Tirupati Tour

Area:10.33 sq. miles

Altitude:152 m above sea level

Languages:Telugu, English Annual Mean

Rainfall: 710 mm Temperature in Summer :40C Temperature in

Winter:15C

Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year

STD code: 08574

 

History of TirupatiVenkateswara Temple, Tirumala

The glorious history of this temple spans for several centuries. There is literary evidence as well as a lot of engraved inscriptions that point out to the antiquity of this temple.Kings belonging to the Chola, the Pandya and the Pallava dynasty have been regular visitors to this temple. Sri Krishnadevaraya was an important contributor and endowed the temple with rich offerings. A permanent endowment fund was set up by the Maratha general Rajhoji Bhonsle so that regular worship in the temple could be carried out without any hindrance. With the coming of the Muslim rulers, the temple came under their supervision and at a further later period, the British were transferred the power. Eventually the East India Company decided that they would no longer take the responsibility of administering native religious institution.

The Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumala was entrusted with the responsibility. They continued to hold power for over a century till 1933. Then in 1933 the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Committee took over. Finally in the year 1951, a Board of Trustees took over the administration of this grand temple.

 

Introduction to Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is one of the most important pilgrim sites for Hindus. It is visited by a large number of devotees every year. Located on the seventh peak of the Tirupati Hill, this ancient temple is a must see for all tourists. It is emblematic of wonderful architecture. One can also get an idea of the tremendous faith that people have in this deity when they visit the temple. Individuals willingly stand in long queues just to get a glimpse of the lord housed in the richest temple. A visit to the temple is like a spiritual sojourn that simply overwhelms the senses.

 

Description of Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

The outer Gopuram of the temple is inscribed with figures of Vaishnava gods. You will surely be impressed by the architectural brilliance of these craftsmen.

There are several Mandapams in the temple. The Ranga Mandapam reflects the Vijaynagara style of architecture and was constructed between 1320 and 1360 A.D. It is believed that when Srirangam was occupied by the Muslim rulers, the idol of Lord Ranganadha was kept here. The Tiruamla Raya Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions. The Dhvajasthamba Mandapam is a complex with a large number of pillars. You will simply be fascinated to see the remarkable sculptures that are there in this Mandapam. The central pillar of this Mandapam is surrounded by several small pillars. Strike one of these pillars with a small stone and you will surely be amazed to find that they emit musicalsounds. Bronze statues also adorn this Mandapam. The Aina Mahal is rightly named because there are a large number of ainas or mirrors which reflects images on its walls. It consists of two parts. There is an open Mandapam with a total of 36 pillars and a shrine consisting an Antarala and Garbagriha.

The portals of the temples are adorned with statues of Krishnadevaraya and his consorts which were installed by Krishnadevaraya himself. The Maratha general Rajhoji Bhonsle gifted valuable jewels and that included emeralds which have been retained to this day.

Sightseeing

 

Darshan at Swamy Temple

As more than fifty thousand pilgrims visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple every day, TTD has organised efficient systems to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims.

 

Vaikuntam Queue Complex

The entrance for darshan is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. The complex is a series of inter-connected halls that leads to the main temple. An efficient queue system ensures that pilgrims move in an orderly fashion through the Queue Complex, towards the main temple.

The halls in the Queue Complex are clean, spacious and airy.TTD provides a wide range of facilities in the Queue Complex:

 * Canteens selling food packets at subsidized rates.

  * The Andhra PradeshDairy Development Corporation selling fresh milk.

 * Medical Aid.

 * Sale of photographs, calendars and other TTD publications.

 * Toilets.

 * Closed Circuit Television, through which devotional programmes and music are relayed.

 * Cloak rooms near the Vaikuntam Queue Complex entrance.

 * Places where footwear can be deposited, free of cost (at the entrance).

SarvaDarsanam

Sarvadarsanam means 'darshan for all'. The timings for Sarvadarsanam are different on different days of the week. Please refer the weekly temple programme for the timings. On normal days, about 18 hours are allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it is open for 20 hours. Around 50,000 pilgrims visit the main temple every day.

Special Darshan

The entrance for Special Darshan is through the PPC (Queue Complex). The queue merges with the Sarvadarsanam queue at Bangaruvakili. Pilgrims who use this queue will have a shorter waiting time. There are two categories of special darshan, with tickets costing Rs. 40.00 and Rs. 50.00 per head. The darshan timings are the same as that for Sarvadarsanam.

Sudharsanam Token System

--The tokens are available free of cost at the First Choultry (opposite to the Tirupati Railway Station), Second Choultry (behind the Railway Station), Alipiri Bus Stand, Tirupati, Vaikuntam Queue Complex, Pilgrim Amenities Centre (Near CRO) and near the Rambagicha Guest House in Tirumala.

--The time of darshan is indicated on the tokens.

--Pilgrims can enter the Vaikuntam Queue Complex at Tirumala at the time indicated on the tokens.

--They can have darshan within two hours of entering the Queue Complex.

--As this system saves on waiting time, it provides pilgrims with enough time to visit temples in the vicinity like Sri Govindarajaswami Temple and Kapila Teertham at Tirupati, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur and Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple at Srinivasa Mangapuram.

Special Darshan for the Physically Disabled and the Aged

This special darshan is arranged for the physically disabled and the aged through a separate gate at the Maha Dwaram,the main temple entrance. If necessary, such pilgrims can be accompanied by an attendant.

Facilities to Pilgrims

Many pilgrims walk up the hills as a part of their vow to the Lord.The T.T.D. have provided the following facilities to them.

* Transportation of luggage free of charge to Tirumala.The pilgrims can deposit their luggage at any of the choultries in Tirupati, or at the toll gate at Alipiri, against a token and take delivery of the luggage at the central reception office counter at Tirumala

* Provision for cooking at Galigopuram, Chittiyekkudu, Mamanduru Mitta, Narasimhaswami temple, Mokallamitta and other places.

* Availability of drinking water all along the foot-path.

* Facility of canteen run under hygienic conditions by the voluntary organisation "ISKCON" at Mamanduru Mitta (Seventh mile). Availability of toilets.

* Provision of sunshade at important points for taking rest.

* Arrangements for patrol by Security guards, Gurkhas and Police all along the road through out day and night to prevent unwary pilgrims from being cheated or robbed by unscrupulous elements.

* Relay of religious programmes through local broadcasting system.

Other Facilities At tirupati

* Canteen Complex: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Canteen Complex with most modern amenities provides wholesome food at moderate prices.

* Free Meals: The wholesome free food (full meals) in the T.T.D Canteen Complex will be provided to the devotees from 10 a.m to 11 p.m continuously on production of free meals coupons distributed inside the Temple after worshipping the Lord.

* Free Medical Aid: Pilgrims are given free medical aid at Aswini Hospital near Seshadri Nagar.

* Post & Telegraphs: There is a Post & Telegraphs office near the Central Reception Office with all the facilities including Telegraph.

* Free Bus: Facilities are available for pilgrims at Tirumala.Four buses are operated on prescribed routes for the benefit of pilgrims covering cottages, choultries, temples & other places.

* Sale of Gold & Silver Dollars: Gold & Silver Dollars with the images of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati are available for sale at the counter inside the Temple near Vimana Venkateswara Swamy and T.T.D Administration Buildings,Tirupati.

* Kalyanakatta: There is a Kalyanakatta for fulfilling the vow of tonsure to the Lord.Tonsure facilities are also available at cottages.Please do not pay any amount to barbers. The tariff at Kalyanakatta Rs 2.00; at Cottages Rs 10.00.

* Railway Booking Office: This booking office located at the Central Reception Office, will issue tickets including reservation tickets for bus-cum-train journey.

* Automobile Clinic: A mobile van with mechanics and spares is available to attend to the repairs of the vehicles stranded on the Ghat roads.The Toll Gates either at Tirupati or at Tirumala may be contacted.

Temples at Tirupati

In Tirupati there are number of Temples They are:tirupati-tirumla-lord-balaji

* Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple,Tiruchanoor.

* Sri Govindarajaswami Temple,Tirupati.

 * Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple,Tirupati.

* Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Tirupati.

* Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram.

*Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Narayanavanam.

* Sri Vedanarayanaswami Temple, Nagalapuram

Other Places to visit at Tirupati

In Tirupati there are number of Places They are:

* Chandragiri Fort.

* Horsley Hills.

 * Grand World water park.

How To Reach Tirupati

Tirupati is well connected with all three major cities Hyderabad (555 km), Chennai (140 km) and Benguluru (280 km) in South India by road, rail and air.

 By Road:To reach Tirumala temple, one should first reach Tirupati. It is linked with important cities like Hyderabad (617 km), Benguluru (248 km), Chennai (151 km), Vijayawada (380 km) and Lepakshi (379 km) through good roadways At Tirupati there are four bus-stations located in different corners of the city.

* Sri Venkateswara Bus Station (SVBS): Pilgrims arriving by train can use SVBS, which is located just opposite to the Tirupati Railway Station. Whenever trains arrive, buses are stationed right in front of the main gate of the railway station, for the convenience of pilgrims.

* Balaji Link Bus Station (BLBS): For the convenience of pilgrims arriving from Benguluru, BLBS is situated at Alipiri, at the foot of the hills. Here, there is ample space for parking tourist buses and vans.

 * Sapthagiri Link Bus Station (SLBS): SLBS serves pilgrims who arrive from Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada sectors. SLBS is located in the Central Bus Station Complex.

* Sri Padmavathi Bus Station (SPBS): SPBS is located at the rear of the Tirupati Railway Station, and caters mainly to the needs of pilgrims arriving in tourist buses.

By Rail : Tirumala temple is well connected by rail and proper transport services to the nearest railway station situated at Tirupati. This place is connected by rail with Hubbi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolhapur , Mumbai, Puri, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi and Vijayawada.

By Air : The nearest airport is at Renigunta (15 km). Tirupati is connected by air with Hyderabad, Chennai and Benguluru. From the airport you can hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw or you can take a bus to reach the temple.