Photo: Nikhilb239 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What is Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala known for?
The temple of Lord Venkateswara stands on the seventh of the Tirumala hills, about 20 kilometres by ghat road above the town of Tirupati. Venkateswara — also called Srinivasa, Balaji and Govinda — is worshipped as a form of Vishnu, and the sanctum is crowned by the gilded Ananda Nilayam vimana. The temple and all its arrangements are administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Why is Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala significant?
The hills are revered as Seshachalam, the form of Adishesha on whom Vishnu rests, and Venkateswara is held to have come to them to remain with his devotees in the present age. The temple's inscriptions record patronage from the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The offering of hair at the Kalyana Katta, the tonsure halls, is among the best-known practices — an act of giving up one's pride — and the Tirupati laddu is the temple's celebrated prasad.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala?
Worship begins with Suprabhatam before dawn and continues through a sequence of sevas through the day. The offering of hair, and offerings to the hundi, are the practices most pilgrims undertake. The laddu is received as prasad.
Brahmotsavam, the nine-day festival usually in September or October, is the great occasion. Vaikunta Ekadasi is also of special significance.
How do you reach Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala?
Tirupati railway station and Tirupati airport, about 15 kilometres from the town, connect to most of India. Buses and cabs run up the ghat road to Tirumala; many pilgrims instead climb on foot by the Alipiri or Srivari Mettu footpaths.
Darshan arrangements are managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, and it is worth checking their official channel before planning dates. Dress codes apply at the temple.