated in March-April.

How to get in

Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple is situated at a distance of 67 km from Chittor in Andhra Pradesh. The closest airport is positioned at Reninguna that is 15 km way from the shrine. A number of buses are available from Tirupati to reach the temple.

Every day devotees and visitors swarm the small town of Tirupati to visit the temple of Tirupati Tirumala Balaji or Sri Venkateshwara. Visit the temple to attain peace of mind away from the chaotic life of city.

 

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