Tirupati Pilgrimage Yatra

Tirupati town is located in the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. The most important place of interest at the place is the historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country.

The Tirupati Balaji shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with an elevation of 2,800ft above the sea level. Known as the richest temple in the world, it is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who have to wait for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds. The temple with its tower is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.

The temple of Tirupati Balaji in south India is one of the most revered and sacred shrines in the country. Millions of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is the patron deity of the temple. The peaceful environs of the temple make the place look more beautiful.

The temple complex is large and spacious, surrounded by the Tirumalai range. The stone Gopuram appears different with celestial figures and statues. Inside, the pillars, doorways, and the Vimana of the main shrine are plated with gold. Besides this it is a massive rectangular bathing ghat, enclosed on all four sides by stone steps leading down to the water. A wide street runs around the entire complex.

Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts of India, is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at Tirumala. Apart from the Lord Venkateswara temple, the other important places at Tirumala are Papavinasam and Akasaganga waterfalls.

source : www.southindiatourshub.com

Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji

Tirupati is one of the greatest Hindu pilgrimage centres in India. Although popularly known as Tirupati, the real name is Tirumala- Tirupati-Devasthanam. Every year Hindu pilgrims from India and abrod visit this centre. Devotees believe that their desire will be fulfilled by the grace of god. Although itis located in the Southern Andhra Pradesh, it is better to go to Tirupati via Chennai. Tirupati has regular air,road & railway link with Chennai, even one may availpackaged tour to Tirupati from Chennai & return on the same day.

During Satyayug (according to hindu mythology, 4 ages-Satya, Treta, Drapar & Kaliyuga) the place was called Rishavadri, in Treta Anjanachal, in Dwapar Sheshachal & in Kaliyuga Venkatagiri, Le, the cluster of 7 hills in Chittur district, known as Sheshachal or Venkatachal. Legend says that these 7 hills are the heads of Snake God Adidesha, who is used as the bed of Lord Vishnu. Tirumalai is one of these 7 hills. On top of the hill is Balaji Temple shaded by mango and sandal trees. The area of the town surrounding the temple is 4 Sq km and the altitude is 860 m. Surroundings are covered by hill of red stone. Railway station and bus terminus are very close to each other in Tirupati East. Adjoining is the TIO Bus Stand & buses are available round the clock. The buses leave along 4 km plain road and 18 km hilly road for the temple on top of the hill. A ticket is valid for 3 days, inclusive of return journey available in TIO buses. Share jeeps & taxis are also available for journey to the temple. It is a hilly road, there are frequent sharp curves and 57 hair pin bends. There is another road used by pilgrimS on foot. The road starts from Alipodi 4 km to the north of bus stand or rly stn and entire stretch that leads to the temple at the top is shaded. Autos & buses ply between bus stand, rly stn to AlipidL Luggage rooms are available for keeping the luggage of passengers. Many pilgrims however reach temple on foot covering a hilly road of 14.5 km in order to earn blessings of god. There are two temples on walking route namely Nrisingha Temple & Ramanujacharya Temple. Hearsay is that without offering puja at Nrisingha Temple, Tirupati darshan is incomplete.

In Telugu Tiru means Lakshmi, Tirupati meaning Lakshmi's Pati or Husband, who is Vishnu or Balaji. The dual image of Shiv a & Vishnu is Balaji, i.e, Lord Venketswara to whom this temple is dedicated. It is a very old temple. There are three boundariesimmediately after the entrance, the I st is Sampangi, the 2nd is Vimana & the 3rd is Baikuntha Pradakhsin, Le, going round the main temple and then final entrance. The custom is that one has to make holy dip in the adjoining Venkateswar Kund or Swami Pushkarini before offering puja to the deity. According to the myth, this Sarovar of Lord Vishnu was imported to the earth by Narada, the bard of heaven. It is the richest temple in India courtesy contribution made by past kings and royals. Its wealth is renowned in the world. The annual income is Rs 5 lakh crores. According to popular belief that deity Lord Venkateswara in order to meet his wedding expenses borrowed money from Kuber, the banker of the heaven-the debt remains unpaid, even today. Hence the devotees donate as per tradition so that the loan is repaid. However various social and educational activities are performed with the help of the wealth that is generated here. There are 13000 employees on the payroll of Temple committee.

There are different kinds of worshipping tystem. The system was devised by Ramanujacharya. No body can stop before the deity, one has to simultaneously move in order to have darshan. The system is to offer Pranami or Puja offemings in a dol or' handi'. Suprabhat Darshanam costs Rs 120 (2-30 hrs), at Rs 220 Thomaleseva (3-30 hrs), at Rs 220 Archana, (4-30 hrs). Special darshans are organised at a costofRs 1000 (2 person) Rs 1500 (3 persons), Rs 2500 (5 persons). It seems, money power matters even at the place of the creator as rich devotees are privilaged to have a private darshan of the deity. Annaprasad is offered to the worshippers. One can buy separately the prasad. One however may buy tasteful prasad of Iaddus

The Garvagriha is wrapped by 100 kg gold and 2 m high, four handed deity of Balaji of black-stone standing on a lotus. The two rear hands hold a conch shell and a chakra or wheel. One in front symbolises reassurance & other remains at waist. The deity's entire body is covered with golden jewellary and precious stones. Kings & Sultans would have envied the god as the possess wealth more than any emperor, thanks to this rich devouts. In 1984 the crown or the I boira kritam was specially made at a cost of Rs 5 crore. The crown is made of 12 kg of gold and a thousand pIeces of diamonds.

Every Thursday the deity is dressed new flowers. Even the eyes are not visible-Only the feet and face are visible. The two wives of the Lord, Sree Devi and Bhu Devi are also placed in the temple. The latest attraction of the temple is a golden chariot (21 ft) built in 1955 at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore made of 780.7 kg of copper wrapped with 29.922 kg of gold. During Navaratri in October Lord Balaji rides this chariot. Annaprasad is available against coupon in the dinning hall. The temple is reserved for the Hindus only. Special permission is given to Christians for darshan. The temple is open between 3 to 21-00, shops are however open for 24 hours in Thirumalai.

The mandap or the meeting hall on thousand stone pillars is also beautiful. 247 ft high Gopuram (gateway) of the temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. Of late, the height has been further increased. On the spire, the vimana wrapped in gold is called Ananda Nilayam. The gold wrapped Dhajwa stambha (Flag post), Le, a palm tree along-with King of Vijay ana gar, Krishna Deva Roya and his queen is also found in the temple. The decoration of the temple is unique. In the temple, the images of kings & emperors in copper and stone are also found. The little museum opposite to the temple is also an attraction. On an average 20000 devotees visit the temple everyday. On special occasions the number exceeds 100000. Visitors wait in the queue for hours together for the darshan of Deity. Special arrangement for dar.fhan is also avilable against a ticket of Rs 30 since early in the morning. This can avoid the long wait in the queue. If, however, one donates Rs 5 lakh then he along with his family are entitled to be there for 5 years and enjoy darfhan. During annual festival in September, pilgrims from far off places arrive here. Similarly during holidays the queue becomes longer. On Friday is Abhifhekalli festival. Special Darshan resumes after 10-00.There is also the tradition of offering the hair to the deity after shaving head at Kalyan Ghat.

source : www.tirupatihotels.net

Tirupati Balaji Brahmotsavam

India's most sacred and ancient temples - the Tirupati/Tirumala Venkateswara temple - during the biggest festival of the year, the holy Brahmotsavam. See the nine days procession, with the temple deity being carried throughout the holy city on his various golden vahanas accompanied by hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic devotees.

Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji

Tirupati Balaji is accredited for being the most visited pilgrimages centers in India. It is located at the distance of 67 km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district of southern Andhra Pradesh and 170 km north east of Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara or Vishnu, visited by thousands of pilgrims through out the year. The word 'Tirupati' is derived on the name of the village located on the Venkata Hill means 'the Lord of Lakshmi'. With its many shrines and numerous dharamshalas the whole are surrounding the Tirumala Hill offers a fascinating insight of the contemporary Hinduism practiced on the large scale in India.

Dayasindhu The White Spot On The Lords Chin

The white spot on the chin of the Lord will remind us of Sri Ananthazhwar, a disciple of Sri Ramanuja. As a part of maintenance of a garden in the service of the Lord, Ananthazhwar was digging up earth, assisted by his pregnant wife. She got tired.

The compassionate Lord could not contain himself. He assumed the form of a lad and assisted her in her service.

But Ananthazhwar did not like the intrusion and hit Him on His chin with the spade. The lad simply disappeared. Later when Ananthazhwar went to the Temple to worship, he found the Lord bleeding on His chin.

Ananthazhwar realised his mistake and profusely apologised to the Lord and applied "Pacha Karpuram" (camphor balming) with fond love. The Lord pardoned Ananthazhwar and said He would sport the Pacha Karpuram for ever in remembrance of Ananthazhwar's love and devotion.

Sri Kulasekharazhvvar in his enchanting poetry expressed his desire to be born and reborn only in Tirumala.

"Whatever the form! Howsoever mean! Be it a fish or bush! Shrub or stone!" His only wish is to be associated forever with Tirumala and the Bhaktas. His love for the Lord culminates into passion.

The Lord sanctioned his wish. The gold plated step in the Garbhagriha in Tirumala Temple is named "Kulasekharapadi". Kulasekharazhwar is remembered forever.

In Kaliyuga, it is said, singing the praise of the Lord is the easiest means to obtain His grace. Lord Srinivasa has been the central theme for many a saint-minstrel. The Alwars were the earliest to be inspired by Lord Balaji. Portions of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham comprising the songs of the Alwars are sung everyday in the presence of the Lord.

The Prabandhams and the outpouring divine grace of Sri Balaji inspired Tallapaka Annamacharya to sing His glories in Telugu and in Sanskrit.

Of the 32000 songs composed by him, only 12000 are available.Keertanas like 'Brahma Kadigina Padamu' and 'Adivo Alladivo Sriharivaasamu' are popular even today.

Sri Balaji's influence can be discerned in the thousands of songs sung by another devotee, the famous Purandaradasa. Only a few hundred of his songs are available. 'Daasana Maadiko Enna', 'Nambide Ninna Paadava Venkataramana' are worthy of mention.

Sri Venkatesa has made the great Ramabhakta, Sri Tyagaraja, the author of over 4000 songs, also to pour his heart out in intense bhakti for Him. 'Tera Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' are among his well-known Keertanas on the Lord of the Hills.

The Lord has enriched the entire approach to Bhakti through medium of music, the easiest way to Him. This has been exemplified by the minstrels through millennia. The devotee has to be eternally grateful to Him for this supreme gift.

source : www.sribalaji.com

Lord Venkateswara - Tirupati Balaji

The idol of Lord Vishnu, just to have a glimpse of whom people from different parts of India ...different parts of the world rushes to come and stand in queue for hours after hours is Tirupati Venkateswara.

Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati is believed as the last incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is in the southern Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, 130 kms from the Chennai (Madras), on Tirumala hills from where Lord Venkateswara - popularly known as Balaji - showering his eternal blessing and kindness to the mankind. He is believed to be the one of the manifestation of Lord Vishnu.

The Tirumala Tirupati temple of Lord Venkateswara Balaji in Andhra Pradesh attracts millions of visitors every year. The deity is Extremely Lively and people keeps on standing hours after hours on the queue for offering pooja. This is one of the common belief in the mind of people that whatever you will give to Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati in the name of Puja, God will return you several multiple of that.

Rituals of Worship at Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji

The following list explains some of the various pujas and rituals conducted at the Tirupati Balaji Venkateswara temple located on the Tirumalai hill.

Suprabhatam



Every morning the Suprabhatam, Prapatti and Mangalasasanam slokas are recited, and a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya sings a few of Annamacharya's sankeertanas. Devotees present at the time of Suprabhatam can have the Lord's Suprabhata Darsanam, also called Viswarupa Sarvadarsanam.







Kalyanotsavam
Kalyanotsavam is also known as Vaivahikotsavam or Pendli Tirunal. It is conducted in the Kalyana Mandapam and its rituals are similar to those followed in Hindu marriages.

The utsava murti of the Lord (Malayappaswami) is the bridegroom and the two nachchimars are the two brides. An imaginary family pedigree of the contracting parties is recited during the course of the ritual.

The deities of the bridegroom and brides face each other with a screen in between. They are allowed to see each other only at the appropriate auspicious moment when the screen is removed. Marriage homams are performed. A purohit conducts the marriage and an archaka is consecrated to perform the homams and other rituals, on behalf of the bridegroom.

After the marriage, valuable clothes are presented to the brides and the bridegroom and to the purohit and the archaka. Dakshina is also given to the brahmins who officiate at the function. Sweets, cake and food are offered to the deity and distributed to those who are present. In terms of rituals, Pratyeka Kalyanotsavam is the same as Kalyanotsavam.

Tomala Seva

Tomala Seva involves the decoration of the Lord with flowers. Tomala is the shortened form of the Tamil expression 'Toditta Malai' (adorning the deity with garlands of flowers). The flower garlands are prepared in Yamunat-turai. According to tradition, there are fixed specifications as to the kinds of flowers to be used, their source and the length of the garlands. The periya jiyar of the temple or his ekangi bring the garlands along with a lit torch in a procession, to the accompaniment of the beat of the jeghanta.

The deity is then adorned with the flowers , while the mantra- pushpam is recited in the Sayana Mandapam.

The service comes to a close with the waving of the flame known as nakshatra-harati, the sprinkling of mantrodaka, waving of vinjamara, and the priest dedicating the service to the lotus feet of the Lord. During the service, the Vaikhasana priest is assisted by the ekangi. Admission for Tomala Seva is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.

Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam

Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam is a purificatory ceremony that takes place in the sanctum. It is performed four times a year - before Ugadi, Aanivari Asthanam, the annual Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

After the first bell, the smaller deities and other articles including the aghandam deepam in the sanctum are moved to the ante chamber. the main deity of the Lord is covered with water-proof material.

The sanctum is then cleansed and a ground paste of kumkum, karpooram (camphor) and chandanam (sandalwood paste) is applied to the walls, ceiling and floor. After some time, the walls are wipred clean. The water-proof covering on the deity is removed, and Laghu Thirumanjanam is given to the main deity and Bhoga Srinivasa. Food is then offered to the Lord during the second bell.

Pavitrotsavam

Pavitrotsavam is a purificatory ceremony, the objective of which is to expiate the mistakes and offenses arising in the daily worship of the deity. This function is elaborately performed in the month of August every year.

Pushpa Yagam

Pushpa Yagam is the worship of the Lord with a variety of sweets and fragrant flowers. It is conducted on sravana nakshatram day after Brahmotsavam.

Archana

First Archana: During the First Archana, also called the Sahasranama Archana, the Lord is worshipped by reciting the Sahasranamam (1008 names of the Lord). Admission for Archana is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.

First Bell: This is the first Naivedyam (food offering) to the Lord for the day. Naivedyam is announced by ringing the two bells, followed by Sattumura (recitation of a few psalms of the Prabandham by the Jiyangar or his assistant and the Vaishnava acharya purushas), and the distribution of curd-mixed food among them.

Food is also offered to to Vishwaksena, Garuda and the Nityasuries. The ringing of bells and Naivedyam are popularly known as the First Bell of the temple.

Second Bell and Second Archana: The Second Bell or Aparanhapuja is the second Naivedyam for the Lord. It is followed by a second Archana when the Ashthottaranama (108 names of the Lord as given in the Varaha Purana) is read. This is an ekantam (private) service, and pilgrims are not allowed to witness this ritual.

Abhishekam

Abhishekam to the Lord Sri Venkateswara is performed in the early hours, every Friday. Traditional natural perfumed camphor, saffron, and milk are used for giving a sacred bath to Lord Venkateswara. The namam (white religious mark on the Lord's forehead) is drawn with an intermediate thin tapering line of musk.

Chanting of Vedas and prabandhams: Abhishekam is then performed for the gold image of Sri Lakshmi which hangs in a gold chain on His chest, to the chanting of Sri-Suktam. And at the end, a harati of camphor is waved. The Lord is dressed in a pitambaram along with valuable ornaments.

The saffron water collected from the Lord's body is the Abhisheka Tirtham; it is considered to be holy since it has been in contact with His body. It is given in small spoonfuls to the pilgrims during the Sarvadarsanam that follows as theerthams.

Abhishekam is conducted every Friday, it lasts approxiamately for one and half hours from 0400 hrs. Holders of Rs. 12,250.00, Rs. 750.00, Rs. 300.00 and Rs. 150.00 (per head) tickets are admitted. Only a limited number of tickets are issued for Abhishekam. On Friday, Tomala Seva and Archana are conducted from 0700 hrs to 0800 hrs.

Unjal Seva
Sri Malayappaswami (utsava murthi), Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated in an unjal in the Aina Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and swung to the accompaniment of Vedaparayanam and Mangala Vadyam.

Vasanthotsavam

Vasanthotsavam is a festival of colours. It is a periodical festival celebrated in the month of vasantham.

Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva

This seva is performed in the Unjal Mandapam. The Mandapam glows with the lights of sahasra deepa (a thousand earthern lamps). The Lord is seated on an unjal, which is rocked gently to the accompaniment of a clarinet orchestra.


Sadalimpu or Sallimpu (on Thursdays)

Tiruppavada, on Thursday, the rich garments and ornaments with which Lord Venkateswara is adorned on the previous Friday are, to a large extent, removed and a bare minimum (dhoti and uttariyam) is left on His body. This process is called Sadalimpu or Sallimpu (loosening or removing). The Lord is dressed in a laced velvet gown.

The kasturi (mark on the Lord's forehead) is also removed leaving only a thin mark

Pulangi Seva (on Thursdays)

After the evening puja and Naivedyam on Thursdays, the Lord's deity is covered with garlands of flowers extending from the crown to His feet. This decoration - exclusively with flowers - is called Pulangi Seva. This is an arjitha seva (paid seva), admission for which is given on the payment of a fee.

Arjitha Brahmotsavam

Brahmotsavam is performed for one day in an abridged manner within the temple precincts. Sri Malayappaswami (utsava murti) with His two consorts is worshipped in the Kalyana Mandapam with Vedic mantras and rituals and mounted on three vahanams - (golden Pedda Sesha Vahanam, silver Garuda Vahanam and silver Hanumantha Vahanam). This seva is performed after Kalyanotsavam.

source : www.indiadivine.org/articles/989/1/Rituals-of-Worship-at-Tirupati/Page1.html