TIRUPATI TEMPLES

...............................................................................................................................................................................

Shri Venkateshwara Temple

The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri. There is mention of Sri Venkateswara in most of the ancient texts. The main temple has three prakarams or the path for circumnavigating the temple. The most famous festival, however is 'Brahmotsavam', which is celebrated in a very big way for nine days in September. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are most significant as Garudostavam and Rathotavam take place on these days.

The temple remained under the administration of the Mahants till 1933 AD. There are many mandapams in the prakarama area. Tirumala Raya Mandapam has a complex set of pillars.  The Ranga mandapam built according to Vijayanagar style of architecture is the most beautiful. Adjoining it is Dhvajasthambha Mandapam which is a spacious complex of pavilions.

It is interesting to note that the central pillar is surrounded by many pillars of smaller sizes. When the smaller pillars are hit with stones, musical sounds are emitted. All the great dynasties of southern India have habitually paid obeisance at the temple and contributed much for beautification of the temple. It includes the Pallavas of Kancheepuram, Cholas of Thanjavur, Pandyas of Madurai and the chieftains of Vijayanagar.

The temple has a rich history spanning several centuries. The seven hills surrounding Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of the cosmic serpent – Sheshnag. Its vibrant cultural and philanthropic institutions attract the largesse of pilgrims from all over the country who wait for hours in serpentine queues to get a moment’s glimpse of the presiding deity.

In the southern part, 'Venkateswara' is the popular term, while 'Balaji' is common name of the Lord in the northern parts of India. Millions of devotees get attracted by the divine aura of the shrine, where queues stretching to kilometers can be seen. For ages, Hindu monarchs in South India donated invaluable ornaments and precious jewels.

Hyderabad | Vijayawada | Vishakhapatnam | Warangal | Tirupati