Tirupati Temple

Tirupati is located in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh, in Chittoor district. Known as the abode of the Hindu god 'Venkateshwara' (Lord Vishnu), Tirupati is famous for the 10th century Venkateswara temple (11kms) located on the seventh peak Venkatachala, in the sacred Tirumala hills at an elevation of 860m. The Puranic conception of the hill is that it represents the body of Adisesha (a seven hooded serpent) the seven hills being his seven heads, on top of which Lord Vishnu the protector of the world rests. One of the most important pilgrimage centers in India, the temple draws millions of  pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world.

Legend Behind the Temple
There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala in the Puranas.  The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism. Once sage Bhrigu visited the aboard of the gods to settle a dispute among the scholars regarding the supreme power among the trinity.He first visited Siva and Brahma's aboard both of whom ignored him.  An enraged Bhrigu then visited Vishnu who was fast asleep. In his anger he kicked Vishu on his chest. But Vishnu put up with the insult considering him as a great sage but Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu did not. Lakshmi quarreled with Vishnu and left him. Feeling lonely in Vaikunta, Vishnu is believed to have come down to earth and settled here in hill Seshachalam, to rest and meditate. In course of time he was buried under an ant hill and later turned to stone. Years after, the cows of a local king which used to come here, milked of their own accord and returned home dry. The king came to know of it, discovered the underground form of Lord Srinivasa and placed the Lord in the now famous shrine at Tirupati.

The 2m high standing idol of Venkateswara or the Lord of the Seven Hills, on a lotus flanked by his consorts Bhudevi and Sridevi,  is believed to grant any wish made in front of it. The most striking feature of the awe-inspiring black idol is its fabulous diamond crown, which is said to be the most precious single ornament in the world. The richest temple in India, it is a master piece of South Indian Dravidian Architecture.

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