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Andhra Pradesh

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple

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January

15.0 - 33.6 °C

February

15.8 - 36.8 °C

March

18.2 - 40.4 °C

April

23.0 - 42.5 °C

May

24.0 - 43.7 °C

June

23.7 - 41.6 °C

July

23.1 - 39.2 °C

August

23.0 - 38.2 °C

September

22.7 - 37.6 °C

October

21.0 - 36.6 °C

November

18.1 - 33.5 °C

December

16.3 - 31.5 °C

Major Airports :

Tirupati International Airport (TIR),Tirupati

Chennai International Airport (MAA),Chennai

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nearest Railway Station :

Tirupati Railway Station (TPTY)

Major Airports :

Tirupati International Airport (TIR),Tirupati

Chennai International Airport (MAA),Chennai

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

The temple that saves mankind


One of the wealthiest temples in the world is situated in the Tirumala Hills, a part of the Seshachalam Hills range with seven peaks, symbolizing the seven heads of Adishesha. This temple is called as the ‘Temple of Seven Hills’, with its location on the seventh peak—Venkatadri. Welcome to Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, also known as the Tirumala Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, this temple in Tirupati is believed to save mankind from the trials of Kali Yuga, earning it the name ‘Kaliyuga Vaikuntha’ and its deity is known as ‘Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam’. It is one of the Pancha Kshethram temples, where Maha Lakshmi was born as Bhargavi.

Built by a Thondaman king around 300 CE, the temple has been periodically reformed by Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara rulers. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, stands in the Garbhagruha (Sanctum Sanctorum), facing east.

The temple complex with South Indian architecture includes modern Queue buildings, Annaprasadam complex, and lodging sites for pilgrims. Legends abound about the temple's deity manifestation in Tirumala, with one stating that the deity will remain throughout the present Kali Yuga.

The temple is one of the most visited religious sites globally, with footfall surpassing 60,000 daily and reaching over a hundred thousand during festivals and holidays.
 

The legend that created the temple

It’s believed that during Dvapara Yuga, Adishesha stayed on earth as Seshachalam Hills. Tirumala is considered Adivaraha Kshetra, where Adivaraha, an incarnation of Vishnu, stayed after defeating the demon, Hiranyaksha.

According to the Venkatachala Mahatyam legend, during Kali Yuga, the sage Narada advised some sages to test the Trimurtis − Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Sage Bhrigu, with an extra eye on his foot, visited each deity, but only Vishnu didn't notice him. In anger, Bhrigu kicked Vishnu's chest, where his wife Lakshmi resides, causing her to leave for Earth. Vishnu, taking the human form as Srinivasa, came to Seshachalam Hills and started meditating. Lakshmi, realizing this, sought the help of Shiva and Brahma. They turned into a cow and calf, respectively, and were cared for by a Chola king. Later, Srinivasa married Padmavati, the king's daughter, but Lakshmi, upon learning of this, came to confront Srinivasa. Unable to bear the quarrel, Srinivasa turned into a stone deity, followed by Lakshmi and Padmavati, expressing their desire to stay with him on the seven hills, providing solace to mankind during the trials of Kali Yuga.

A historical perspective

In the Tamil Sangam epic Silappathikaram, which is commonly dated to the 2nd century CE, there's a mention of the temple. Kovalan, the protagonist, meets a Brahmin and expresses his desire to witness the glory of Vishnu, particularly mentioning the picturesque settings of Srirangam and Tirumala.

The temple's history is rich, with notable mentions including a recorded endowment by Pallava queen Samavai in 966 CE and significant contributions by various dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Empire.

Ramanujacharya's visits in the 11th and 12th centuries hold particular significance, where he streamlined rituals and introduced new practices.

In modern times, the temple's management has evolved through different phases, from being under the control of various rulers to its current administration by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is governed by the Andhra Pradesh government.

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Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

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Design that’s divine

You can step into the temple through not one, but three entrances called ‘dvarams’. The first, Mahadvaram or Padikavali, leads through the outer compound wall known as Mahaprakaram. It has a towering 50-foot Gopuram with seven Kalasams at the top. The second entrance, Vendivakili or Nadimipadikavali, is through the inner compound wall named Sampangi Prakaram and has a three-storied Gopuram with seven Kalasams. The third entrance, Bangaruvakili or golden entrance, leads directly to the garbhagriha and is adorned with two tall copper Dvarapalakas statues. The door is embellished with gold gilt plates depicting the Dashavatara of Vishnu.

Circumambulation, known as Pradakshinam, is practiced around the sanctum sanctorum. There are two paths for this. The first, Sampangipradakshinam, lies between the Mahaprakaram and the Sampangiprakaram and features various structures like mandapas and a prasadam distribution area. The second, Vimanapradakhinam, encircles the Ananda Nilayam Vimanam and includes sub-shrines, a main kitchen, a golden well, and other facilities.

The garbhagriha houses the presiding deity Venkateswara, along with other deities. Pilgrims can't go beyond a certain point. Venkateswara stands with four hands holding symbolic objects, adorned with precious ornaments and accompanied by goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavati. The Ananda Nilayam Vimanam, a three-storied Gopuram, covers the garbhagriha and features intricate carvings of deities. It is believed to be an exact replica of the deity inside.

Elevate your spiritual journey

Engage in the grand festivities of Tirupati's famous 'Brahmotsavam' festival, an extravagant nine-day extravaganza that showcases its vibrant culture. Other major festivals in Tirupati Temple include Vaikunta Ekadashi, which marks a day when heaven stays open, while celebrations such as Rathasapthami, Rama Navami Janmashtami Vasanthotsavam Pushpa Yagam, and Teppotsavam give you a unique insight into Tirupati's spiritual tapestry.

Tirupati boasts several attractions worth exploring. Visit the famous Tirumala Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, located in the Tirumala Hills. Or explore the Tirumala Wildlife Sanctuary for nature walks and wildlife sightings. Take a trip to Talakona Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by lush forests and offering a refreshing retreat.

The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple stands as an embodiment of unwavering devotion and divine grace. Visit its sacred grounds to find solace, enlightenment, and an unparalleled spiritual experience.