About Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Overview

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tirumala is one of the world's holiest and most visited pilgrimage sites. It is commonly known as Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, and it is not just a place of worship but a deep symbol of devotion, faith, spirituality and thousands of years of traditions. It is found in the verdant Seshachalam Hills of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The day at the temple begins with the sacred Suprabhatam hymn, an invocation that awakens the deity in a melodious tune. This ritual also marks the beginning of daily rituals and ceremonies performed with strict reference to ancient Vedic traditions.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple God

The temple devoted to Lord Venkateswara, assumed to be Lord Vishnu, descended on Earth to save humanity in the Kali Yuga.

Tirupati Balaji Temple History

Tirupati Balaji Temple history accounts for dynastic patronage, mythological narratives and epic discourse of the Mahabharata and the Puranas. Centuries of Tirupati Balaji miracles come together to tell the tale of Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

Ancient Period

The earliest known historical records affiliated with the temple can be traced back to the Pallavas of Kanchipuram of the 6th - 9th centuries. The Pallava king, Thondaiman, laid the foundation for the temple structure. Thondaman built the first gopuram, the gateway tower and several essential features. The development was then continued by the Cholas 9th-13th century. Several Chola kings, particularly Rajaraja Chola I and his successors, provided valuable donations, particularly gold, jewels and land for the temple. Tirupati Balaji idol history is also affiliated to this time period.

Medieval Impact

The rulers of the Vijayanagara Dynasty (14th-17th century), Krishnadevaraya in particular, were devoted devotees of Lord Venkateswara, and, like the Pallavas, their contribution to the temple's prosperity and expansion through the four centuries of their reign is well-known. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tirumala administrators and the devotees revere Krishnadevaraya for his contribution to the temple. He was responsible for installing several idols and the infrastructure of the current temple complex. Furthermore, the rulers used various means to channel gold and jewels to Tirumala as God's liberal trust in exchange for Vijayanagara's safety and affluence.

The temple received continual support from local chieftains and leaders after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire. Notable patrons from this era include the Nayakas of Madurai and the rulers of Mysore.

British Period and Modern Era

During the early 20th century, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was created to care for and administer the temple's affairs. This independent trust went a long way in modernising the temple's administration without losing its ancient traditions.

The TTD has taken extensive measures in modern times to preserve the temple's heritage and accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit yearly. The temple's rituals, festivals and architecture continue to magnetise devotees and tourists worldwide.

Architecture

The main sanctum sanctorum of Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple—Ananda Nilayam—has a gold gopuram and is a hallmark of architectural excellence. The structures, sculptures, and carvings blend spirituality and craftsmanship within the temple complex, describing the epics from Hindu mythology.

Structures within the Temple Complex:

Dwajasthambam: A tall pillar at the temple's entrance, indicating the deity's presence.

Bangaru Vakili: The golden entrance to the sanctum sanctorum exemplifies excellent craftsmanship and grandeur.

Vimana Pradakshinam: The inner pathway around the sanctum where devotees do pradakshina, offering their prayers and seeking blessings.

Hundi: The donation box where devotees drop their contributions symbolises their faith and gratitude toward the deity.

Significance

The significance of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tirumala is multifaceted: spiritual, cultural and economic. Spiritually, the temple is a sanctum sanctorum where devotees seek divine intervention for their personal struggles, aspirations and well-being. The belief in the deity and the practice of offering prayers and donations, commonly known as 'Hundi,' says deep-rooted faith in the temple's power to bring about positive change in the lives of devotees.

The annual Brahmotsavam festival celebrated at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple attracts millions of pilgrims, giving rise to a sense of community and continuity. This cultural vibrancy will add strength to a collective identity and recall the rich heritage passed down to them.

Economically, the temple acts as a fulcrum for the region's growth. Thousands of people are employed, from temple priests to artisans and vendors, in some measure contributing to the local economy. The footfall of pilgrims stimulates the hospitality and tourism industries, bringing prosperity to the region.

The deity is represented in five forms known as Pancha Beramulu, which are placed in the garbhagriha under Ananda Nilayam. The deities are Dhruva Beram (chief deity), Bhoga Srinivasa or Kautuka Beram, Ugra Srinivasa or Snapana Beram, Malayappa Swami or Utsava Beram and Koluvu Srinivasa or Bali Beram.

Key Insights into Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Best Time to Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple

The best time to visit Tirupati Balaji Temple is in the winter from the months of September to March, as the Tirupati Balaji temple weather is pleasant for sightseeing and darshan.

Festivals

Millions of devotees celebrate the grand festival of Brahmotsavam at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple. This annual festival is conducted for nine days, wherein the deity is taken out in a grand procession on various vahanas around the temple complex.

Rituals Performed at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Suprabhatam: This ritual marks the day's beginning at 3:00 am when the priests sing hymns to awaken the deity.

Thomala Seva: The deity is adorned with garlands made from various flowers, symbolising devotion and purity.

Archana and Aarti: Offering prayers and waving lighted lamps before the deity, signifying the dispelling of darkness and ignorance.

Kalyanotsavam: A special ritual symbolising divine marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavati, performed daily for the welfare of humanity.

How to Visit

Dress Code to be Followed for Tirupati Balaji Darshan

Traditional attire is mandatory while visiting the temple, with men wearing dhoti and women wearing sarees or salwar kameez. Footwear is strictly restricted within the temple premises, and pilgrims are instructed to maintain decorum and respect the temple's sanctity.

Srisailam Temple Dress Code

Traditional attire is mandatory while visiting the temple, with men wearing dhoti and women wearing sarees or salwar kameez. Footwear is strictly restricted within the temple premises, and pilgrims are instructed to maintain decorum and respect the temple's sanctity.

Do’s & Don’ts

• Do take a bath and wear clean clothes before darshan.
• Do take ancient rituals and customs in regard.
• Do follow the dress code laid by the temple authorities.
• Don't smoke or drink inside the temple or before the darshan.
• Don't chew tobacco or spit inside the temple.
• Don't carry your phone inside the temple.
• Don’t wear footwear in or around the temple complex.

Darshan/Pooja/Seva

Tirupati Balaji Darshan Timings

Tirupati Balaji Darshan Timings are from 4:30 AM to 12:00 AM. Sarva Darshan starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 11:30 PM. At the time of Brahmotsavam days, Darshan commences at 7:00 AM, and Sevas would be conducted in Ekantham.

The temple trust also serves beverages and Annaprasadams to Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanoor devotees. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tirumala Annadanam Timings are as follows:

Sevas

Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD) offers many sevas in Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tirumala, segregated daily, weekly, monthly, annually and permanent.

Daily Sevas

Weekly Sevas

Monthly Seva

Annual Sevas

Permanent Sevas

Hundi Donations

TTD offers the facility of tirupati balaji hundi which consists of e-Hundi as well. Devotees can donate their offerings online as well just by going to their website.

The offerings can also be made online to Gosamrakashna Padhakam Trust, Annadanam Donation, One Day Gosamrakshana Donation, Pranadhana Trust, Saswatha Nitya Annadanam Trust, Sri Venkateshwara Swami Vari Vidtadhanam Trust and Vruksha Prasadham.

Interesting Facts about Tirupati Balaji Temple

• The idol of Tirupati Balaji is adorned with real hair.
• It is the richest temple in India.

Mythological Legends of Tirupati Balaji Mandir Andhra Pradesh

The most fascinating legends tell the divine love story of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati, wife of Tirupati Balaji. Sage Bhrigu, one of the Saptarishis, set on a journey to test the three main gods of the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – to see who among them was the greatest. He first went to Lord Brahma and then to Lord Shiva, but neither acknowledged his presence. Angered by this insult, Sage Bhrigu went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. In anger, he kicked Lord Vishnu in the chest. Lord Vishnu behaved with ease and warmly received the sage—however, this infuriated Goddess Lakshmi. In despair, she left Vaikuntha and came to Earth.

Vishnu, devastated by her loss, also came to Earth, searching for Lakshmi. Taking the form of Srinivasa, he penanced on an anthill under a tamarind tree. Soon afterwards, Srinivasa met Padmavati, the daughter of King Akasa Raja of the Chola dynasty, and the two fell in love. Their divine marriage, which took place in the gods' presence, is observed with grandness even today.

A unique feature of the Tirumala Balaji Temple is that devotees offer their hair to the deity as an act of surrender and humility. This reference can be traced to a legend concerning a cowherd girl, Neela Devi, who surrendered her hair to Lord Venkateswara when a portion of his scalp was accidentally removed in a fight. The Lord granted her a boon that his devotees would offer their hair as a sign of reverence.

Nearest Attractions

Temples

Adventure

Museum

The pilgrims' journey from around the world to Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple Tirumala is soulful, transiting all borders and beliefs. The seven sacred hills, known as Saptagiri, define the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent king. The journey to the temple is spiritual, often involving a trek through scenic and peaceful landscapes.

FAQs

1. Why is Tirupati Balaji famous?

Tirupati Balaji is famous for its richness and hair donation. It is the wealthiest temple in India.

2. Who made Tirupati Balaji idol?

It was not made but discovered by the Thondaman King.

3. Where is Tirupati Balaji temple situated?

It is situated in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.

4. Why Tirupati Balaji's eyes are covered?

It is believed that the idol radiates cosmic and supernatural energy; hence, the idol is covered with a white mask.

5. Who is tirupati balaji?

Tirupati Balaji is Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth.

6. Can I get married in Tirupati temple?

Marriages are allowed after registering with TTD Kalyana Vedika Marriage by the TTD board for Hindu Couples.

7. Whether private vans are allowed to go to Tirumala or not?

Yes, they are allowed to go to Tirumala.

8. How can I book a Tirupati Balaji Darshan Yatra package with BookMyDarshan.in?

Check our website to book the Tirupati Balaji Darshan Package.

9. How do I obtain a special entry darshan at Tirumala?

Devotees can obtain a special entry darshan at Tirumala temple through TTD website https://www.tirumala.org/SpecialEntryDarshan.aspx or by a direct package booking through www.bookmydarshan.in

10. Why is Tirupati so powerful?

It is believed Lord Vishnu manifested Himself in the idol of this temple to lead his devotees towards salvation.

11. Who owns Tirupati temple money?

It is managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is an autonomous body of the Andhra Pradesh government.

12. Do I need to register for a visit to Tirupati Balaji??

Yes, you must register to visit Tirupati Balaji temple through TTD authorities.

13. Can I bring offerings for Lord Balaji?

Yes, you may bring offerings for Lord Balaji in the form of Bhogam.

14. What are the different types of prasadam offered in Tirupati Balaji?

Tirupati Balaji offers three types of prasadam to the devotees in the form of Bala Bhogam, Raja Bhogam, and Shayana Bhogam.

15. Are there any restrictions on what I can carry inside the Tirupati Balaji temple?

Items like phones, leather items, electronic items of any kind and footwears are not allowed inside the temple.

16. Is there a cloakroom facility for luggage storage in the Tirupati Balaji?

Yes, there is cloakroom facility for luggage storage in the Tirupati Balaji temple.

17. How much time does a darshan typically take at Tirupati Balaji?

For free darshanam, it takes anywhere around half an hour to 18 hours. But there are provisions of special and VIP darshan as well.

18. Are there any special darshan options for senior citizens or physically challenged devotees at Venkateswara Swamy Temple?

TTD makes special arrangements to facilitate access for senior citizens and physically challenged devotees. To avail of this privilege, contact the temple authorities beforehand.