Jump to content

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

Coordinates: 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°E / 13.683250; 79.347194
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictTirupati
DeityVenkateswara
FestivalsSrivari Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Ratha Saptami
Governing bodyTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Location
LocationTirumala, Tirupati
StateAndhra Pradesh
CountryIndia
Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala is located in Andhra Pradesh
Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Coordinates13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°E / 13.683250; 79.347194
Architecture
TypeDravidian architecture
CreatorTondaiman
Veera Narasingadeva Krishnadevaraya
Veera Rakshasa Krishnadevaraya
Ranganatharaya[1]
Specifications
Temple1
InscriptionsKannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu[2][3]
Elevation853 m (2,799 ft)
Website
www.tirumala.org

The Venkateswara Swami Temple—also known as Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple—is a Hindu temple located in the hills of Tirumala, within Tirupati Urban Mandal, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on earth to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the site is also called Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the deity is known as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. Venkateswara is additionally known as Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[4] The temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), an autonomous body under the control of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.[5] The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government.[6]

Tirumala Hills, which are part of Seshachalam Hills range, rise to approximately 980 metres (3,220 ft) above sea level and comprise seven peaks.[7] Per local tradition, the seven peaks represent the seven heads of Adisesha.[8] The temple lies on the seventh peak—Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as "Temple of Seven Hills".[9] Tirumala town covers an area of about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km2).[10]

The Venkateswara temple at Tirumala is traditionally attributed to the Tondaiman rulers, with later expansions and reforms carried out under the Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar dynasties.[11][6] The temple, built in Dravidian architecture style, is believed to be developed over a period of time starting from 300 CE.[12] The Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) known as Ananda Nilayam, houses the presiding deity Venkateswara, who stands facing east. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu (self-manifested) Kshetras and is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.[13][14] The temple premises include two modern queue complexes for managing pilgrim crowds, the Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex that provides free meals, dedicated facilities for hair tonsure and multiple lodging sites for pilgrims. The temple is one of the richest Hindu temples in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.[15][16][17][18]

There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the deity in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti of Venkateswara, is “Nitya-daiva-kalpa” — the eternal deity which shall remain on Venkatachala (Tirumala) until the entire duration of the present Kalpa.[19][20]

The temple is one of the world's most visited religious sites, attracts around 24 million devotees annually.[21] The average daily pilgrim footfall is above 60,000 devotees, and the number crosses one lakh devotees during the annual Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and other festival and holiday seasons.[21]

Temple legend

[edit]
Main article: Legend of Tirumala

The Tirumala hills, also known as Sheshachalam, are traditionally believed to represent the body of the cosmic serpent Ananta, also called Shesha, with their seven peaks symbolizing the serpent's seven heads upon which Vishnu is said to rest.[22]

Three interconnected legends from the Puranas are traditionally cited to explain the presence of Venkateshvara at this site.[23]

At the beginning of the Kali Yuga, Vishnu resolved to dwell among his devotees and protect them. He consulted the sage Narada on a suitable earthly abode; Narada suggested a site on the banks of the Svarnamukhi River in South India. According to the tradition, the serpent Shesha is said to have transformed into the hills known as Sheshachalam, while Vishnu assumed the form of Venkateshvara, dwelling on top of the hill in the shrine that is now renowned as Tirupati.[24]

A second legend associates the site with Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu. In this account, Varaha plunged into the primordial sea to rescue the Earth, Prithivi, and placed her on the mountain range formed by Shesha. Varaha resided there, and the place came to be known as Varaha Kshetra. Because his form was fearsome, Brahma requested Varaha to assume a gentler appearance, leading his manifestation as Venkateshvara.[25] A related tradition stats that Varaha sent Garuda to Vaikuntha to bring back a radiant hill, which became sacred Tirumala. On its summit, Garuda created Varaha Pushkarini, the Lotus Pool.[26]

A third legend concerns the sage Bhrigu, who visited each of the great gods to determine which was most deserving of receiving a yajna. After finding Brahma preoccupied and Shiva unavailable, he went to Vaikuntha, where he found Vishnu asleep. Bhrigu struck Vishnu on the chest to rouse Vishnu. Vishnu responded graciously. However, Lakshmi, who ordinarily reclined upon Vishnu's chest, regarded the act as a great insult and departed Vaikuntha in anger. Vishnu descended to earth to search for her, ranging from the Himalayas and the Ganga to the plains and the Vindhya Mountains. When he reached Sheshachalam, the hills formed by his own serpent Shesha, he felt at home again, as the place felt like Vaikuntha itself. There he was eventually reunited with Lakshmi, who in this Kali Age had taken the form of Padmavati, a divine child plowed up from the earth. She united with Vishnu in his incarnation as Venkateshvara.[27]

History of the temple

[edit]
Main article: History of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Mention in Cilappatikaram

[edit]

The temple finds a mention in one of the Five Great Epics Cilappatikaram, Kovalan meeting a Brahmin asks him where he is from and why did he come here, and he Replied "I came to satisfy my heart's desire, to see with my own eyes the glory of Vishnu, whom many worship with prayer as He reposes with Lakshmi in His chest, on the couch of the thousand hooded Serpent, in the temple in island jutting out on the widening waves of the Kaveri, even as the blue clouds repose supine on the slopes of the lofty golden mountain (Meru)." This line mentions Srirangam and next he mentions Tirumala as follows, "I also came to see the beauty of the red-eyed Lord, holding in His beautiful lotus-hands the discus which is death to His enemies, and also the milk white conch (to see Him) wearing a garland of tender flowers on His chest, and draped in golden flowers and dwelling on the topmost crest of the tall and lofty hill named Venkatam with innumerable waterfalls, standing like a cloud in its natural hue, adorned with a rainbow and attired with lightning, in the midst of a place both sides of which are illumined by the spreading rays of the sun and the moon."[28]

Medieval history

[edit]

The first recorded endowment was made by Pallava queen Samavai in the year 966 CE. She donated many jewels and two parcels of land (one 10 acres and other 13 acres) and ordered use of the revenues generated from that land for the celebration of major festivals in the temple.[29] The Pallava dynasty (9th century), the Chola dynasty (10th century), Reddi kingdom (12th and 13th centuries) and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Venkateswara. The temple gained most of its current wealth and size under the Vijayanagara Empire, present-day Karnataka state, with the donation of diamonds and gold.[30] In the 16th century, Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya was a frequent donor and visitor to the temple. His donations of gold and jewels enabled the Ananda Nilayam (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. On 2 January 1517, Krishnadevaraya installed his own statue in the temple.[31]

After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, rulers from states such as the Kingdom of Mysore and the Gadwal Samsthanam worshipped as pilgrims and donated ornaments and valuables to the temple.[citation needed] Maratha general Raghoji I Bhonsle set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple. He donated valuable jewels to the Lord which are still preserved in a box named after him.[32] Between 1320 CE and 1369 CE, idols of Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam were brought to this temple for safe keeping.[31][better source needed]

Ramanujacharya's visits

[edit]

In the 11th and 12th centuries, Ramanujacharya visited Tirupati three times. During his first visit, he spent a year with his uncle, Tirumalai Nambi, learning the esoteric meaning of the Ramayana. His second visit was to settle a dispute that had arisen between the Saivites and Vaishnavites regarding the nature of the image set up in the Tirumala temple.[33][page needed] During the last visit, at the advanced old age of 102 years[verification needed], the Acharya installed the image of Govindaraja and laid the foundations of the present-day town of Tirupati.[30] Ramanuja streamlined the rituals at the Tirumala temple according to Vaikhanasa Agama tradition and introduced the recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham. He also set up Tirupati Jeeyar Mutt in 1119 AD in consultation with Tirumalai Ananthalwan to institutionalise service to the deity and supervise the temple rituals. To this day, the Jeeyars ensure that the rituals ordained by Ramanuja are observed.[34][35][36]

Modern history

[edit]
Swami Pushkarni of Tirumala
See also: Establishment and legislative setting of TTD

After the end of Vijayanagara Empire, the temple went into the hands of Golconda in July 1656 and then it was under the French for a short period of time and under Nawab of Carnatic till 1801 CE. With the arrival of the British during the early 19th century, the management of the temple passed to hands of East India Company, who accorded special status to temple and avoided interference in temple activities.[37] Madras government passed Regulation seven of 1817, which passed the temple to Board of Revenue through collector of North Arcot District.[37] In 1821, Bruce, the then East India company commissioner for Chittoor district, had drawn rules for the management of Temple which is referred to as Bruce's Code.[37] The 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan made yearly donations of ₹8,000 to the temple.[38]

In 1843, the East India Company transferred the Administration of Temple along with other Temples in Tirupati to Mahants of Hathiramji Muth, who acted as Vicaranakartas. It was under the rule of Mahants for six generations until 1933 when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was formed as a result of the TTD Act in 1933.[39] The Act of 1933 was superseded by Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act of 1951.[40] Again in 1966, the temple was placed under direct control of Andhra Pradesh State Endowments Department, with Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments act.[40] In 1979, act of 1966 was rolled back with new Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams act, where temple administration was vested to a committee consisting of Executive officer, Chairman and two other members nominated by Government of Andhra Pradesh.[40] The temple is run by body Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government. The revenue from this shrine is used by Andhra Pradesh government.[41][42]

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays obeisance at Tirumala Temple

The temple bears as many as 640 inscriptions in Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu languages.[3] There is a unique collection of about 3000 copper plates on which the Telugu Sankirtanas of Tallapaka Annamacharya and his descendants are inscribed.[43][44] This collection forms a valuable source of material for a historical linguist in Telugu apart from its importance to musicologists.[44]

Temple administration

[edit]
Main article: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is the trust board which oversees and manages the operations of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It is operated by a board of trustees that has increased in size from five (1951) to eighteen (2015)[45] through the adoption of Acts. The daily operation and management of TTD is the responsibility of an executive officer, who is appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Based on analysis of data during Jan 2022 – Feb 2024, maximum average daily visitors to Tirumala Venkateswara temple is about 87,000.[46] The annual budget, estimated at ₹25301 million for the financial year 2015–16,[47] runs charitable trusts whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.[48] The annual income is estimated at ₹10000 million in 2008. Most of its income is derived from the donations in SriVari Hundi. Devotees donate to the TTD, which runs into millions of rupees. TTD, the organisation running the welfare of the temple, runs various charitable trusts, whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.[49]

See also: List of temples under Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

Architecture

[edit]
Tirumala Temple and Vaikuntam Queue Complex (semicircular building in the foreground) as seen from Srivari Padalu on Narayanagiri hill

Dvarams and Prakarams

[edit]

There are three dvarams (entrances) which lead to the garbhagriha from outside.

Mahadvaram

[edit]
Maha Dwaram of Sri Venkateswara Temple with Five storied Gopuram over it encircled by Mahaprakaram

The Maha Dwaram is the main entrance to the temple and is also known as 'Padikavali', 'Simhadvaram,'[50] or 'Outer Gopuram'.[51] It provides access from outside the temple to the Sampangi Pradakshinam, and is separated from it by an outer compound wall (Maha Prakaram). The tower stands at the height of 50 ft (15 m).[50] On either side of the entrance stand two panchaloha statues of Sankanidhi and Padmanidhi, who are traditionally regarded as the guardians of the Navanidhi, the nine treasures of Venkateswara.[50]

Venḍi Vākili

[edit]

Venḍi Vākili, which means "silver entrance" in Telugu, is the second entrance of the temple. It leads to the Vimana Pradakshinam and is also known as 'Nadimipadikavali'.[52] The name of this entrance comes from the silver plating on the doors. An inner compound wall separates the Sampangi Pradakshinam and Vimana Pradakshinam. A three storied gopuram was built over this entrance with seven kalisams during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.[citation needed]

Baṁgāru Vākili

[edit]

The Baṁgāru Vākili, or 'Golden Entrance,' is accessible from the Tirumamani Mandapam, and leads to the inner sanctum sanctorum. There are two tall copper images of the dwarapalakas, Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The door is covered with gilt plates depicting the avatars of Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door.[53]

Pradakshinas

[edit]
Main articles: Parikrama and Mandapa

The temple is surrounded by 3 concentric compound walls (or prakaram). Pradakshinas are the spaces enclosed between them which are used for circumambulation rituals.

Sampangi Pradakshina

[edit]

The Sampangi Pradakshina is the primary circumambulation walkway within the temple complex. It is named after Magnolia champaca flowers, called Sampangi in Telugu, which were grown in the area.[50][54] The mandapas situated in the Pradakshina are:

  • Pratima Mandapam: An 11m2 mandapa with two wings directly attached to either side of the entrance and a pathway in the middle. Named so because the bronze pratimas (statues) of Vijayanagar Emperor Krishnadevaraya, his consorts Tirumaladevi and Chinnadevi, and others.[54][41]
  • Ranga Mandapam: Situated in the south-east corner to the right of the entrance. It is also called the Ranganayakula mandapa, as it is where the utsava-murti of Lord Ranganathaswamy of Srirangam was kept when Srirangam was occupied by Malik Kafur. Architecturally and sculpturally, it seems to belong to the later mature Vijayanagar period.[41]
  • Tirumalaraya Mandapam: Also known as the Anna Unjal mandapa. Constructed in two phases — the inner higher platform is traditionally attributed to Vijayanagar Emperor Saluva Narsimha Deva Raya in 1473 A.D., whereas the front was added on by later Vijayanagar kings in the last quarter of the 16th century. Narsimha Deva is said to have installed it for celebrating the Anna Unjal Tirunal festival he instituted.[41]
  • Saluva Narasimha Mandapams: Four small mandapams at four corners of the pradakshina, also erected by Narsimha Deva.
  • Aina Mahal: Translated as the 'Palace of Mirrors', on the north side of Tirumalaraya Mandapam. It consists of an open mandapa in the front and a shrine behind it consisting of an antarala and garbhagriha, which has large mirrors that reflect images in an infinite series. It is here that Malayappa Swami (the processional idol of the deity) holds his annual audience upon the commencement of the Brahmotsavam.[41]
  • Dhvajasthamba Mandapam: Built around the temple's dhvajasthamba (flagstaff) and balipitta (altars for placing offerings). Situated right in front of the Venḍi Vākili.

Additionally, various ugrams (storerooms) are located across the corridor.[54]

Vimana Pradakshina

[edit]

The Venḍi Vākili leads to the Vimana Pradakshina.[50] It is the pathway that circumambulates the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Angapradakshina Seva[clarification needed] is performed in this area; hence, this path is also referred to as the Angapradakshina Margam.

Other rooms along the path include:

  • Potu: The main temple kitchen. There is a small shrine inside enclosed to the doorway dedicated to Vakuladevi,[41] who is called 'Pottu Amma' or 'Madapulli Nachiar'.[54]
  • Bangaru Bavi: Translated as 'golden well'. Facing the potu and adjoining the corridor, from which all the water required for the temple and the kitchen is drawn through stone pipes.[41]
  • Kalyana Mandapam: On the south-west corner of the pradakshina. At its western end is situated a small black granite shrine, behind which is a raised portion which is the temple's yagashala.[41]
  • Ankurarpana Mandapam
  • Rooms for Nanalu (coins) and Notlu (paper notes) for Parkamani
  • Chandanapu Ara: The almirah of sandal paste
  • The Cell of Records
  • Shrine for Sri Ramanuja
  • Sangita Samgraham: Also called the Talapakamara, it is a small room which houses copper plates upon which are engraved the devotional songs of Talapakka Annamacharaya, his son Pedda Tirumalacharaya and grandson Chinna Tirumalacharaya.[54]
  • Storage rooms for the Lord's procession vehicles.
  • The Lord's Hundi

Devotees also have darshan of Vimana Venkateswara Swamy, who resides on Ananda Nilayam, from the Sampangi Pradakshinam.

All the small temples along this pathway are collectively known as ‘Chuttu Gullu’—the sub-shrines that encircle the main shrine.

Main Shrine

[edit]

Tirumamani Mandapam

[edit]

The first mandapam of the main shrine. It is an open 16-pillared hall whose left and right walls are in three sections, the central section being wider than the other two. At the south-west corner are located two huge bells of the temple which are inscribed, and which give the name Tirumamani to the mandapa. It is here that Koluvu Srinivasa holds daily audience after Tomala Seva (offering of garlands and tulsi leaves to the deity), and Malayappa Swami is seated here on the afternoon of the Brahmotsavam's commencement. It was built by Mallanna alias Madhavadasa, a chief of Chandragiri near Tirupati, in 1417 A.D.[41][54][55]

At the back of the mandapa, right of the entrance is a shrine for Garuda, directly facing the Bamgaru Vakili. Supposedly built at around 1417 after the construction of tirumamani mandapam, it houses a 150m tall standing statue of Garuda.[54]

Snapana Mandapam

[edit]

Also called tiruvilankovil, it is the mandapa encountered right after passing the Bangaru Vakili. It has four central pillars with bas reliefs carved in the Vijayanagar style. The front part of the mandapa was converted into two rooms, one on either side.[41]

Garbhagriha

[edit]

The Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, which used to be called the 'Koyil Alwar' in old times, is where the Mula Beram (Main Idol) of Lord Venkateswara is placed. This 8-ft idol is believed to be self-manifested. Tradition holds that no known sculptors were capable of producing such an idol, and no person was known to have installed the idol in the temple.[56]

The garbhagriha is almost a square shaped structure 12 ft2 in area. Its walls as well as the Sayana mandapa's walls are double walls built one behind another. The walls of the garbhagriha as they exist at present are made of cut stones and may belong to the 8th or 9th century A.D. The temple type consisting of a garbhagriha with a mukha mandapa and pradakshina got established in South India by about 8th century A.D.[41] The outer face of the outer wall has some inscriptions dating from 966–1013 A.D.

Ananda Nilayam

[edit]
Main articles: Ananda Nilayam and Vimana (architectural feature)

The Ananda Nilayam is a gold-plated three-storey vimanam (a structure constructed over the garbhagriha), under which the deity stands directly beneath. According to the temple's inscriptions, the gold plating was installed during renovations of the temple in c.13th century C.E., and a gold-plated kalasha was installed on the vimana by Pandya king Jatavarman Sundara I in c. 1262.[41] It was later renovated in the 1950s and 60s.

Pushkarni

[edit]
Swami Pushkarni during night with Mandapam at its centre and Venkateswara Temple in the background

Swami Pushkarni is the temple pond located on the northern side of the main temple. The pond is spread over 1.5 acres, and is considered sacred as it is believed to have been brought by Garuda from Vaikuntham to Tirumala Hills. The tank had a mandapam at its centre, which was constructed by Saluva King Narasimha Raya in 1468. A harathi is given to the Pushkarni daily in the evening by temple priests. Every year the Sri Venkateswara Annual Theppotsavam (Float festival) is conducted in this pond, where the processional deities of the temple are taken to float over the water. Chakrasnanam, a celestial bath to Chakrathalwar, Malayappa and his concerts, is conducted at this pond during the last day of Srivari Brahmotsavams.[57]

Akhilandam

[edit]

Akhilandam, also known as Akhandam, is the area in front of main temple where huge lamps are installed. Devotees will offer karpuram (camphor) and coconuts to Venkateswara at this place after darshan. From the Akhilandam one can have a complete view of the temple. It has huge lamps, two iron rails to break coconuts and two huge coconut hundis where devotees can offer the coconuts.[58]

Deities in the temple

[edit]
Main articles: Venkateswara, Tirumala Dhruva Bera, and Deities in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Deity in procession at the temple

Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu is the presiding deity of the temple. It is believed that the Moolavirat is Swayambhu (self manifested).[59]

Pancha berams

[edit]

As per Vaikhanasa Agamas, Venkateswara is represented by five deities (berams) including the Moolavirat which are together referred to as Pancha beramulu (Pancha means five; Beram means Deity).[60] The five deities are Dhruva Beram (Moolavar), Kautuka Beram, Snapana Beram, Utsava Beram, Bali Beram. All the pancha berams are placed in the Garbha griha under Ananda Nilayam Vimanam.[60]

  1. Moolavirat or Dhruva Beram- In the centre of Garbha griha, under the Ananda Nilayam Vimana, the Moolavirat of Venkateswara is seen in standing posture on lotus base, with four arms, two holding Shanka and Chakra and one in Varada posture and other in Kati posture. This deity is considered the main source of energy for the temple and adorns with the Vaishnavite nama and jewels including vajra kiritam (diamond crown), Makarakundalas, Nagabharana, Makara Kanti, Saligrama haram, Lakshmi haram.[60] Venkateswara's consort, Lakshmi stays on the chest of the Moolavirat as Vyuha Lakshmi.
  2. Bhoga Srinivasa or Kautuka Beram - This is a small one-foot (0.3 m) silver deity which was given to the temple in 614 AD by the Pallava Queen Samavai for conducting festivals. Bhoga Srinivasa is always placed near the left foot of Moolavirat and is always connected to the main deity by a holy Sambandha Kroocha.This deity receives many daily sevas (pleasures) on behalf of Moolavar and hence known as Bhoga Srinivasa (Telugu: Bhoga means Pleasure). This deity receives Ekanthaseva daily[61] and SahasraKalasabhisheka on Wednesdays.
  3. Ugra Srinivasa or Snapana Beram - This deity represents the fearsome (Telugu: Ugra means angry) aspect of deity Venkateswara.[62][63] This deity was the main processional deity until 1330 CE when it was replaced by the Malayappa Swami deity.[60] Ugra Srinivasa remains inside the sanctum sanctorum and comes out on a procession only one day in a year: on Kaishika Dwadasi, before the sunrise.[63][62] This deity receives daily abhishekam on behalf of Moolavirat, giving the name Snapana Beram (Sanskrit: Snapana means cleansing)
  4. Malayappa Swami or Utsava Beram - Malayappa is the processional deity (Utsava beram) of the Temple and is always flanked by the deities of his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. This deity receives all festivals like Brahmotsavams, Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Sahasra deepalankarana seva, Padmavati parinyotsavams, pushpapallaki, Anivara asthanam, Ugadi asthanam etc.
  5. Koluvu Srinivasa or Bali Beram- Koluvu Srinivasa represents Bali Beram. Koluvu Srinivasa is regarded as the guardian deity of the temple that presides over its financial and economic affairs. Daily Koluvu seva (Telugu: Koluvu means engaged in) is held in the morning, during which, the previous day's offerings, income, expenditures are notified to this deity, with a presentation of accounts. Panchanga sravanam also is held at the same time during which that particular days Tithi, sunrise and sunset time, nakshatra are notified to the Venkateswara.

Other murtis

[edit]

Along with Pancha berams, the garbha griha also hosts the panchaloha deities of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, Rukmini, Krishna,[61] Chakratalvar. The temple hosts the deities of Garuda (Vishnu's vehicle), Narasimha, Varadaraja, Kubera, Hanuman in their respective sub-shrines. The temple also host the deities of Shesha (Vishnu's serpent), Viswaksena, Sugriva, Ramanuja. Vimana Venkateswara is the exact replica icon of Venkateswara carved on the Ananda Nilayam Vimana's second tier north west corner.[60]

Worship

[edit]

Puja

[edit]

The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship,[64] which is believed to have been revealed by Sage Vikhanasa[65][66] and propagated by his disciples Atri, Bhrigu, Marichi, Kasyapa.[65][67] Vaikhanasa is one of the principal traditions of Hinduism and primarily worships Vishnu (and his associated Avatars) as the Supreme God. This ancient texts recommends puja (worship) for Vishnu six times a day, of which at least one puja is mandatory.[68][69] Rituals are classified as daily, weekly and periodical. Every Day, a cowherd lights the sanctum after which the Lord is woken up by the recitation of the Suprabhatam, followed by the adorning of flowers or the Thomala Seva by 4.00 AM. The Koluvu Srinivasa is then moved to the Tirumani Mandapam, where the accounts of the previous day are read. The Archakas then perform the Archana where the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is chanted. The first meal or Balabhogam is offered. At noon, the secong bell is rung when the Raja Bhogam (Royal Feast) is offered. From 12.00 PM, the daily Kalyanotsavam is performed and the focus shifts from the Moola Virat to the Utsava Malayappa Swami Murti. Then the Dolotsavam, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankarana Sevas dot the evening schedule. Finally by 1.30 AM, the night Kainkaryams and Ekanta Seva is performed where the lord is put to sleep. Weekly sevas[70] are performed from Monday to Friday in the following manner:

  • Visesha Pooja (Monday): The Archakas perform the 'Chaturdasa Kalasa Visesha Puja' or a sacred bath using 14 vessels. Originally a weekly seva, TTD now organises it as an annual event on Vasant Panchami.[71]
  • Ashta Dala Padapadmaradhana (Tuesday): After the second bell, the seva starts by offering of Dhupam. It is followed by the recitation of the Venkateswara Ashtottara Satanamavali and the simultaneous placing of one golden lotus for every name. 108 such lotuses adorn the feet of the Lord. After completion, Archana is offered to Mahalakshmi and Alamelu Manga. A Ratna Harathi is followed by an ordinary Harathi.[72]
  • Sahasra Kalasabhishekam (Wednesday): This seva is offered to the silver Bhoga Srinivasa idol. This is also performed after the second bell. Bhoga Srinivasa is bought outside the Bangaru Vakili and is connected by means of thin silk rope with the Mula Virat inside the Sanctum. The deity is bathed with holy water from 1,008 silver vessels and one golden vessel, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns.[73]
  • Thiruppavada Seva (Thursday): Also known as Annakoototsavam, The deity is stripped of all ornaments and rich dressing and is substituted for a simple Dhoti and Uttaraneeyam. The Thirunaman Kaappu and Kasturi on the forehead of the main deity are also reduced in size. The eyes of the Lord is visible. This is also known as Netra Darshanam.[74] To absorb the immense energy of the Lord, a large mound of Pulihora (Tamarind Rice) and other sweet preparations including Jilebi is placed in the Bangaru Vakili which absorbs the energy. The meals act as a veil (Paavada) so that the Lord's supreme graze does not affect the pilgrims.
  • Poolangi Seva (Friday): After the Tiruppavadai Seva, the temple observes some rituals like suddhi (cleaning of the temple) etc., and the Moola Virat is adorned with Velvet Gown from Crown to the Feet along with flower garlands.
  • Abhishekam (Friday): After the regular Suprabhata and Thomala Sevas are done in private, the Abhishekam (Sacred Bath) is performed to the Lord. The Abhishekam starts with water brought from Akasa Ganga Theertham, then with Milk, then with Suddhodakam, Chandanam and other scented articles like powdered Pachcha Karpooram, Saffron paste and drops of civet oil etc. brought in silver vessels.[75] The Pancha Suktams are chanted during this process. Finally, An abhishekam is exclusively done with turmeric paste for Goddess Lakshmi's image on the Moola Virat's chest.

The Naalayira Divya Prabandam is under tenkalai tradition, however both traditions are permitted to recite. The rituals follow the vadakalai sect of Vaikhanasa agama shastra. The priests are born in four familial groups all following Vaikhanasa and Vadakalai traditions. The acharyas of the temple is the pedda and Chinna Tirupati Jeeyar Swami of the tenkalai tradition and the ekanki swamis of both kalai traditions. This is the only major mixed divyadesams with both vadakalai and tenkalai traditions. The different mutts all have a role in the temple. Prominent vadakalai groups that have significant influence include Ahobila mutt, Parakala matha, vaikhanasa priests, and thathacharyas. Prominent tenkalai mutts include pedda and Chinna Tirupati jeeyar mutt, who reside in Tirupati and are trustees to the temple. Overall, vadakalai have slightly more power in temple traditions, however the power is divided among more entities while the tenkalai have more unified powe under the Tirumala Tirupati Jeeyar mutts. Many aspects of the temple practices relates to both traditions and devotees will see both symbols widely used. The advaitas have influence relating to the recitation of Vedas.[76]

During Dhanurmasam (mid-December to mid-January), various changes occur in the style of worship. First of all, the Suprabhatam which is recited every morning is replaced with Tiruppavai written by one of the twelve Alvars, Andal.[77][78] Each Pasuram of Tiruppavai is covered for each day. The lord is worshipped as Krishna. This pattern continues for the next 30 days. Greater emphasis is placed upon special worship of Krishna as during the Ekanta Seva, the Bhoga Srinivasa idol is replaced by a silver idol of Lord Krishna on the swing. The Thomala Seva is performed silently without any chants. During Archana, the standard Tulasi offerings to the lord is replaced by Bilva (Aegle marmelos) leaves. Special Naivedhyams, including Pongal, Jaggery Dosa, Shundal and Seera are offered the Lord specially after the first bell. Special Alankarams, including decoration of the lord with Parrots, made form leaves is also done. It is during this sacred month that Vaikunta Ekadasi falls which is the busiest day of the year in the temple. This time sees a large footfall of devotees.[79] The Vaikunta Dwaram or Uttara Dwaram is opened for 2 days during this month (Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi). It is located towards the left of the main sanctum. For 21 days, the Nalayira Divya Prabandham is recited by authorised scholars under the leadership of Jeeyars in the form of the Adhyayana Utsavam. As legend put it- entry through door is said to bring some extraordinary blessings of the Lord Venkateswara which were normally meant for the Gods who live in Vaikuntam.[80] On the final day of the month, garlands from Andal Sannidhi is carried off to Tirumala for adorning the Lord.

Naivedhyam

[edit]
Main article: Naivedhya
Postal stamp issued by India Post (in 2017) commemorating the Tirupati Laddu[81]

The Tirupati Laddu is given at Tirumala Temple as prasadam.[82] Tirupati Laddu received the Geographical indication tag which entitles only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to make or sell it.[83][84] Many other prasadams are also offered to Venkateswara and they are classified as Anna-prasadams and Panyarams.[85] Annaprasadams include chakerapongal (sweet), Pulihora (tamarind rice), miryala pongal, kadambham, daddojanam (curd rice).[86] Panyarams include laddu, vada, Dosa, Appam, jilebi, muruku, poli, payasam.[86] Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tiruppavada seva is conducted, where huge quantity of pulihora is offered to Venkateswara by heaping up into a pyramidal shape in Tirummani mandapam (ghanta mandapam).[86]

Darshan

[edit]

To manage the large number of devotees visiting the temple, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam constructed two Vaikuntam Queue Complexes: one in the year 1983 and the other in the year 2000. Vaikuntam Queue complexes have rooms where devotees can sit and wait until their turn for darshan. According to tradition, it is important for a devotee to have darshan of Bhuvaraha swamy temple lying on the northern banks of Swami Pushkarini before having darshan of Venkateswara in the main temple.[87]

In 2013, the administration introduced a separate queue for pedestrian pilgrims. Free but limited number of biometric tokens are issued for the pilgrims to access this special queue. Tokens are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The pilgrims can worship Venkateswara on the allotted time slots issued in the token. There are two entry points for the foot-path pilgrims: Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. Alipiri Mettu is open round the clock, whereas Srivari Mettu is open from 06:00 to 18:00.[88]

See also: Vaikuntam Queue Complex

To manage the large number of visitors, the temple administration has established various darshan types to ensure an orderly and efficient flow of pilgrims.

Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan): Sarva Darshan is the general queue available to all devotees free of charge. It is the most common and popular type of darshan. Devotees stand in line for several hours, sometimes even overnight, to have a glimpse of Venkateswara. The waiting time can vary depending on the crowd, festivals, and other factors.[89]

Special Entry Darshan (Seeghra Darshan): Special Entry Darshan is a paid darshan option introduced to reduce the waiting time for devotees. By purchasing a ticket, devotees can have a quicker darshan experience compared to the free darshan queue. The cost and availability of the tickets may vary, and they can be booked online or at designated TTD counters.

Hair tonsuring

[edit]
An example of the hair tonsuring ceremony

Many devotees have their head tonsured as "Mokku", an offering to God. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton. The hair is collected and is sold internationally creating a substantial profit for the temple.[90][91] As per legend, when Venkateswara was hit on his head by a cowherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This was noticed by Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess. Immediately, she cut a portion of her hair and, with her magic, implanted it on his scalp.[92] Venkateswara noticed her sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful asset of the female form, he promised her that all his devotees who come to his abode would offer their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence, it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. The hill, Neeladri, one of the seven hills, is named after her.[citation needed] Traditionally the barbers employed to do the tonsuring were male and from the Nayee caste and this caused some discrimination and failed to resolve the requests from women that they would like a female barber.[93] A protest led by Kagganapalli Radha Devi overturned the objections and temple agreed to appoint women barbers. Devi was recognised by Andhra Pradesh in 2017 and with an award of the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the President of India in 2019.[93]

Hundi (donation pot)

[edit]

As per legend, it is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his wedding. Kubera credited money to Venkateswara (a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavathi. Srinivasa sought a loan of one crore and 1.14 crore (1,14,00,000) coins of gold from Kubera and had Vishvakarma, the divine architect, create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathi lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.[citation needed] In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as ₹22.5 million a day.[16][94]

Thulabaram

[edit]

In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing balance and the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold, coins. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children.[95]

Festivals

[edit]
Elephants marching during a festival at Tirumala

In the Venkateswara Temple over 433 festivals are being observed in 365 days of a year suiting the title "Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Toranam" where every day is a festival.[96]

Sri Venkateshwara Brahmotsavams

[edit]

Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams, a nine-day event, which is celebrated every year during month of October, is the major event of Venkateswara Temple. During brahmotsavams the processional deity Malayappa along with his consorts SriDevi and BhuDevi, is taken in a procession in four mada streets around the temple on different vahanams. Vahanams include Dwajarohanam, Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Chinna Sesha Vahanam, Hamsa Vahanam, Simha Vahanam, Muthaypu pandiri Vahanam, Kalpavriksha Vahanam, Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam, Mohini Avataram, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Swarna Rathotsavam (Golden Chariot), Gajavahanam, Rathotsavam (Chariot), Ashwa Vahanam, and Chakra Snanam. During Brahmotsavams, the temple will witness lakhs of devotees particularly on Garuda vahanam.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

[edit]

Vaikunta Ekadasi, the day on which it is believed that Vaikunta Dwarams will be opened and the most important Vasihnavite festival, is celebrated with grandeur in Tirumala. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple will be flooded with devotees on a single day with numbers reaching up to 150,000, to have a darshan of Venkateswara through special entrance which encircles inner sanctum called "Vaikunta Dwaram".[97][98]

Rathasapthami

[edit]

Rathasapthami is another festival, celebrated during February, when Venkateswara's processional deity (Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on seven different vahanams starting from early morning to late night.[99]

Other annual festivals include Rama Navami, Janmashtami, Ugadi, Teppotsavam (Float Festival), Sri Padmavati Parinayotsavams, Pushpa yagam, Pushpa pallaki, Vasanthotsavam (spring festival) conducted in March–April, were celebrated with great splendor.

Songs and hymns

[edit]

Venkateswara Suprabhatam is the first and pre-dawn seva performed to Venkateswara at Sayana Mandapam inside sanctum sanctorum of Tirumala Temple. 'Suprabhatam' is a Sanskrit term which literally means 'Good Morning' and is meant to wake up the deity from His celestial sleep.[100][101] Venkateswara Suprabhatam hymns were composed by Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Annangaracharya during the 13th century and consists of 70 slokas in four parts including Suprabhatam(29), Stotram(11), Prapatti(14) and Mangalasasanam(16).[101][100] The thirteenth sloka of Venkateswara Suprabhatam is as follows:[100]

One with Lakshmi! One who grants boons! Friend of all the worlds! Abode of Sri Lakshmi! The matchless ocean of compassion! One having a charming form on account of the chest which is the abode of Sri Lakshmi! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee. ॥ 13 ॥

Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya), the poet saint[102] of the 14th century, one of the greatest Telugu poets and a great devotee of Venkateswara, had sung 32,000 songs in praise of Venkateswara.[103][102] All his songs which are in Telugu and Sanskrit, are referred to as Sankirtanas and are classified as Sringara Sankirtanalu and Adhyatma Sankirtanalu.[102]

The Seven Hills

[edit]

The temple is located on seven hills.[104] The presiding deity is also referred to as Sapthagirisha[104] or Lord of Seven hills.[105] It is believed that seven hills, also referred to as Saptagiri, represent the seven hoods of Adisesha. The seven hills are as follows:[104]

A statue of Hanuman in prayer pose near Alipiri gate in Tirumala
  • Vrushabhadri—Hill of Vrishabasura, who was killed by Srinivasa
  • Anjanadri—Hill of Hanuman.
  • Neeladri—Hill of Neela Devi
  • Garudadri or Garudachalam—Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Vishnu
  • Seshadri or Seshachalam—Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Vishnu
  • Narayanadri—Hill of Narayana. Srivari Padalu (footprints of Venkateswara) are located here
  • Venkatadri—Hill of Venkateswara

Subshrines

[edit]

Varadaraja Temple

[edit]

There is a small shrine dedicated to Varadaraja located in Vimana-pradakshinam, towards left of Vendivakili (silver entrance) while entering temple.[106] It is not known when this deity was installed. The stone deity[106] is sitting posture facing west.

Yoga Narasimha Temple

[edit]

A shrine is dedicated to Narasimha in North-east corner of the Vimana-Pradakshina.[107] The shrine is said to have been built between 1330 A.D. – 1360 A.D.[citation needed] The Yoga-Narasimha is seen sitting in cross-legged posture bound by yoga patta and holding Shankha and chakra in upper two hands and two lower hands in yoga mudra.[107]

Garuthmantha Temple

[edit]

A small shrine dedicated to Garuda the vehicle of Venkateswara is situated exactly opposite to the Bangaruvakili (Golden Entrance) of Jaya-Vijaya. This sub-shrine is part of Garudamandapam. The Garuthmantha deity is six feet tall and faces west looking towards Venkateswara inside Garbhagriha.

Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple

[edit]

Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple is the temple dedicated to Varaha an incarnation of Vishnu. This temple is believed to be older than Venkateswara Temple. The temple lies on the Northern Banks of Swami Pushkarini. As per tradition, at first Naivedyam will be offered to Bhuvaraha Swamy before offering it to Venkateswara in main Temple. And also as per tradition, devotees should have the darshan of Bhuvaraha swamy before Venkateswara.[108]

Bedi-Anjaneya Temple

[edit]

Bedi-Anjaneya Temple is the sub-shrine dedicated to Hanuman. The temple lies exactly opposite to the Mahadwaram near Akhilandam (place where coconuts are offered). The deity in this temple has both of his hands handcuffed (Telugu Language:Bedilu).

Vakulamatha Sannidhi

[edit]

Vakulamatha is the mother of Venkateswara. There is statue dedicated to her in the main temple just ahead of Varadaraja shrine. The deity is in sitting posture. As per legend, she supervises the preparation of food that is to be offered to her son. For this reason a hole is made to the wall which separates Vakulamatha sannidhi and Srivari potu(Kitchen).

Kubera Sannidi

[edit]

There is a sub-shrine dedicated to Kubera within the Vimanapradakshina. The deity lies to the right side of Garbhagriha and faces south towards preciding deity.

Ramanuja Shrine

[edit]

The Shrine of Sri Ramanuja is located adjacent to the northern corridor of the Vimana Pradakshinam. It is also known as the Bhashyakara Sannidhi. The shrine was built around in the 13th century A.D.

Notable devotees

[edit]

Ramanuja (1017–1137)[109] the most important Acharya of Sri Vaishnavism.[109] was responsible for managing the worshipping procedures and other affairs of the Venkateswara temple. He is credited for gifting the holy conch and the discus, the weapons of Vishnu during his visit. So he is considered as 'Acharya'(Guru or teacher) to the himself.[110][111] He established the Pedda Jeeyar Matam. He has a sannidhi(shrine) inside the temple which was built by Sri AnanthALwAn.

Statue of Pada-kavita Pitaamaha, Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (or Annamayya) - official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (or Annamayya) (22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503) was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertanas,[112] many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple.

Hathiram Bhavaji was a saint from Ayodhya who visited Tirumala around 1500 CE[113] on a pilgrimage and became a devotee of Venkateswara.[114][115]

Tarigonda Vengamamba (1730-1817) was a female poet and a staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara. She was well known for her works including the Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam. To reward her devotion, till date, the Harathi during Ekanta Seva is performed in her honour to the Lord. Her descendant pays pearls as a fee for the aforementioned to be done. The Annaprasadam Kendram in Tirumala is named after her.

Religious significance

[edit]

The temple is considered one of the eight Swayambhu Kshetras of Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its own. Seven other temples in the line are Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, and Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in South India and Saligrama in Nepal, Naimisaranya, Pushkar and Badrinath Temple in North India.[116]

The temple is revered by Alvars in Divya Prabandham. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in these books. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the at Tirumala.

Nearby temples

[edit]
Main article: List of Hindu temples in Tirupati

There are many ancient temples nearby Tirumala. Sri Padamavathi Temple is temple dedicated to Padmavathi, the wife of Venkateswara, situated at Tiruchanur which is 5 km from Tirupati. Srikalahasteeswara Temple is the temple dedicated to Shiva which represents Vayu (air) form of elements of Nature, is situated at Srikalahasti which is 38 km from Tirupati. Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, situated at Kanipakam town, is a 10th-century Temple dedicated to Vinayaka at 75 km from Tirupati. Other than these, temples like Govindaraja Temple, Kalyana Venkateswara Temple(Srinivasa Mangapuram), Kodandarama Temple, Kapila Theertham are situated within the Tirupati city.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Rangarajan, A. D. (12 June 2020). "Yadavas hail restoration of 'Golla Mirasi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  2. ^ Alexandra Mack (2002). Spiritual Journey, Imperial City: Pilgrimage to the Temples of Vijayanagara. Vedams eBooks (P) Ltd. p. 80.
  3. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 22 October 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. ^ "Tirumala Temple". Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  5. ^ "TTD Management". 3 June 2026. Retrieved 3 June 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ a b Gautam, Prakash (4 August 2025). "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam: Sacred Heritage and Development Strategy". Journal of Tourism & Adventure. 8 (1): 90–91.
  7. ^ "Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills". 5 June 2026. Retrieved 5 June 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala". 5 June 2026. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  9. ^ Chandra, Subhash (19 May 2021). God vs Alien: (English Version). Subhash Chandra. p. 54.
  10. ^ "Tirumala". 5 June 2026. Retrieved 5 June 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Preston, Charles (7 June 2026). "Venkateswara-Temple, Tirumala". Retrieved 7 June 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ "21 Unknown Facts about Tirupati Balaji Temple (Venkateswara Swamy)". TTD Seva Details. 15 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  13. ^ Sharma, Mahima (20 September 2024). "Tirupati Balaji Temple: History and Spiritual Significance". Retrieved 7 June 2026.
  14. ^ "108 Divya Desams". 7 June 2026. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
  15. ^ Raghavan, Sandeep (22 October 2025). "Tirumala trusts receive record Rs 918.6 crore in 11 months: Online donations outpace cash for 1st time". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 June 2026.
  16. ^ a b Sudhir, Uma (13 September 2007). "Tirupati ousts Vatican, reigns at top". NDTV. Archived from the original on 22 September 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  17. ^ Sivaratnam, C (1964). An Outline of the Cultural History and Principles of Hinduism (1 ed.). Colombo: Stangard Printers. OCLC 12240260. Koneswaram temple. Tiru-Kona-malai is the sacred mountain of Kona or Koneser, Iswara or Siva. The date of building the original temple is given as 1580 BCE according to a Tamil poem by Kavi Raja Virothayan translated into English in 1831 by Simon Cassie Chitty ...
  18. ^ Ramachandran, Nirmala (2004). The Hindu legacy to Sri Lanka. Pannapitiya: Stamford Lake (Pvt.) Ltd. 2004. ISBN 9789558733974. OCLC 230674424. Portuguese writer De Queyroz compares Konesvaram to the famous Hindu temples in Rameswaram, Kanchipuram, Tirupatti-Tirumalai, Jagannath and Vaijayanthi and concludes that while these latter temples were well visited by the Hindus, the former had surpassed all the latter temples by the early 1600s
  19. ^ "Tirupati – Tirumala – Venkateswara the lord of the Kali Yuga". Dakshināvarta. 21 May 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  20. ^ Punjabi, Mona (21 April 2019). "Tirupati Balaji - History of Tirupati Balaji temple". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  21. ^ a b Raghavan, Sandeep (31 January 2024). "Ram Mandir trust to study Tirupati temple's best practices in crowd management". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  22. ^ Davidson, Linda Kay; Gitlitz, David Martin (2002). Pilgrimage: From the Ganges to Graceland : An Encyclopedia. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO. p. 638. ISBN 978-1-57607-004-8.
  23. ^ Eck, Diana L. (2012). India: a sacred geography (1st ed.). New York: Harmony Books. p. 318. ISBN 978-0-38553191-7.
  24. ^ Eck, Diana L. (2012). India: A Sacred Geography. Westminster: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. p. 317. ISBN 978-0-385-53191-7.
  25. ^ Eck, Diana L. (2012). India: a sacred geography. New York: Harmony Books. p. 317. ISBN 978-0-385-53190-0.
  26. ^ Eck, Diana L. (2012). India: A Sacred Geography. Westminster: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. p. 330. ISBN 978-0-385-53191-7.
  27. ^ Eck, Diana L. (2012). India: A Sacred Geography. Westminster: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. p. 318. ISBN 978-0-385-53191-7.
  28. ^ "The Silappadikaram". 11 January 2024.
  29. ^ Sharma, Arvind; Young, Katherine K., eds. (1999). Feminism and World Religions. State University of New York. p. 48. ISBN 0-7914-4023-0.
  30. ^ a b N.Ramesan (1981). The Tirumala Temple. Tirumala: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
  31. ^ a b ttd, official site. "TTD Temple History". Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams. Temple website. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  32. ^ "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams: Temple History". Archived from the original on 12 April 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  33. ^ Sreenivasa Ayyangar, C. R (1908). The life and teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya. Madras: R. Venkateshwar. OCLC 30865934.
  34. ^ "Pontiffs Jeeyangars, the Ombudsman of Tirumala Temple rituals – TTD News". T. T. D. News. Archived from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  35. ^ "Voice of a mighty philosophy". The Hindu. 25 March 2010. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  36. ^ Narasimhan, T. A (16 June 2016). "He streamlined the rituals at Tirumala temple". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  37. ^ a b c V.K, Bhaskara Rao (1992). Organisational and Financial Management of Religious Institutions: With Special Reference to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Deep and Deep Publications. pp. 52, 53. ISBN 81-7100-441-5.
  38. ^ "A 'miser' who donated generously". thehindu. 19 February 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  39. ^ Koutha, Nirmala Kumari (1 January 1998). History of the Hindu Religious Endowments in Andhra Pradesh. Northern Book Centre. p. 124. ISBN 81-7211-085-5.
  40. ^ a b c Koutha, Nirmala Kumari (1 January 1998). History of the Hindu Religious Endowments in Andhra Pradesh. Northern Book Centre. p. 136. ISBN 81-7211-085-5.
  41. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Rao, Lokeswara (17 October 2020). "Andhra government eyes Tirupati wealth". The Sunday Guardian Live. Retrieved 22 August 2021. Cite error: The named reference ":1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  42. ^ Seshagiri, D M; Sinha, Saurabh (8 August 2021). "Andhra Pradesh government reappoints YV Subba Reddy as TTD Board Chairman". Zee News. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  43. ^ Ramakrishna, Lalita (2003). Musical heritage of India. Shubhi Publication. ISBN 9788187226611. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  44. ^ a b International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics: IJDL., Volume 36. 2007. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  45. ^ "New TTD Board Members to Take Oath on May 2". Archived from the original on 30 October 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  46. ^ "Number of daily pilgrims to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams from January 2022 to February 2024". Statista. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  47. ^ "TTD approves annual budget for the year 2015-16". Archived from the original on 10 September 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  48. ^ "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams: Social Service". Archived from the original on 7 August 2002. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  49. ^ "TTD-social service activities". Archived from the original on 7 August 2002. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  50. ^ a b c d e "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams-Temple History". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  51. ^ "Dwarams of Srivari Temple as Tirumala". Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  52. ^ "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (Official Website)". www.tirumala.org. Archived from the original on 29 November 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  53. ^ "Bangaru Vakili". Tirumala.org. 15 June 2010. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  54. ^ a b c d e f g Nair, Shantha (7 January 2014). Sri Venkateshwara. Jaico Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8495-445-6.
  55. ^ Kameswara Rao, V. (1986). Temples in and Around Tirupati.
  56. ^ "Garba Gruha". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Archived from the original on 24 December 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  57. ^ "SRIVARI PUSHKARNI HARATHI". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  58. ^ "AKHILANDAM-THE UNENDING "DIVYA JYOTHI"". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  59. ^ York, Michael (5 August 2015). Pagan Ethics: Paganism as a World Religion. Springer. ISBN 9783319189239. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  60. ^ a b c d e Sri Venkateshwara. Shantha Nair. 7 January 2014. ISBN 9788184954456.
  61. ^ a b "Tiruppavai to replace Suprabhata Seva". times of india. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  62. ^ a b "Much awaited Kaisika Dwadasi falls on November 11". times of india. 6 November 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  63. ^ a b "Fervour marks 'Kaisika Dwadasi' at Tirumala". The Hindu. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  64. ^ Varadachary, T. (1999). Tirumala, the Panorama of Seven Hills. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  65. ^ a b Singh, Nagendra Kr; Mishra, A. P. (2005). Encyclopaedia of Oriental Philosophy and Religion: Hinduism. Global Vision Publishing House. ISBN 9788182200746. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  66. ^ Varadachary, T. (1999). Tirumala, the Panorama of Seven Hills. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  67. ^ Diehl, Carl Gustav (1956). Instrument and Purpose: Studies on Rites and Rituals South India. Gleevup. Retrieved 20 September 2019. Sage Vikhanasa atri.
  68. ^ "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams-Arjitha Sevas". Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  69. ^ https://tirumala.org/DailySevas.aspx
  70. ^ https://www.tirumala.org/WeeklySevas.aspx
  71. ^ https://www.tirumala.org/ViseshaPuja.aspx
  72. ^ https://www.tirumala.org/AshtadalaPadaPadmaradhana.aspx
  73. ^ https://www.tirumala.org/SahasraKalasabhishekam.aspx
  74. ^ https://www.tirumala.org/TiruppavadaSeva.aspx
  75. ^ https://www.tirumala.org/Abhishekam.aspx
  76. ^ Raghavan, Sandeep (24 December 2018). "TTD hereditary priests: An in-depth look". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  77. ^ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/andal-tiruppavai-to-replace-suprabatham-at-tirumala-temple-during-dhanurmasam/articleshow/72691232.cms
  78. ^ https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/171223/dhanurmasam-festivities-begin-at-tirumala-temple.html
  79. ^ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/telangana/record-783-lakh-devotees-visited-tirumala-for-vaikuntha-dwara-darshanam-3857004
  80. ^ https://news.tirumala.org/dwarams-of-srivari-temple-at-tirumala/
  81. ^ Akbar, Syed (5 November 2017). "Hyderabad's signature cuisine: Biryani, Tirupati laddoo & idli-dosa get India Post stamp". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  82. ^ "Record sale of Tirupati laddoos". The Times of India. 7 May 2007.
  83. ^ Sivaraman, R. (3 March 2014). "Only TTD entitled to make or sell 'Tirupati laddu': High Court". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  84. ^ "Now, Geographical Indication rights for 'Tirupati laddu'". Business Standard India. Business Standard. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  85. ^ Srivari Brahmotsavam: A celestial spectacle on earth. 2013. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  86. ^ a b c The Crown Divine: Diamond Crown Souvenir, December 20, 1985. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. 1985. pp. 42, 43. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  87. ^ "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams-Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  88. ^ Shukla, G. P (4 September 2013). "Early closure of Srivari Mettu footpath mooted". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  89. ^ "Free Darshan Tirumala Sarva Darshan". Tirupati Balaji Online. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  90. ^ Saritha Rai (14 July 2004). "A Religious Tangle Over the Hair of Pious Hindus". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  91. ^ "Tirupati Tirumala Temple: তিরুপতির এই মন্দির আপনাকে এনে দেবে জীবনের সব সুখ! বদলে দিতে এই সামান্য জিনিসটা". The Bengali Chronicle (in Bengali). 7 July 2022. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  92. ^ Tarlo, Emma (6 October 2016). Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair. Simon and Schuster. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-78074-993-8.
  93. ^ a b @MinistryWCD (8 March 2019). "Ms. Kagganapalli Radha Devi - #NariShakti Puraskar 2018 Awardee in Individual category" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 January 2021 – via Twitter.
  94. ^ "TTD again deposits 1,175 KG gold with SBI". The Times of India. PTI. 12 February 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  95. ^ My Amazing Life: Journey through Success. Partridge Publishing Singapore. 2013. ISBN 9781482894905.
  96. ^ "Tirumala- The Paradise of Festivals". Archived from the original on 20 March 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  97. ^ Shukla, G. P. (January 2015). "Pilgrims throng Tirumala". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  98. ^ "Pilgrims throng Tirumala". Deccan Herald. January 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  99. ^ "Rathasapthami photos". Archived from the original on 27 October 2009.
  100. ^ a b c V.K., Subramanian (1996). Sacred Songs of India, Volume 10. Abhinav publications. p. 59. ISBN 81-7017-444-9.
  101. ^ a b "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams-Suprabhatam". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Archived from the original on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  102. ^ a b c Poet Saints of India. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 1996. ISBN 9788120718838.
  103. ^ 101 Mystics of India. Abhinav Publications. 2006. ISBN 9788170174714.
  104. ^ a b c Srivari Brahmotsavam. The Hindu. 1975.
  105. ^ Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India, Volume 2. Kalpaz publications. 2001. ISBN 9788178350189.
  106. ^ a b Naidu, Thalapaneni Subramanyam (1990). Growth and development of Tirumala-Tirupati as a dimension of Indian civilization. Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India. Retrieved 24 September 2019. Varadaraja.
  107. ^ a b Naidu, Thalapaneni Subramanyam (1990). Growth and development of Tirumala-Tirupati as a dimension of Indian civilization. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  108. ^ "'Varaha jayanti' today". The Hindu. 3 September 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  109. ^ a b von Dehsen, Christian D.; Harris, Scott L. (1999). Philosophers and Religious Leaders – Google Books. Greenwood Publishing. ISBN 9781573561525. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  110. ^ Siddharth Varadarajan. Srivari Brahmotsavam: A celestial spectacle on earth. Kasturi and Sons Ltd, 2013. p. 68.
  111. ^ S. D. S. Yadava. Followers of Krishna: Yadavas of India. Lancer Publishers, 2006 - Ahirs - 185 pages. p. 99.
  112. ^ "S. P. Sailaja keeps audience spellbound". The Hindu News. 28 February 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  113. ^ Shantha, Nair (2013). Sri Venkateswara: Lord Balaji and his holy abode of Thirupati. Mumbai: Jaico Publishing House. p. 12. ISBN 978-81-8495-445-6. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  114. ^ Ramachandra Pai, N. A. "Hathiram Baba". speakingtree.in. Speeking Tree. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  115. ^ Team, panditbooking. "The Story of Lord Balaji's favorite devotee Hathiramji Baba and the name of Balaji to the Lord of Tirupati". spiritual.panditbooking.com. Panditbooking. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  116. ^ S., Prabhu (10 May 2012). "Symbolising religious unity". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 October 2014.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons logo
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Venkateswara_Temple,_Tirumala&oldid=1358789737"