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.
The Sanctorum 'Ananda Nilayam' has a glittering gold
covered 'Vimana' and gold covered gates guard the sanctum sanctorum.
The rulers of all the great dynasties of the southern peninsula have
been ardent devotees and paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this
ancient shrine.
The approach to the temple is through mango groves
and sandal wood forest and devotees chanting 'Govinda' or 'Om Namo Venkatesaya'
reach the top where the temple is situated. The daily program
starts with 'Suprabhatam' (awakening the Lord) at three in the morning
and end with the 'Ekanta Seva' (putting the Lord to sleep) at one in
the night. Daily, Weekly and Periodical sevas and utsavams are performed
to the Lord. Pilgrims can choose from the list and pay to get the
'Sevas' or 'Utsavams' done on their name. Anointing the idol with camphor,
saffron and musk and the offering of their hair by pilgrims are important
customs performed. A bath in the 'Swami Pushkarini' tank, adjacent
to the temple is believed to cleanse devotees of their sins. A consecrated
sweet is distributed as 'prasadam' to about 50,000 pilgrims on festival
days. The pilgrims visit and pay homage to Adivaraha idol in the Sri
Varaha Swami Temple, situated on the banks of the tank before visiting
Sri Venkateswara Temple.
The devotees stand in line for hours together to obtain
a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds. Different
darshans are arranged for the convenience of the pilgrims, the 'Sarvadarshan'
-'darshan for all', free of cost, timings differ on different week days,
Special darshan (paid darshan), 'Sudarshanam' -free or paid darshan's
using a token system minimizing the waiting time) and special darshan
for the physically disabled and the aged.
Brahmotsavam, the most important of the various festivals
of the temple, is conducted usually in Bhadrapada i.e., in September
for about 9 days. On account of Adika Masam, which comes in every third
year, the Brahmotsavam celebrated then is especially grand and held
under the name 'Navarathri Brahmotsavam'. The 'Garudotsavam' and the
temple car festival 'Rathotsavam' is particularly popular. These Brahmotsavams
attract thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the country.
Pilgrim Centers 
