The Tirupathi Temple, originally known as the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is located among the lush green hills of the Eastern Ghats in the Tirupathi District, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of top most admired and ancient temples in the world and it is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. With a history crossing over centuries, this temple become not only a spiritual centre but also a sign of devotion and architecture brightness. This temple is also called Kaliyuga Vaikuntam which is situated 853 metres above sea level and contains seven hills, signifying the seven heads of Adisesha. Among the seven hills, the temple is located on the seventh hill which is known as Venkatadri, on the southern banks of a sacred water tank called Sri Swami Pushkarini. That’s why this temple is called as ‘Temple of Seven Hills’.
It is one of the richest temples in the world with nearly 50,000 to 100,000 tourists every day and this count rises to 500,00 during festivals and on special occasions. This temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras. Let’s see more about this temple in the following session.
History of Tirupathi Temple:
The remains of Tirupathi Temple have been stated in some literary works and some holy texts or Puranas known as Varaha and Bavishyottara Puranas which date back to the 5th century. According to the tale, Lord Vishnu seemed in the avatar of Venkateswara to save mankind in Kali Yuga. Lord Vishnu chose Tirumala as his residence and founded the temple there. Over the centuries, the temple endured numerous renovations and expansions and today it is one of the most splendid temples in India.
Tirupathi Temple was built in the 9th century CE by Pallavas and afterwards, it was expanded by Cholas and the Vijayanagara Kings in the 10th and 16th centuries respectively.
In the 16th century, the temple was in the hands of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara kings had prominent influences on the temple, including constructing the temple’s gopuram and many other structures. During their reign, the temple flourished and became a prominent centre for pilgrimage.
In the 17th century, the temple came into the hands of the Aravidu dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Aravidu Kings made more involvements in the temple and enlarged the infrastructure and they also started to manage the temple’s affairs, which still today.
In the 18th century, the temple came into the hands of the British East India Company and the British government took over the administration of the temple and started a system for gathering donations from devotees. This system is still running in place today which is known as the “hundi” system.
After that in the 19th century, the temple undertook major renovations and expansions. The temple’s sanctum which is gopuram was reconstructed and the temple’s main divinity, Lord Venkateshwara was ornamented with gold and valuable jewels.
At present, Tirupathi temple is one of the most prominent pilgrimage places in India which attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. The temple’s structure has been greatly enlarged to accommodate the huge number of visitors every year.
Architecture of Tirupathi Temple:
The Tirupathi temple is not only for its religious significance but also for its tremendous architecture. One of the most attractive features of the Tirumala Temple is its stunning Dravidian architecture. The temple compound is a witness to the craftsmanship of the artists of the former times. The entrance tower which is known as Gopuram is a visual wonder with its complex carvings and sculptures that portray scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple’s architecture follows the ideologies of Agama Shilpa which is a traditional South Indian architectural style. It claims a series of enclosures known as ‘prayers’, each exposing a deeper level of spirituality as one moves forward towards the sanctum sanatorium that is Garbagriha which is decorated with the gold-covered Vimana (tower). The idol of the Lord Venkateshwara is created with black stone stands around 8 feet tall and is decorated with valuable jewels, gold, flowers, etc. The temple’s massive pillars, courtyards and halls are decorated with excellent sculptures and designs that reflect the essence of Hindu spirituality.
Various smaller shrines are dedicated to different divinities, including Lord Rama, Lord Krishna Goddess Lakshmi and others. Each of these shrines is a witness to the architectural brilliance of the past craftsmanship.
Spiritual Significance of Tirupathi Temple:
The Tirupathi Temple claims huge spiritual significance for Hindus. Every year, millions of devotees from all over the world pursue the blessings of the Lord Venkateshwara and they believe that a visit to Tirupathi Temple and the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara will give blessings, eliminate sins, and fulfil their wishes. The practice of offering one’s hair to the deity is a common ritual among devotees.
The temple also organises various sevas and festivals which devotees can participate in. Apart from its religious and spiritual significance, the temple stands as a symbol of charity and service. The tradition of free food distribution which is known as ‘Dhan Annaprasadam’, ensures that no devotee leaves with an empty stomach while visiting the temple.
Festivals Related to Tirupathi Temple:
Every year around 433 festivals are celebrated in the Tirupathi Temple. Among these festivals, Sri Venkateshwara Brahmotsavam is the biggest event of the temple celebrated every year during October. During the Brahmotsavam, the divinity Malayappa along with his partners Sridevi and Bhudevi is taken in a procession in the streets around the temple in different Vahanas (vehicles). Rathasapthami is also a similar festival which is celebrated in February.
Vaikunta Ekadasi is another festival celebrated on a day it is believed that the doors are open to Vishnu’s residence, known as Vaikunta. On this festival, around 1.5 lakh devotees visit to pursue the Darshan of the Lord. Apart from these, there are many other festivals like Rama Navami, Ugadi, Janmashtami, Pushpa Pallaki, Pushpa Yagam, Teppotsavam (Floating Festival), Sri PadmavathiParinayotsavams and Vasanthotsavams conducted in March- April.
Poojas and Sevas at Tirumala Temple:
Following is a list of all Poojas and Sevas at Tirupathi Temple. Classified them into three types, they are the Daily Sevas, the weekly Sevas, and the Periodic Sevas.
- Tirupathi Temple Daily Sevas: Suprabhatam, ThomalaSeva, VenkateshwaraSahasranamaArchana and EkanthaSeva are the sevasthat are performed every day in the Tirupathi Temple.
- Tirupathi Temple Weekly Sevas: Vishesha Pooja, Ashtadala- PadaPadmaaradhana, SahasraKalabhishekam, TiruppuvadaSeva, SrivariAbhishekam are the weekly sevas in the Tirupathi Temple.
- The Periodical Sevas: Arjitha Kalyanotsava Seva, ArjithaBrahmotsavaSeva, and Unjal Seva are the sevas which are performed periodically.
Apart from these, there are some special Darshans like GeneralDarshan (SevaDarshan), VIP Darshan (SheeghraDarshan), Tirumala Darshan by walk (DivyaDarshan), Special Darshan for Senior Citizens, Special Darshan for Physically Challenged, Infant Darshan, Newly Married Couple Darshan are held in their allotted timings in the Tirupathi Temple.
Best Time to Visit Tirupathi Temple:
Although the temple is visited by pilgrims all over the year, the best time to visit the Tirupathi temple is from November to February. From March to September the temperatures in Tirupathiriseto are 42 degrees Celsius that is why it is better to avoid these months. However, in the winter months that is from November to February, the temperatures are low and the weather is very pleasant and friendly which helps tourists to immerse themselves into the beauty of Tirupathi Temple.
How to Reach Tirupathi Temple:
By Air: If you choose airway to step into Tirupathi, Renigunta Airport is the nearest airport which is around 15 kilometres from Tirupathi. You can book flights from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi to visit the Tirupathi Temple.
By Rail: There is good Railway transport communication between Tirupathi and all the cities. The distance between the Tirupathi Railway Station to Tirupati Temple is around 26 kilometres. So after reaching the railway station, you can book a cab or rent a car to reach the Tirupathi Temple.
By Road: There are several buses from Chennai, Vellore, and Bengaluru to Tirupathi every 10 minutes. From Tirupathi to Alipiri which is Tirupathi Temple, the distance is about 23 kilometres. The TTD runs free buses inside the Thirumala for the ease of the pilgrims.
By Foot: Some of the devotees are willing to reach the Tirupathi on their feet. For those devotees, there are two footpaths. One is through the step way which is 11 kilometres long and this path is selected by most of the pilgrims. Another way is called ‘Srivari Metlu’ which starts from Chandragiri and is 6 kilometres long.
Places to Visit near Tirumala Temple:
- ‘Venkateshwara Museum’ at Tirupathiwhich contains a huge collection of vintage weaponry, Pooja items and Idols, a photo gallery and a meditation centre.
- A Natural Arch which is called ‘Silathoranam’, is a geological wonder that remains from the Precambrian Era.
- ‘Srivaari Paadamulu’ are the footprints of Lord Venkateshwara.
- ‘Papavinasanam’ is a waterbody initiated from river Swarnamukhi.
- ‘Akaasha Ganga’ which is a natural waterfall.
Conclusion:
Tirupathi Temple stands as an ideal of architecture, spirituality and philanthropy, attracting the hearts of millions with great feeling and timeless charm. Apart from these, it is a shelter of peace and harmony, inviting devotees into its lap. Tirupathi Temple is not a place but a divine refuge where the soul meets the divine.
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