Tirupati
Brief
The holy hills of Tirumala, in the extreme south-east of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most ancient and spectacular places of pilgrimage in India and the Venkateswara Temple here, is claimed to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing Jerusalem, Rome and Mecca in the sheer number of pilgrims. The town not only owes its existence to the sacred temple, but also comprises of seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. Moreover, the name Tirupati, meaning the Lord of Lakshmi has been appropriately applied to the village, on the Venkata Hill, the abode of the Lord.
History
The city points its past in a very well versed way. After the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, nobles and chieftains from all parts of the country, continued to pay their homage and offer gifts to this temple. The Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald, which is still preserved in a box named after the General. Among the later rulers who have endowed large amounts are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal. But after the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and then the Britishers took charge of many of the temples, that came under their supervisory and protective control.
Culture
There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. The objective behind tonsuring (shaving ones head for the Lord), is to demonstrate that he/she completely surrenders his/her ego, at the feet of the Lord. Angapradakshinam, Tulabharam and Niluvudopidi, are some of the outstanding features of their culture. The objective behind all the devotion, is to show their devotion to the Lord, and thank him for protecting them.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
The city favours a pleasant climate, which is hot in summer, but not that cold in winte. Rainfall is seasonal between October and December. Situated in the Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh, the main town of Tirupati, lies at the bottom of the Tirumalai Hills.
How to Reach
Tirupati is well connected by air, rail and road. By air, Tirupati airport is connected with flights from Chennai and Hyderabad. By rail, the nearest railhead is Renigunta which is 10 km from Tirupati and is well connected to all parts of the country including Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore etc. By road, Tirupati is connected to Chennai and other districts of Tamilnadu and within the state.
Tourist Places
Chandragiri
11 Kms away, the fort was built on a 180-m high rock, where earlier fortifications may date from several hundred years before the Vijaynagar kings took over. The main attraction here, is the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal, with its pretty lily pond.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, is an important temple in Tirupati. It has an imposing gopuram, which can be seen from a distance. Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in 1130 AD.The festivals and functions are similar to those conducted in the Sri Venkateswara temple. The annual Brahmotsavam in this temple, is celebrated in the month of Vaisakha every year. The annual float festival is also celebrated every year.
Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple
This temple is situated in the heart of Tirupati town. The presiding deities are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. A Chola king, built this temple in the 10th century AD. The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite, is a subshrine of this temple. According to legend, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama to Tirupati. The festivals of Ugadi and Ramanavami are celebrated in this temple on a grand scale. Every year the temple celebrates the Brahmotsavams to Lord Sri Rama.
Other
SHRI KAPILESWARASWAMI TEMPLE - Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, is the only temple dedicated to Lord Siva, in the pantheon of Vaishnava temples in Tirupati. It is situated about 3 km to the north of Tirupati, at the foot of the Tirumala Hills. The sacred waterfall is called Kapila Teertham. SRI PADMAVANTHI AMMAVARI TEMPLE - Tiruchanoor, also known as Alamelumangapuram, is about 5 km from Tirupati. The temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara is situated here. It is said that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after visiting the Sri Padmavathi Devi. SRI VENKATESHVARA MUSEUM - The museum has an interesting collection of Indian musical instruments at the entrance of the temple. Further, collection includes images of stone, wood and metal, pottery, coins and inscriptions.
South india Travel Guide
India Tours By Themes
What Our Client Says
Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
Why the India Tour
Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
