Sri Venkateswaraswami temple

The temple town of Tirupati came into existence in the 12th century, with the founding of Govindarajaswamy temple. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts of India, is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at Tirumala, 18 km. northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt. above sea level amidst the hills known as seven hills of the Eastern Ghats.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu (Balaji) enchanted by the charm of the hill Seshachalam, settled down here to meditate and in course of time his body was transformed into stone. Also, according to the Puranas, the hills represent the body of Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, is said to rest. The seven hills denote the seven hoods of Adisesha on which Venkatachalapati resides.

The origin of the temple is shrouded in antiquity and is regarded as one of the most ancient temples in India. It was patronised by the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagara rulers and later by the kings of Mysore. The idol of Lord Venkateshwara has the attributes of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, a happy compromise appealing at once to both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the richest shrine in India, attracts a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year eager to have a glimpse of Lord Venkateshwara in his bejewelled glory.

The main temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its "Ananda Nilaya Vimanam", the granite canopy over the sanctum sanctorum, covered with gilded copper sheets. The temple flagpost is also gold plated.

The temple can be approached from Tirupati either by a 15 km. long foot-path or by road. The first road, connecting Tirumala was laid in 1944 and to ensure safety by one-way movement, a second one was constructed in 1974.

Apart from the Lord Venkateshwara temple, the other important places at Tirumala are Papavinasam and Akasaganga waterfalls. Varahaswamy temple, and Shila Toranam (Geological Arch) a very ancient rock formation supposed to be over 10,000 years old.

Govindarajaswamy temple, Kapila Tirtham and Rama temple are the other sacred places at Tirupati. Some other places worth visiting around Tirupati are the temple of the Goddess Padmavati Devi - the divine consort of Lord Venkateshwara at Tiruchanur, the Fort at Chandragiri built in 1000 AD. The two palaces in the vicinity formerly were used by the members of the royal family and Kalyana Venkateshwaraswamy temple at Srinivasamangapuram is 12 km. from Tirupati.

Everyday is a festive day at Tirumala. Every devotee feels fully contented after visiting Tirumala, by the immense spiritual pleasure he derives by worshipping Lord Venkateshwara. Two customs peculiar to this temple are anointing the body of the Lord with camphor, saffron and musk and offering of hair by the devotees to Lord Venkateshwara.

For those who are looking for scenic beauty, the Tirumala hills provide a visual treat. It is one of the better known and developed hill stations in Andhra Pradesh and provides a calm, quiet retreat for tourists. The undulating range of hills covered with lush green forests hold exciting possibilities for trekkers and rock climbers.