Fast Fact:

• Best Season: Sep - Mar
• Languages: Telugu
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Tirupati at a Glance:

Tirupati also considered the richest temple of the nation, is the most sacred pilgrimage site. It is the most appreciated and venerated Vaishnavite shrine that is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.this pilgrimage center is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Tirupati Temple is situated in Tirumala hills and attracts thousands of travelers every year. The Tirumala Hill features seven peaks, which symbolize the Adisesha’s 7 hoods, under which Lord Vishnu dwells in Vaikuntha.

History:

There are no such evidences that depict who laid foundation to the famous temple of Tirupati Balaji. However, people believe that it was built and upgraded by the kings who appeared during 4th century. This holy place of Tirupati, unlike other south Indian temples, was able to defend against the invasions by Mughal Emperors during 14th & 15th century.

This place of worship shot into prominence with contributions began pouring in merely during the sovereignty of Vijayanagara Empire in 15th Century AD. Almost all the monarchs from great realms of the southern-peninsula had paid reverence to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this age-old holy place of Tirupati. the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later 9th century), The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) and the Pandyas of Madurai were staunch followers of the Lord Vishnu and they competed with each other in endowing the shrine with rich contributions and offerings.

Pilgrimage Attractions:

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple: It is the ancient and sanctified temple of Sri Venkateswara, which is to be found on the 7th peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill). It lies on Sri Swami Pushkarini’s southern banks. Here God resides over these peaks and hence it is called Venkatachala. Under this temple there is an idol of Lord Venkateshwara who is bejeweled with meru pacha, which is supposed to be the largest emerald of the world. The famous crown adorned over his head weighs about 27 kgs and is integrated with 28,000 diamonds.

Open From: 3.00 am to11.30 pm

Note: Electronic products like cameras, cell phones, torches and lighters banned within the temple

Padmavati Devi Temple: 5 km away from Tirupati in Tiruchanur there is this large shrine dedicated to deity Padmavati, the wife of Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) or Venkateswara. It is also recognized as ‘Alamelumangapuram’ and it is supposed that a trip to Tirumala is profitable only after visiting this temple.

The god, Sri Padmavati Devi is in seating position called 'Padmasana', holding a flower of lotus in both of her upper-hands. The lower hands of Goddess are in poses of 'Varada', and fearlessness, 'Abhaya' benediction. Also in the premises of this holy place there are the Deities of Balarama, Sri Krishna, 'Surya-Narayana Swami' and 'Sundararaja Swami’. It is time-honored procedure to first pay reverence to Sri Krishna and then visit to take darshan of Goddess Padmavati. Under the temple premises only Hindus are permitted.

 

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