Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

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Venkateswara Temple
Tirumala 090615.jpg
Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala is located in Andhra PradeshVenkateswara Temple,
Tirumala
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Geography
Coordinates 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″ECoordinates: 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E
Country India
State Andhra Pradesh
District Chittoor
Locale Tirupati
Elevation 853 m (2,799 ft)
Culture
Sanctum Venkateswara (Vishnu)
Major festivals Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ratha Saptami
Architecture
Architecture Dravidian architecture
Number of temples 1
Inscriptions Dravidian languages and Sanskrit
History
Temple board Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Website www.tirumala.org
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Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of
Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is
dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to
have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the
place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and Lord here is referred to as
Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala
Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many
other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[1]

Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The hills are 853 metres (2,799
ft) above sea level. The Hills comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads
of Adisesha. 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". Tirumala town covers about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km2) in
area.

The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be

constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. The Garbagriha (Sanctum
Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in
standing posture and faces east in Garbha griha. The temple follows Vaikhanasa
Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu
Kshetras and is listed as 106th and the last earthly Divya Desam. The Temple
premises had two modern Queue complex buildings to organize the pilgrim rush,
Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure
buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites.

It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.[2]
[3][4] The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40
million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like
the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the
most-visited holy place in the world.[5][not in citation given]. In 2016, it was
reported that 27.3 million pilgrims visited the temple.[6]

It is around 435 km (270.3 mi) from Vijayawada, 571.9 km (355.4 mi) from Hyderabad,
138 km (85.7 mi) from Chennai, 291 km (180.8 mi) from Bangalore, and 781.2 km
(485.4 mi) from Visakhapatnam

There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in
Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti (deity) of Lord
Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the
present Kali Yuga.

Contents
1 Temple legend
2 History of the temple
2.1 Medieval history
2.2 Modern history
2.3 Epigraphical records
3 Temple administration
4 Architecture
5 Deities in the temple
5.1 Pancha berams
5.2 Other Murtis
6 Worship
6.1 Puja
6.2 Naivedhyam
6.3 Darshan
6.4 Hair tonsuring
6.5 Hundi (donation pot)
6.6 Thulabaram
7 Festivals
8 Songs and hymns
9 The Seven Hills
10 Subshrines
11 Notable devotees
12 Religious significance
13 Nearby temples
14 See also
15 Notes
16 References
17 External links
Temple legend
Main article: Legend of Tirumala
During Dvapara Yuga, Adisesha resided on earth as Seshachalam Hills after losing a
contest with Vayu. According to Puranas, Tirumala is regarded as Adivaraha Kshetra.
After killing Hiranyaksha, Adivaraha resided on this hill. Sri Venkatachala
Mahatyam is the widely accepted legend over Tirumala Temple.[7]

During Kali Yuga, Narada advised Rishis who were performing Yajna to decide who
could be given the fruits of yagna among Trimurtis. Bhrigu was sent to test
Trimurtis. The sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot visited Lord
Brahma and Lord Shiva and went unnoticed in both these locations. At last he
visited Vishnu and the lord acts as if he had not noticed Bhrigu. Getting angered
by this act, sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu in the chest, to which Vishnu did not
react and instead apologized to the Sage by massaging his feet. During this act, he
squashed the extra eye that was present in the sole of Bhrigu's foot. However
Lakshmi finds it as an insult and had left Vaikuntam onto Earth to Kolhapur and
started meditating.[7]

Lord Vishnu bore human form as Srinivasa, left Vaikuntam, in search of Lakshmi,
reached Tirumala Hills and started meditating. Lakshmi came to know about the
condition of Srinivasa and prayed to Siva and Brahma. Siva and Brahma then
converted themselves into Cow and Calf and Goddess Lakshmi had handed over the cow
and calf to Chola king ruling over Tirumala Hills at that time. The Cow would
provide milk to Srinivasa daily while it was taken for grazing. One day Cowherd saw
this and tried to beat the Cow with staff but Lord Srinivasa had borne the injury.
Getting angered by this Srinivasa had cursed the Chola king to become a Demon as
dharma says Servants sin should be borne by Kings. The king prayed for mercy after
which Srinivasa said to him, that the King should take next birth as Akasaraja and
should perform marriage of his daughter Padmavati with Srinivasa.[7]

Lord Srinivasa went to his mother Vakula Devi on Tirumala hills and stayed there
for a while. After curse Chola king took rebirth as Akasaraja and he had a daughter
named Padmavati who was born in the Padmapushkarini situated at present day
Tiruchanur in Andhra Pradesh. Lord Srinivasa married Padmavati at present day
Narayanavanam in Andhra Pradesh and will return to Tirumala Hills. After few months
Goddess Lakshmi had come to know about the marriage of Srinivasa with Padamavati
and went to Tirumala hills to question Srinivasa. It is said that the Lord
srinivasa turns into Stone right when he was encountered by Lakshmi and Padmavathi.
Lord Brahma and Shiva appear before the confused queens and explain the main
purpose behind all this - The Lord's desire to be on the 7 hills for the
emancipation of mankind from the perpetual troubles of Kali Yuga. Goddesses Lakshmi
and Padmavathi also turn into stone deities expressing their wish to be with their
Lord always. Lakshmi stays with Him on His Chest on the left side while Padmavathi
rests on His Chest's right side.[7]

History of the temple

Medieval history
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 to use the revenues generated from that land to be used for the
celebration of major festivals in the temple.[8] The Pallava dynasty(9th century),
the Chola dynasty(10th century), and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th
centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. The temple gained most of
its current wealth and size under the Vijayanagara Empire, with the donation of
diamonds and gold.[9] In 1517, Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya, on one of his
many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels, enabling the Ananda Nilayam
(inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire,
leaders from states such as the Kingdom of Mysore and the Gadwal Samsthanam
worshiped as pilgrims and gave ornaments and valuables to the temple. Maratha
general Raghoji I Bhonsle (died 1755) visited the temple and set up a permanent
administration for the conduct of worship in the temple.[citation needed][10]

Modern history

Swami Pushkarni of Tirumala

After the dusk 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. During the early 19th century the temple went under
the rule of the East India Company, who leased the temple for auction to a tenant.
The tenant had to pay a fixed amount to the East India Company by imposing taxes
and fees for Sevas in Temple.

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.
[11] The Act of 1933 was superseded by Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowment Act of 1951.[12] 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.[12] 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.[12]

See also: Establishment and legislative setting of TTD

Epigraphical records
This Temple bears on its walls several inscriptions which are of historical,
cultural and linguistic importance. The number of inscriptions on the Hill Temple
and in the temples of Lower Tirupati and Tiruchanur exceed one thousand. There is
evidence to suggest that many early inscriptions on the walls of the temples have
disappeared beyond recovery. As many as 640 inscriptions are found engraved on the
walls of the temple. They are published by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams along
with the inscriptions found in other related temples in and around Tirupati. All
the inscriptions are in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.[13]

Additionally, in the temple, there is a unique collection of about 3000 copper

plates on which the Telugu Sankirtanas of Tallapaka Annamacharya and his
descendants are inscribed. This collection forms a valuable source of material for
a historical linguist in Telugu apart from its importance to musicologists.

Under the patronage of almost all important dynasties of South India, this sacred
Temple of Tirumala enjoyed full benefits and glory. The Pallavas, the Cholas, the
Pandyas, Kadavarayas, Yadavarayas, Telugu Cholas, Telugu Pallavas, Vijayanagara
kings (Sangama, Saluva and Tuluva lines) have left the marks of their patronage and
endowments on the walls of the temples of Tirumala and Tirupati.[14]

The 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, also made donations towards the temple.[15] [16]
Temple administration
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)[17] 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.

The temple attracts approximately 75,000 pilgrims every day.[18] The annual budget,
estimated at INR 2530.10 Crores for the financial year 2015-16,[19] runs charitable
trusts whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.[20]
The annual income is estimated at INR 10 billion 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.[21]

See also: List of Temples under Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD)

Architecture
Main article: Architecture of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

View of Facade of the temple

Tirumala Temple and Vaikuntam Queue Complex (semicircular building in the

foreground) as seen from Srivari Padalu on Narayanagiri hill
Dwarams and Prakarams

There are three Dwarams(entrances) which lead to Garbhagriha from outside.

Mahadwaram also known as padikavali is the first entrance which is provided through
Mahaprakaram(outer compound wall). A 50 feet, five storied Gopuram(Temple tower) is
constructed over this Mahadwaram with seven Kalasams at its apex.
Vendivakili(Silver Entrance) also known as Nadimipadikavali is the second entrance
and is provided through SampangiPrakaram(Inner compound wall). A three storied
Gopuram is constructed over Vendivakili with seven Kalasams at its apex.
Bangaruvakili(Golden Entrance) is the third entrance which will lead into
Garbhagriha. There are two tall copper images of the Dvarapalakas Jaya-Vijaya on
either side of this door. The thick wooden door is covered with gold gilt plates
depicting the Dasavathaaram of Vishnu.

Pradakshinams

Circumambulation around Sanctum sanctorum in the temple or deities is called

Pradakshinam. There are two circumbulation paths in the temple. The first one is
area between Mahaprakaram and sampangiprakaram. This path known as
Sampangipradakshinam has many Mandapas, Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam, Kshetrapalika
sila, prasadam distribution area etc. The Vimanapradakhinam is the second
pradakshinam, which circumbulates Ananda Nilayam Vimanam. This path has sub-shrines
dedicted to Varadaraja and Yoga Narasimha, Potu(main kitchen), Bangaru Bavi(golden
well), Ankurarpana Mandapam, Yagasala, Nanala (coins and Notla (Paper notes)
Parkamani, Almyrah of Sandal paste (Chandanapu ara), cell of records, Sannidhi
Bhashyakarulu, Lords’s hundi and the seat of Vishvaksena.

Anandanilayam vimanam and Garbhagriha

Garbhagriha is the Sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity Lord Venkateswara
resides along with other small deities. Golden Entrance leads to Garbhagriha. There
are two more doors in between Bangaruvakili and Garbhagriha. The deity will be in a
standing posture with four hands one in varada posture, one placed over thigh and
other two holding Shanka and Sudarshana Chakra. The deity is decorated with
precious ornaments. The deity bears Goddess Lakshmi on the right chest and Goddess
Padmavathi on the left. Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Garbhagriha(beyond
Kulasekharapadi (path))

Ananda Nilayam Vimanam is the main Gopuram constructed over 'Garbhagriha. This is a
three storied Gopuram and has single Kalasam at its apex. It was covered with gilt
copper plates and covered with a golden vase. There are many deities of gods carved
over this Gopuram. On this Gopuram, there is a deity of Venkateswara known as
"Vimana Venkateswara" which is believed to be exact replica of deity inside
Garbhagriha.

Deities in the temple

Main articles: Venkateswara, Tirumala Dhruva Bera, and Deities in Tirumala
Venkateswara Temple
Venkateswara, an avatar of Vishnu is the presiding deity of the temple. It is
believed that the Moolavirat is Swayambhu(self manifested).

A replica of Garbhagriha of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple depicting Left-SriDevi

BhuDevi Sametha Malayappa Swamy, Center-Lord Venkateswara Main Deity(Dhruva
beram),Center bottom-Bhoga Srinivasa, Right- Ugra Srinivasa, Sita Lakshmana Sametha
Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Rukhmini
Pancha berams
As per Vaikanasa 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).[22] 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.[22]

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 Namam and jewels including vajra kiritam(diamond crown),
Makarakundalams, Nagabharanam, Makara Kanti, Saligrama haram, Lakshmi haram.[22]
Venkateswara's consort, Lakshmi will be staying on the chest of the Moolavirat as
Vyuha Lakshmi.
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 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 will
receive many daily sevas(pleasures) on behalf of Moolavar and hence known as Bhoga
Srinivasa(In Telugu: Bhoga means Pleasure). This deity receives Ekanthaseva
daily[23] and SahasraKalasabhisheka on Wednesdays.
Ugra Srinivasa or Snapana Beram - This deity represents the fearsome(Telugu: Ugra
means angry) aspect of Lord Venkateswara.[24][25] This deity is the main
processional deity until 1330 CE when it was replaced by Malayappa swami deity.[22]
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.[25][24] This deity
receives daily abhishekam on behalf of Moolavirat, giving the name Snapana
Beram(Sanskrit: Snapana means cleansing)
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.
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)
will be 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 will be held at the same time during which that particular days
Tithi, sunrise and sunset time, nakshatra are notified to the Venkateswara.
Other Murtis
Along with Pancha berams, garbha griha also hosts panchaloha deities of Sita, Rama,
Lakshmana, Rukmini, Sri Krishna swamy,[23] Chakratalwar. The temple hosts the
deities of Garuda, Yoga Narasimha, Varadaraja, Kubera, Bedi Anjaneya in their
respective sub-shrines. The temple also host the deities of Anantha, Garuda,
Viswaksena, Sugriva, Ramanuja. Vimana Venkateswara is the exact replica idol of
Venkateswara carved on the Ananda Nilayam Viamana's second teir north west corner.
[22]

Worship
Puja
Main article: Seva in Tirumala
The temple follows "Vaikhanasa Agama" tradition of worship, which is believed to be
revealed by Sage Vikhanasa and is propagated by his disciples Atri, Bhrigu,
Marichi, Kasyapa. 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 six times puja(worship) a day for Vishnu, of which minimum
one puja is mandatory.[26] Rituals are classified as daily, weekly and periodical.
The daily sevas in Temple(in order of occurrence) include Suprabhata Seva, Thomala
Seva, Archana, Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva), Arjita Brahmotsavam, Arjita
Vasantotsavam, Sahasra Dipalankarana Seva, Ekanta Seva. Weekly sevas of the Temple
include Vishesha Pooja on Monday, Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana on Tuesday, Sahasra
Kalasabhishekam on Wednesday, Tiruppavada Seva on Thursday, Abhishekam and Nijapada
Darshanam on Friday. There are no weekly sevas on Saturday and Sunday. Periodical
rituals include Jyesthabhishekam, Aaniwara Asthanam, Pavithrotsavam, Koil Alwar
Tirumanjanam.

Naivedhyam

Laddu offered to Lord Venkateswara at Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

The world-famous "Tirupati Laddu" is given at Tirumala Temple as prasadam.[27]
Tirupati Laddu had got Geographical indication tag which entitles only Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams to make or sell it.[28][29] Many other prasadams are also
offered to Venkateswara which will then be distributed to devotees, including
daddojanam (curd rice), puliohora (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongali (sweet
pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi, Muruku, Dosa, seera (kesari),
Malhora. Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tirupavada
seva is conducted, where food items are kept as naivedyam to Lord Venkateswara.
[citation needed]

Darshan
More than 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims have Darshan of preisding deity, Lord
Venkateswara, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual
Brahmotsavams, the number of pilgrims visiting the temple shoots up to 500,000,
making it the most-visited holy place in the world.[5] To manage the huge 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 Lord Venkateswara in the main temple.[30]

Recently, 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 Lord 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 6am - 6pm.[31]

See also: Vaikuntam Queue Complex

Hair tonsuring
Many devotees have their head tonsured as "Mokku", an offering to God. The daily
amount of hair collected is over a ton.[32] As per legend, when Lord Venkateswara
was hit on his head by a shepherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This
was noticed by Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess. She felt "such an attractive face
should not have a flaw". Immediately, she cut a portion of her hair and, with her
magical power, implanted it on his scalp. Lord 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]

Hundi (donation pot)

As per legend, it is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his
wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to Lord Venkateswara (a form of the god Vishnu)
for his marriage with Padmavathi. Srinivasa sought a loan of one crore and 11.4
million (11,400,000) coins of gold from Kubera and had Viswakarma, 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 Lord 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 INR a day.[2][33]

Thulabaram
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.[34]

Festivals
[icon]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2016)
Main article: Srivari Brahmotsavam

Elephants marching during a festival at Tirumala

Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple is a paradise of Festivals where 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.[35]

Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams, a nine-day event, which is celebrated every year

during month of October, is the major event of Sri 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, Chakra Snanam. During Brahmotsavams, The temple will witness lakhs
of devotees particularly on Garuda vahanam. 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 1.5
lakhs, to have a darshan of Venkateswara through special entrance which encircles
inner sanctum called "Vaikunta Dwaram".[36][37] Rathasapthami is another festival,
celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara's processional deity(Malayappa)
is taken in a procession around the temple on seven different vahanams starting
from early morning to late night.[38] The 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

Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam is the first and pre-dawn seva performed to Lord
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 Lord from His celestial sleep.[39][40] Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam
hymns were composed by Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Annangaracharya during 13th century
and consists of 70 slokas in four parts including Suprabhatam(29), Stotram(11),
Prapatti(14) and Mangalasasanam(16).[40][39] The thirteenth sloka of Sri
venkateswara Suprabhatam is as follows:[39]

Devanagari
शशमनभशष-वरददखखलललक-बनधल
शशशशखनवदस-जगददकदययकखसनधल ।
शशददवतदगगहभभजदनतर-खदवयममतर
शशवदङटदचलपतद तव सभपभदतमम ॥
IAST
śrīmannabhīṣṭavaradākhilalokabandho
śrīśrīnivāsajagadekadayaikasindho ।
śrīdevatāgṛhabhujāntaradivyamūrte
śrīveṅkaṭācalapate tava suprabhātam ॥
“ 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[41] of 14th century, one of the
greatest Telugu poets and a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara, had sung 32000
songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara.[42][41] All his songs which are in Telugu and
Sanskrit, are referred to as Sankirtanas and are classified as Sringara
Sankirtanalu and Adhyatma Sankirtanalu.[41]

The Seven Hills

The temple is located on seven hills.[43] The presiding deity is also referred to
as Sapthagirisha[43] or Lord of Seven hills.[44] It is believed that seven hills,
also referred to as Saptagiri, represent the seven hoods of Adisesha. The seven
hills are as follows:[43]

Lord Anjaneyas magnificent statue in Tirumala

Vrushabhadri—Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva
Anjanadri—Hill of Lord Hanuman.
Neeladri—Hill of Neela Devi
Garudadri or Garudachalam—Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu
Seshadri or Seshachalam—Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu
Narayanadri—Hill of Narayana. Srivari Padalu are located here
Venkatadri—Hill of Lord Venkateswara
Subshrines
Varadaraja Temple
Varadaraja Temple is a subshrine in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple dedicated to
Vararaja Swamy an incarnation of Vishnu. It is not known when this deity was
installed. The shrine is located in Vimanapradakshinam, towards left of
Vendivakili(silver entrance) while entering temple. The stone deity is sitting
posture facing west.

Yoga Narasimha Temple

Yoga Narasimha Temple is a sub-shrine dedicated to Narasimha Swamy an lion headed

fourth-incarnation of Vishnu. The shrine is said to have been built between 1330
A.D. – 1360 A.D and is located in Vimanapradakshinam, towards right of
Vendivakili(silver entrance) while entering temple. The deity is in sitting-
meditating posture facing west.

Garuthmantha Temple

A small shrine dedicated to Garuda the vehicle of Lord 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 Lord Venkateswara inside Garbhagriha.

Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple

Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple is the temple dedicated to Varaha an incarnation of Vishnu.

This temple is believed to be older than Sri 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 Lord Venkateswara in main
Temple. And also as per tradition, devotees should have the darshan of Lord
Bhuvaraha swamy before Lord Venkateswara.

Bedi-Anjaneya Temple

Bedi-Anjaneya Temple is the sub-shrine dedicated to Lord 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

Vakulamatha is the mother of Lord 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

There is a sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Kubera within the Vimanapradakshina. The

deity lies to the right side of Garbhagriha and faces south towards preciding
deity.

Ramanuja Shrine

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
Ramanuja (1017–1137) [45] was the most important Acharya of Sri Vaishnavism.[45] He
was responsible for managing the worshipping procedures and other affairs of the
Sri Venkateswara temple. He established the Pedda Jeeyar Matam. He has a sannidhi
inside the temple.

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,[46] many of which were in praise of Venkateswara,
the presiding deity of the temple.

Religious significance
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.[47]

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, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great
bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of
the Lord at Tirumala.

Nearby temples
Main article: 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 Lord 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 Lord 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
Bruce's Code
Notes
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