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About Tirupati Balaji
Tirupati is 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district, the
southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is one of the most
visited pilgrimage in India. Sri Venkateshwara temple is one of the
most important place of interest here. Sri Venkateshwara is also
known as the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the
country. |
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The shrine is situated on a hill at Tirumala, a
cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with a
height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. This temple is
considered as the richest temple in the world, with a vibrant
cultural and philanthropic institution and a grand history spanning
several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country
who wait for hours together to get a glimpse of the presiding deity.
The Lord of Tirumala is considered as the all-pervading Lord of the
Universe. Almost daily 30,000 devotees on an average, visit the
sacred shrine of Lord Venkateswara to pay their homage to him.
The Architecture
The ancient Tirupathi Balaji is a fine example of Dravidian temple
architecture. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the
Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs
of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot to the development of this
temple. They endowed the shrine, offering worship to the presiding
deity. The Tirupati temple also has beautiful 'gopuram' or tower.
The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered
entirely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam".
The Shrine consists of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The
outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post
and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya
and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol
of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana'
or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' (as is called in various parts of the
country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and
destroying aspects of the Hindu trinity.
Other Attractions near Tirupati Balaji
Swami Pushkarani
This tank is adjacent to the temple and is highly sacred. Pilgrims
take a bath here before entering the temple.
Akasa Ganga
This is a waterfall about 3 kms to the north of the temple.
Papavinasanam
This is about 5 kms to the north of the temple.
Vaikuntha Tirtham
It is at a distance of about 3 kms north-east of the temple.
Tumburu Tirtham
It is about 16 kms north of the temple.
Geological Arch
This rare geological formation is situated at 1 km north of the
temple.
Lepakshi Emporium
A perfect place to purchase attractive handicrafts at reasonable
prices. This is situated near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central
Reception Office.
T.T.D Gardens
The Devasthanams has beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species
of plants and trees.
Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall)
This is the venue for the devotional programs like discourses, music
concerts, harikathas and bhajans conducted under the protection of
Dharma Prachara Parishat.
Getting There
Air : Indian Airlines connects Hyderabad and Tirupati.
Rail : Train facilities are available to various destinations
like Secunderabad / Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Howrah, Varanasi,
Kochi, Mumbai, Bellary, Madurai, etc.
Road : Tirupati is well connected to all the major cities of
south India.
Accommodation
Accommodation of all categories are available in Tirupati. You just
need to pick one of them according to your budget and requirement.
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