Tirupati, one of the holiest places in Hinduism, is located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The town of Tirupati is located 152 Kms, northwest of Chennai and well known as KaliyugaVaikuntam by its devotees.Tirupati or Aadhi Varaha Kshetra, as it is described in the Puranas, is dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is considered as the second deity of the Hindu Holy Trinity, who assumes the role of preserver of the universe. Tirupati is famous for the sacred temple of Lord Shi Venkateswara (the Lord of Seven Hills), situated on the adjoining Tirumala Hill. With a history dates back to over 12 centuries, the temple is among the ancient places of worship in India. Situated at an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea, Tirumala Hill spreads over an area of 10.33 sq miles.The seven peaks of the hill, represent the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus named as Seshachalam. The seven peaks are Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri,Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The sacred Sri Venkateswara temple is situated on the seventh peak, Venkatadri. Inside the temple Vishnu resides as Venkateswara, an avtar (incarnation) of Vishnu.The goddess Sri or Lakshmi, who is considered as Vishnu's consort, resides on the chest of Venkateswara. The temple at Tirumala is believed to have existed from ancient times. Still today the manner of worship in the temple are being followed as were prescribed by the saint Ramanujacharya. The temple has universal appeal amongst Indians, regardless of regional and linguistic divides. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country, who come here to get a glimpse of the deity.
Architecure :
The temple of Tirupati, with its gopuram (tower) is an excellent example of Dravidian Architecture. The Vimana (Cupola) over the sanctum sanatorium (garbhagriha) is covered fully with gold plate, and called as 'the Ananda Nilayam'. The Shrine consisits of three enclosures (Prakarams). The outermost enclosure has the Dhvajastambha (the banner post), the idols of Vijaya Nagara king, Krishnadevaraya and his consorts and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of Lord Venkateshwara is impressive and has shown with four arms. First arm holding a conch, the second arm holding a discus, the third in the abhaya posture while the fourth is resting on the hip. The girdle made of the serpent, an emblem of Lord Shiva, encircles both the front arms.
Attractions at Tirupati :
Festivals -Each day remains a day of festivity at Tirmula. The most popular festival of the place is the annual festival of Brahmotsavam. The Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated in the month of September on a grand scale. The nine days of festival, attract pilgrims and tourists from all corners of the country. On the fifth and ninth days of the festival Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place. It is believed that Brahma (the creator) himself conducts the ceremony in honour of Venketeswara. The idol of the deity is taken out in procession on vehicles everyday. Other important festivals are Vaikunta Ekadashi Rama Navami, Diwali, Ganesh Charuthi and Dussehra etc.
Tirupati Balaji Temple The ancient temple is situated on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati hill. It is a major attraction here a large number of devotees come everyday here.
Padmavati Devi Temple - The temple is situated at Tiruchanur, 5 Kms from Tirupati.
The temple is dedicated to goddess Padmavati, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that the visit of Tirumala is incomplete, ifone does not visit the Padmavati Devi temple.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple - Consecrated by Saint Ramanujachrya in 1130 A.D, this popular temple is situated in the centre of the town.
Kodandaramaswami Temple - Built during the 10 th century, the temple is located in the heart of the town. The deities Sita,Rama and Lakshmana are worshipped here.
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple - This temple is located in the base of Tirumala hills, about 3 km north of Tirupati. The temple has its special importance, as it is the only temple in Tirupati, which is dedicated to LordShiva
Excursions :
Chandragiri - Chandragiri is located 11 Km southwest of Tirupati. Once the capital of the Vijayanagar rulers in 1600A.D, Chandragiri is popular for the Chandragiri Fort. In addition there are beautiful palaces and palaces
Agastyaswamy Temple - Located at a distance of 12Kms from Tirupati-Balaji, the temple is situated at the meeting point of three rivers, Swarnamukhi, Bhima and Kalyan. The temple has a shrine of Goddess Parvati. In addition there is a mandap having the images of Balaji,Ayyappa and Ganapati.
Accessibility :
Tirupati is well connected by road, rail and air to major cities of thecountry. Tirupati has a railway station and airport, but one can reach by bus from nearby cities like Chennai, Hyderabad and Banagalore.
By Air - The Tirupati airport is situated at a distance of 14 Kms from the main town. Flight services remain operational almost everyday between Tirupati and Hyderabad (1 hour),Chennai (30 minutes)and Bangalore (1 hour).
By Rail - Tirupati railway station is well connected to major cities like Bombay, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi,Visakhapatnam, etc. Saptagiri Express leaves Chennai daily in the morning and returns in the evening. There are overnight trains from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam too.
By Road - Tiruapati is connected by Highways to Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Regular buses run from all the important towns in the state and also between Tirupati and Tirumala.
Accommodation :
The Accommodation facility is available in Hotels, Guest houses and Dharmasalas. Hotels are available on various ranges, right from 3 Star to 2 Star. The Dharmasalas and guest houses are available on reasonable cost or free off cost. The famous hotels of the town are Hotel Bliss (3 Star), Hotel Mayura (3 Star), Hotel Sindhuri Park( 3 Star), Kalyan Presidency (3 Star),Bhimas Deluxe Hotel (2 Star) and Hotel Bhimas Paradise (2 Star) etc.
Best Time to Visit :
Tirupati can be visited any time in the year but the ideal time to visit the town is September to March.
Heritage
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