Lord's Wedding

Tirupati, the Home of Lord Venkateswara has long been the destination of many a newly wed couple. The temple is believed to have a particular signification for newly weds as it is believed to be place where Lord Venkateswara married Padmavathy.

An interesting tale forms the backdrop to the temple. Quarrels are not unknown between happily wed couples and the divine ones are no different. Following a spat with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi left her heavenly abode and came down to the earth. Here she stayed in a hermitage on the banks of the Godavari.

Missing his beloved, Lord Vishnu went to search of her and this search brought him to earth. Ultimately his quest brought him to the Seshadri hills where he stopped to rest in an anthill. Upset by the separation between Vishnu and Lakshmi, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva decided to intervene. Taking the guise of a cow and a calf they went to live at the place of a Chola king.

The cowherd took them everyday to graze in the Seshadri hills where the cow would secretly visit the anthill where Vishnu was living without sustenance. Emptying her milk, the cow would then return to the palace.

The cowherd was angry as the cow never yielded any milk to him. He watched movements carefully and his explorations brought him to the anthill. In trying to ascertain what lay beneath the anthill, he struck it with an axe thus injuring Vishnu on the forehead.

In search of herbs to heal the wound, Lord Vishnu wandered far and wide. His wanderings brought him to the Shrine of Sri Varahaswamy - the third incarnation of Vishnu as a boar. Here, he sought permission to stay, but Varahaswamy wanted a rental to be paid; Vishnu pleaded that he was poor now and needed rent free accommodation. To reciprocate this gesture of goodwill, he said he would tell his devotees to worship Varahaswamy before they worshipped him. The contract sealed, Vishnu built a hermitage and lived there waited on by a devotee, Vakuladevi who looked after him like a mother. In a nearby kingdom ruled King Akasha Rajan. Childless for many years, he had one day found a beautiful baby girl sleeping on a golden lotus in a golden box while ploughing the fields. He had named her Padmavathy. A beautiful and accomplished girl, Padmavathy had been granted a boon in her earlier birth that she would be married to Lord Vishnu. One day, Vishnu, who had been renamed Srinivasan by his devotee and foster mother Vakuladevi, went hunting in the forest. His wandering led him to a garden with a pond. Srinivasan was thirsty and tired. After drinking from the pond, he rested in the shade of a tree. Soon the soft singing of Padmavathy who was dancing in the garden with her companions roused him. He was stunned by her beauty and drawn to her. She too seemed to be drawn to him, but the angry attendants thinking him a mere hunter drove him away.

Depressed and unhappy he poured his troubles out to Vakuladevi. Now for the first time, he revealed to her who he really was and also told her the story of Padmavathy.

In the meanwhile, Padmavathy was dreaming of Srinivasa. She had no idea who he really was and knew that her parents would never let her be married to a hunter.

Srinivasa urged Vakuladevi to approach Padmavathy's father, Akasha Raja, with the marriage proposal. In the meanwhile he disguised himself as a soothsayer and went to the court of Akasha Raja. There, he assured Padmavathy that the hunter she had fallen in love with was no ordinary man but the Lord and told her that the worries would soon be over. Padmavathy too poured out her heart to her parents. At about the same time, Vakuladevi arrived with the marriage proposal. After consulting with the sages Akasha Raja accepted the proposal and invited Srinivasa to attend the wedding on Friday, the 10th day of Vaikasi.

Srinivasa now had arrangements to make. He sought a loan of one crore and 14 lakh coins of gold from Kubera and had Viswakarma, the divine architect create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills.

The day of the wedding arrived, Lord Srinivasa was bathed in holy waters and dressed in jeweled ornaments befitting a royal bride groom. Then he set off in a procession for the court of Akasha Raja. There Padmavathy waited radiant in her beauty. Srinivasa was hailed with an arthi and led to the marriage hall. There the queen and King washed his feet while sage Vasishta chanted the Vedic mantras. Soon the wedding was over and it was time for Padmavathy to take leave of her parents.

Together, they lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.

Tirupati, today, stands as a special place, commemorating the marriage between the two. Everyday, a kalyana utsavam celebrates the divine union in a celebration that stretches to eternity. Even today, during the Brahmotsavam at the temple, turmeric, kumkum and a sari are sent from the temple to Tiruchanur, the abode of Padmavathy. In fact Tirupati is rarely visited without paying a visit to Tiruchanur.

source : www.etirupati.com/mytho.htm

Tirupati - Heaven of Tranquility

The Lord Sri Venkateswaraswamy is the all-pervading Lord of the Universe.

Tirumala’s Balaji shrine is among the more famous temples of India. It reportedly attracts the largest number of pilgrims for any shrine in India. It also has a reputation of being one of the richest shrines in the world. It is managed by Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji Temple

Considered as the most sacred and the richest temple in the world, Tirupati temple is situated in the town of Tirupati. It is located 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district of southern Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is a major pilgrimage center of south India. Besides, Tirupati also focous on other attraction of this place, the ancient and famous shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills are worth a viist.

The temple is located on a hill at Tirumala. It is a conglomeration of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam having an height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. The temple boasts of a vibrant and colorful culture also speaking volumes about its grand past. It is an important pilgrimage center, where devotees stand for long hours waiting to get a glance of the presiding deity.

LORD TIRUPATI BALAJI

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.

It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. 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 bestowed of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.

Shri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam

Lord Tirupati Balaji’s Jewel worth Rs 7000 cr is being auctioned by Rudraksha Foundation Society

Gondia: A rare and unique precious gem, known as Gondia Ruby is being auctioned by Rudraksha Foundation Society. It is anticipated that the Jewel may fetch the price of US $ 1.6 Billion and is looking for sponsors and buyers for the same.

Mr. Limaye had found a rare and unique precious gemstone, processed it and became the official owner of the largest Star Ruby (1275cts) (Gondia Ruby). The Jewel has a finished cut with all sides polished and is Hexagonal in shape. It shows SIX RAY STAR on both Cabochon sides.

Mr. Limaye could not cash the jewel and to safeguard the welfare of his family members he donated the rare jewel to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati Devasthanam in 1998. However, the Trust Board of Tirupati Devasthanam discredited the donor and the jewel instead of accepting the donation.

Mr. Limaye’s feels that the actual owner of the jewel is Tirupati Balaji and which is why he has decided that the money received from the sale will be spent for the welfare of the society in the name of Lord Balaji by Rudraksha Foundation, which is a registered welfare trust.

Gondia Ruby is the officially owned, fully finished largest star ruby in the world. Trustees of Tirupati Devasthanam refused to accept the jewel since last eleven years. Using legal recourse the ownership problem was sorted out and now it is offered for sale. A caveat has been registered on June 8, 2009 after informing the honorable court about the sale.

Once the jewel is sold off it will never reach Tirupati Devasthanam therefore the devotees of Lord Tirupati Balaji are requested to have a look at the video showing the dedicated jewel.

source : www.financialexpress.com

Tirumala Balaji Darshan

Millions of Hindus across the globe plan to visit Tirumala to have the Lord’s Darshan. He is the supreme, He is all for every Hindu – Lord Venkateswara/ Lord Balaji. Millions visit Tirumala, the Vaikuntam on earth, the abode of Lord Srinivasa, another name for Him.

Day by day, the number of pilgrims who want to have Lord’s Darshan is galloping. It is estimated that 60000 devotees have Lord’s Darshan in the allotted timetable of the day.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is an autonomous board, which is stretching to maximum, to accommodate more and more devotees to have Lord’s Darshan in any given day.

Weekends, holiday seasons and specials Utsavs attract more devotees to Tirumala. During these days some wait for more that 48 hours to have Lord’s Darshan. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have made numerous arrangement like Sarva Darshan, Sudarshan token Darshan, Seva Darshan, E-Darshan, E-Seva booking.

Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji

Sri Venkateshwara also known as Venkatachalapathy, Srinivasa and Balaji, is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu in India. Venkateshwara means the Lord who destroys the sins of the people. According the Hindu scriptures, Vishnu, out of love towards his devotees, incarnated as Venkateshwara and appeared for the salvation and upliftment of humanity in this Kali Yuga and is considered the supreme form of Vishnu in this age.


Etymology and other names

The name Venkateshwara can be split into multiple parts in Sanskrit: Ven (sins), kata (destroyer), and ishwara (Supreme Lord). Using this etymology, Venkateshwara refers to the Supreme Lord who destroys sins.

The ancient Vishnu kautuvam describes him as Souryarayan, the one who destroys the evil and who comforts us. He is fondly called as Venkanna in the folklore of Andhra Pradesh. He is also known as Srinivasa, Tirumalesa, Venkatachalapathi, Sripathi, ThiruMaal, Balaji (though this is a more recent name), Venkateshwer, Venkatesa, Venkatapathi, Venkatanatha, Sri Varu, Thiruvengadam Udaiyaan, Maal, Manivannan, Tiruvengadattaan Tirupati Thimmappa, and by many other names.

He is also worshipped with the name Tirupati Thimmappa all over Karnataka by traditionally Shiva-worshipping communities. The presence of seven hills in the area influenced alternate names for the deity: such as Edukondalavadu in Telugu and as Ezhumalaiyan in Tamil, both of which mean "Lord of the Seven Hills". Lord Venkateswara is also known as Maha Ketarie and Maha Parmasree.

Legend

According to the scripture Sthala Purana, the legend of Venkateshwara's Avatara (incarnation) is as follows:

Once some rishis headed by Kasyapa began to perform a sacrifice on the banks of the Ganges. Sage Narada visited them and asked them why they were performing the sacrifice and who would be pleased by it. Not being able to answer the question, the rishis approached Sage Bhrugu, who according to Vedas is believed to have an extra eye in the sole of his foot. To reach a solution after a direct ascertainment of reality, Sage Bhrigu first went to Satyaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. At Satyaloka, he found Lord Brahma, reciting the four Vedas in praise of Lord Narayana, with each of his four heads, and attended upon by Saraswati. Lord Brahma did not take notice of Bhrigu offering obeisance. Concluding that Lord Brahma was unfit for worship, Bhrigu left Satyaloka for Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva. At Kailasa, Bhrigu found Lord Siva spending his time pleasantly with Parvati and not noticing his presence. Parvati drew the attention of Shiva to the presence of the sage. Lord Shiva was furious at Bhrigu's intrusion and tried to destroy him. The sage cursed Lord Siva and left for Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

At Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu was reposing on Adisesha with Sri Mahalakshmi in service at His feet. Finding that Lord Vishnu also did not notice him, the sage was infuriated and kicked the Lord on His chest, the place where Mahalakshmi resides. Vishnu, in an attempt to pacify the sage, got hold of legs of the sage and started to press them gently in a way that was comforting to the sage. During this act, he squished the extra eye that was present in the sole of Bhrugu's foot. The extra eye is believed to represent the sage's egotism. The sage then realised his grave mistake and apologized to Vishnu. Thereupon, the sage concluded that Lord Vishnu was the most supreme of the trimurthis and told the rishis the same.

Sri Mahalakshmi was angered by the action of her Lord in apologising to Bhrigu who committed an offence. Out of anger and anguish she left Vaikuntha and resided in Karavirapur now known as Kolhapur. After the departure of Mahalakshmi, a forlorn Lord Vishnu left Vaikunta and took abode in an ant-hill under a tamarind tree, beside a pushkarini on the Venkata Hill, meditating for the return of Lakshmi, without food or sleep. This was the place where Lord took the form of Varaha to rescue Mother Earth form the deep ocean.

Taking pity on Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwara decided to assume the forms of a cow and its calf to serve Him. Surya, the Sun God informed Mahalakshmi of this and requested her to assume the form of a cowherdess and sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country. The king of the Chola country bought the cow and its calf and sent them to graze on the Venkata Hill along with his herd of cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu on the ant-hill, the cow provided its milk, and thus fed the Lord. Meanwhile, at the palace, the cow was not yielding any milk, for which the Chola Queen chastised the cowherd severely. To find out the cause of lack of milk, the cowherd followed the cow, hid himself behind a bush and discovered the cow emptying her udder over the ant-hill. Incensed over the conduct of the cow, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. However, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow. When the cowherd saw the Lord bleed at the blow of his axe, he fell down and died of shock.

The cow returned, bellowing in fright and with blood stains all over her body, to the Chola King. To find out the cause of the cow's terror, the King followed her to the scene of the incident.

The King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground near the ant-hill. While he stood wondering how it had happened, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill and cursed the King saying that he would become an Asura because of the fault of his servant. The King pleaded innocence, and the Lord blessed him by saying that he will be reborn as Akasa Raja and that the curse would end when the Lord will be adorned with a crown presented by Akasa Raja at the time of His marriage with Padmavati. With these words Lord turned into stone form.

Thereafter, Lord Vishnu in the name of Srinivasa, decided to stay in Varaha Kshetra, and requested Sri Varahaswami to grant Him a site for His stay. His request being readily granted, Srinivasa ordained that a pilgrimage to His shrine would not be complete unless it is preceded by a bath in the Pushkarini and darshan of Sri Varahaswami, and that puja and naivedyam should be offered to Sri Varaha swami first. Vishnu built a hermitage and lived there, attended to by Vakuladevi who looked after him like a mother.

Sometime later, a King named Akasa Raja who belonged to the Lunar race was ruling over Thondamandalam. Akasa Raja had no heirs, and therefore, he wanted to perform a sacrifice. As part of the sacrifice, he was ploughing the fields when his plough turned up a lotus in the ground. On examining the lotus, the King found a female child in it. The king was happy to find a child even before he performed a sacrifice and carried it to his place and gave it to his Queen to tend it. At that time he heard an aerial voice which said "O King, tend it as your child and fortune will befall you". As she was found in a lotus, the king named her Padmavati. Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was attended by a host of maids.

One day, Lord Srinivasa, who was hunting, chased a wild elephant in the forests surrounding the hills. In the elephant's pursuit, the Lord was led into a garden, where Princess Padmavati and her maids were picking flowers. The sight of the elephant frightened the Princess and her maids. But the elephant immediately turned around, saluted the Lord and disappeared into the forest. Lord Srinivasa, who was following on horse back, and saw the frightened maidens. However, He was repulsed with stones thrown at Him by the maids. He returned to the hills in haste, leaving His horse behind. Vakuladevi found him lying on his bed, not interested in anything. The Lord informed her that unless he married Princess Padmavati. The Lord then narrated the story of her (Padmavati’s) previous birth and his promise to wed her. After listening to Srinivasa's story of how he had promised to marry Vedavati in her next birth as Padmavati', Vakuladevi realised that Srinivasa would not be happy unless he married Padmavati. She offered to go to Akasa Raja and his Queen and arrange for the marriage. On the way she met the maid-servants of Padmavati returning from a Shiva Temple. She learnt from them that Padmavati was also pining for Srinivasa. Vakuladevi went along with the maid servants to the Queen.

Meanwhile, Akasa Raja and his queen Dharanidevi were anxious about the health of their daughter, Padmavathi. They learnt about Padmavathi's love for Srinivasa of Venkata Hill. Akasa Raja consulted Brihaspati about the marriage and was informed that the marriage was in the best interest of both the parties. Kubera lent money to Lord Srinivasa to meet the expenses of the marriage. Lord Srinivasa, along with his consorts and Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva started the journey to the residence of Akasa Raja with his vehicle Garuda. At the palace entrance, Lord Srinivasa was received by Akasa Raja with full honours and taken in procession on a mounted elephant to the palace for the marriage. In the presence of all the Devas, Lord Srinivasa wed Princess Padmavati, thus blessing Akasa Raja.

Together, they lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.

Venkateshwara's temple, today, at the top of the seven hills in the place called Tirumala; stands as a special place, commemorating the marriage between the two. Everyday, a kalyana utsavam celebrates the divine union in a celebration that stretches to eternity. Even today, during the Brahmotsavam at the temple, turmeric, kumkum and a sari are sent from the temple to Tiruchanur, the abode of Padmavati. In fact Tirupati is rarely visited without paying a visit to Tiruchanur.

In the light of this background, it has become the favored destination of many newly wed couples who pray for a happy wedding - a wedding like that of Srinivasa and Padmavati.

A tale associated with the temple goes thus: a helper boy called Bala was once wrongly accused of being a thief. He ran for his life when chased by people. He was hit on the head by the mob and his head started bleeding profusely. He ran to the Tirupati temple of Lord Vishnu and ran to the main door of the temple. When the people entered the temple, they couldn't find the boy but saw the head of god's idol bleeding. It was considered that the boy was sheltered and protected by Vishnu himself, and the priests put cloth on the idol's head to stop the bleeding.


Location of main shrine

Venkateshwara's abode is in the Venkatam hills (the hills are more often referred to as ThiruVenkatam) near Tirupathi. Thus, the main temple of Venkateshwara is the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Tirumala temple is believed to be the richest of all the temples in the world. The temple is located in Andhra Pradesh (southern India) in Chittoor district. It is around 120 km away from Chennai.


Adoration
Many saints have visited the shrine and worshipped Venkateswara. Notable among them is Adi Sankaracharya, who came to Tirumala and placed the Sri Chakra at the feet of Venkateshwara and sang the song "Bhaja Govindam". Ramanujacharya installed chakra and conch on the deity after a dispute.

The Venkateswara Suprabhatam, being the morning recital of prayers and songs of awakening, is believed to have been written and sung by one of Ramanujacharya's disciples who visited the temple with his Guru. Sri Vadiraja Thirtha, most prominent[citation needed] among the Madhva saints, is believed to have climbed the Tirumala hill on his knees, and is said to have given a garland of shaligram to the Lord.

There is a Govindaraya Vishnu temple in the Tirupati town down below the hills that has Vishnu in Yoga Nidra with Sridevi and Bhoodevi next to him. Traditionally, Kurubas is said to have built the temples on top of the mountains for the worship of Vishnu.

Contributions

The largest donation ever made was 1100 crore rupees which was secretly dropped in 50 gold bricks in front of Tirupati Balaji Temple. The gold came in at night in a airplane which landed near the UP airport. The person was unknown but it was said to have been a American Indian businessman named Vijay Chopra who was in Fortune magazine for gaining $15 billion in 60 Days and saying that he would like to give back to God. When he was asked he said that "Its between him and his balaji". Tirupati is the largest religious place to maintain a neutral status on its donors.


Symbolic Description
In iconographic depictions, Lord Venkateswara's eyes are covered, because it is said, that his gaze is so intense, it would scorch the universe.

source : www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venkateswara

Head Shaving at Shri Lord Venkateswara - Balaji

Tirupati Balaji Temple is almost famous for its head shaving, wealth and its laddus. Every day about 30000 devotees have offered their hair to Lord Venkateswara by thinking that their all troubles will disappear along with their hair.



As per the Vaishavite tradition in tirupati, it is compulsory for the devotees to offer their hair to the lord Venkateswara which symbolizes effacing of the ego. Not only for men who partake in this ritual but also have children and women of all ages shave their head in Tirupati.The tonsuring facilities are available at tirumala hills on cost of Rs. 10/- per head. The barber places at Kalyana Katta, a massive four floor building operating round the clock, near the temple. Devotee can take bath after tonsuring at near Kalyana Katta. Bathroom facilities are also provided by the TTD trust. After taking a holy dip in the Pushkarini tank, devotee can visit the temple for Darshan. There is a very short legend about hair offering at tirupati.

Story of Hair Offering at Tirumala-Tirupati

After the departure of Mahalakshmi due to Bhirigu rishi, Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntha and went to earth in the search of Mahalaxmi. Ultimately his quest brought him to the Seshadri hills where he stopped to rest in an anthill. Listening about the separation of Vishnu and lakshami, Brahma and Shiva got upset and decided to intervene. Thereafter Brahma and lord shiva took to form of cow and its calf and went to live at the place of a Chola king. The sun god informed to goddess lakshami about the plan of Brahma and shiva and requested her to sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country assuming the form of a cowherdess.

The chola king bought the cow and its calf and sent them to graze in the Seshadri hills. On this hill, the cow would secretly visit the anthill where Vishnu was living without sustenance. Emptying her milk, the cow would then return to the palace. The cowherd was angry because cow never yielded any milk to him. To find out the reason behind that, he watched movement carefully and his explorations brought him to the anthill. He discovered the cow emptying her under over the ant-hill. The cowherd got wild over the conduct of the cow, and he aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. Because the cow was the actually Brahma, the Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill to receive a wound in the head, resulting in a loss of some hair.

When all this happen, there were one witnessed of this matter, named Neeladri, She quickly rushed forward to offer her own hair to replace what the Lord had just lost. Thus was born the tradition of offering hair to Lord Balaji at Tirumala.

Hair business at tirupati :-

TTD exports human hair on a lot of quantity to the many countries. There is a high demand for the hair in Europe especially long hair of women. The tonsured hair of Men is used to extract a protein called L-Cystein. This protein is used in a many products, also including eatable products. The hair is also used in coat linings and Chinese hair industry mixes it with hair from china to make cheap wigs and hair extensions Even Hollywood star also used the Indian hair. Because they think that other countries hair has damage due to use of various chemicals shampoo to clean and beatify their hair, Whereas Indian peoples use natural methods to protect their hair. So that Indian hair is natural, strong, durable and can be colored. It is assumed that the final product which made from Indian hair is very costly.

Tirupati - A Fine Temple Architecture

The temple at Tirumala is believed to have existed from ancient times. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara, vied with one another in endowing the Shrine and offering worship of the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple with its 'gopuram' or tower is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The elaborate rituals and mode of worship in the temple were prescribed by the saint Ramanujacharya and are being followed even today. Anointing the idol with camphor, and the offering by pilgrims of the hair on their heads by getting themselves shaved by licensed barbers are the important customs in vogue at Tirupati Temple. The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam". The Shrine consists of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana' or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' (as is called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu Trinity.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN & AROUND TIRUMALA

Swami Pushkarani : This tank, adjacent to the temple, is highly sacred.Pilgrims take a bath here before entering the temple.

Akasa Ganga : This is a waterfall about 3 kms to the north of the temple.

Papavinasanam : This is about 5 kms to the north of the temple.

Vaikuntha Tirtham : Is at a distance of about 3 kms north-east of the temple.

Tumburu Tirtham : Is about 16 kms north of the temple.

Geological Arch : This rare geological formation is situated at 1 km north of the temple.

Lepakshi Emporium : An ideal place for purchasing attractive handicrafts at moderate prices.This is situated near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central Reception Office.

T.T.D Gardens : The Devasthanams maintain beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species of plants and trees.

Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall) : This is the venue for the devotional programs like discourses, music concerts, harikathas and bhajans conducted under the auspices of Dharma Prachara Parishat.

Monuments::Festivals of Tirupati

Tirupati Balaji Temple
Tirupati town is 67-km from Chittoor in Chittoor district, 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 shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with an elevation of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. Said to be the richest temple in the world, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds.

Tirupati - A Fine Example Of Dravidian Temple Architecture
The temple at Tirumala is believed to have existed from ancient times. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara, vied with one another in endowing the Shrine and offering worship of the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple with its 'gopuram' or tower is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The elaborate rituals and mode of worship in the temple were prescribed by the saint Ramanujacharya and are being followed even today. Anointing the idol with camphor, and the offering by pilgrims of the hair on their heads by getting themselves shaved by licensed barbers are the important customs in vogue at Tirupati Temple. The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam". The Shrine consists of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana' or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' (as is called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu Trinity.

Festivals of Tirupati
Everyday is a day of festivity at Tirumala. The most famous is the annual festival called 'Brahmotsavam', which is celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on those days.

The Daily Routines - Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple
The daily program starts with 'Suprabhatam' (awakening the Lord) at three in the morning and end with the 'Ekanta Seva' (putting the Lord to sleep) at one in the night. Daily, Weekly and Periodical 'Sevas' and 'Utsavams' are performed to the Lord. Interested pilgrims can choose from the list and pay to get the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. Devotees offer their gifts and donations in the "Hundi", which is the main source of income.

source : www.atriptoindia.com

Tirupati distances from other cities

Tirupati is well connected by Road, Rail and air. The Tirupati distances from other cities is given below.

Agartala -------- 3314 km
Agra ------------ 1859 km
Ahmedabad------ 1725 km
Aizawl ---------- 3239 km
Ajmer ---------- 2125 km
Akola ---------- 1062 km
Aligarh --------- 1942 km
Allahabad------- 1684 km
Ambala --------- 2253 km
Amritsar -------- 2508 km
Asansol ---------- 1766 km
Aurangabad ------ 1117 km
Bhaktiyarpur ----- 1979 km
Bangalore --------- 247 km
Barauni ----------- 2090 km
Barddhaman ------ 1681 km
Bareilly ------------ 2071 km
Belgaum ----------- 746 km
Bellary ------------ 363 km
Bhagalpur --------- 1994 km
Bhavnagar --------- 1912 km
Bhopal ------------- 1431 km
Bhubaneshwar ----- 1193 km
Bikaner ------------ 2358 km
Bilaspur ------------ 1469 km
Calcutta ------------ 1634 km
Chandigarh --------- 2299 km
Chennai ------------ 152 km
Chittardurga ------- 449 km
Coimbatore -------- 537 km
Cuttack ------------ 1218 km
Dehru Dun --------- 2240 km
Delhi --------------- 2062 km
Dhanbad ---------- 1743 km
Dhule -------------- 1260 km
Dibrugarh ---------- 3115 km
Dimapur ----------- 2950 km
Dindigul ------------ 547 km
Durgapur ----------- 1806 km
Ganganagar --------- 2323 km
Gangtok ------------- 2315 km
Gaya ---------------- 1967 km
Ghaziabad ----------- 2080 km
Ghazipur ------------ 1881 km
Gorakhpur ---------- 1982 km
Gulbarga ------------ 664 km
Guntur -------------- 377 km
Gurgaon ------------- 2084 km
Guwahati ------------ 2676 km
Gwalior -------------- 1764 km
Haldia --------------- 1618 km
Hasan ---------------- 434 km
Hissar ---------------- 2254 km
Hubli ----------------- 652 km
Hyderabad ----------- 592 km
Imphal ---------------- 3160 km
Indore ---------------- 1442 km
Jabalpur -------------- 1343 km
Jaipur ---------------- 2015 km
Jaisalmer ------------- 2298 km
Jalandhar ------------- 2425 km
Jammu --------------- 2644 km
Jamnagar ------------ 2027 km
Jhamshedpur -------- 1587 km
Jhansi ---------------- 1667 km
Jodhpur -------------- 2164 km
Jorhat ---------------- 2979 km
Kakinada ------------- 609 km
Kandla ---------------- 2090 km
Kanniyakumari -------- 835 km
Kanpur ---------------- 1887 km
Kochi ------------------ 730 km
Kohima ---------------- 3015 km
Kohlapur -------------- 849 km
Kota ------------------ 1773 km
Kozhikode ------------- 602 km
Krishnagiri ------------- 260 km
Kurnool ----------------- 353 km
Lucknow ---------------- 1958 km
Ludhiana ---------------- 2366 km
Madurai --------------- 596 km
Mangalore ------------- 594 km
Meerut --------------- 2099 km
Moradabad ------------ 2155 km
Motihari ------------- 2184 km
Mumbai --------------- 1228 km
Muzaffarnagar -------- 2144 km
Muzaffarpur ---------- 2193 km
Mysore --------------- 386 km
Nagpur --------------- 1079 km
Nanded --------------- 847 km
Nashik --------------- 1267 km
Nellore -------------- 130 km
Panaji --------------- 839 km
Paradwip ------------- 1317 km
Pathankot ------------ 2537 km
Patna ---------------- 2018 km
Pondicherry ---------- 317 km
Porbandar ------------ 2119 km
Pune ----------------- 1065 km
Purulia -------------- 1660 km
Raipur --------------- 1357 km
Rajkot --------------- 1941 km
Rameshwaram ---------- 744 km
Ranchi---------------- 1749 km
Ranipettai ----------- 110 km
Raurkela ------------- 1527 km
Rohtak --------------- 2152 km
Sagar ---------------- 1469 km
Saharanpur ----------- 2192 km
Salem ---------------- 372 km
Sambalpuri ----------- 1401 km
Shahjahanpur --------- 2126 km
Siliguri ------------- 2201 km
Shillong ------------- 2776 km
Shimla --------------- 2404 km
Shivpuri ------------- 1742 km
Silchar -------------- 3002 km
Solapur -------------- 822 km
Srinagar ------------- 2937 km
Surat ---------------- 1427 km
Thane ---------------- 1207 km
Thanjavur ------------ 494 km
Thiruvananthapuram --- 922 km
Thrissur ------------- 651 km
Trichchirappalli ----- 468 km
Tirunelveli ---------- 752 km
Tuticorin ------------ 731 km
Udaipur -------------- 1977 km
Ujjain --------------- 1574 km
Ulhasnagar ----------- 1201 km
Vadodara ------------- 1599 km
Varanasi ------------- 1809 km
Vijayawada ----------- 409 km
Vishakhapatnam ------- 791 km
Warangal ------------- 623 km

Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji

Among all the pilgrimage destinations of south India, Tirupati-Balaji has an inimitable position and is recognized for the much popular Lord Venkateshwara deity, which is visited by numerous tourists all the year round. The meaning of the name Tirupati-Balaji is ‘lord of Lakshmi’. The renowned shrine of the deity is located on a hill at Tirumala, which is a cluster of seven hills. When you travel to Tirupati-Balaji, you must pay a visit to this temple, which is one of the lively cultural and philanthropic institutions with an impressive history. The Dravidian architecture depicted through this shrine will take you back to the ancient times.

There are numerous places to see in Tirupati-Balaji and the Lord Venkateshwara temple is the best known among these. This temple is a Mecca for the Hindu pilgrims and devotees line up in long serpentine queues to offer prayers and offerings to the deity. The other leading places of tourist interest you will come across here are Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple and Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple. Due to the presence of these hallowed shrines at this picture perfect town, tourism in Tirupati-Balaji is increasingly growing in popularity.

Apart from these attractions, further excitement awaits you when you embark on the weekend excursions. On a fine day, you can set out for a journey that will take you to the interesting sites such as Chandragiri, Sri Kalahasthi, Agastyaswamy Temple, Kalyani Dam, Horsley Hills and Kailasakona Waterfalls. The fun and excitement get enriched when your tour covers the festive seasons. The entire town pulsates with a festive spirit. Brahmotsavam is the most prominent among the festivals here. The temple car festival is also marked with great excitement and enthusiasm.

Another festival that is also characterized by the same degree of fervor and zeal is the Vijayanagar Festival which is held at the famous Chandragiri Fort. To be a part of these festivals is equally an exciting experience.

Tirupati-Balaji offers a number of excellent lodging facilities for the travelers. You can put up in any choice of accommodation you like and expect the finest hospitality and world class facilities and services. There are many luxury and budget category hotels that are located in and around Tirupati-Balaji.

Tirupati-Balaji is well-linked by air, rail and road. The nearest airport and railhead is Chennai and the town can be easily reached from Bangalore and Hyderabad by road.

source : www.touristplacesinindia.com/tirupati-balaji/

Temple Timeings:- Shri Lord Venkateswara - Balaji

Mondays (Special Seva---Visesha Puja 6.00 a.m to 8.00 a.m).

03.00 a.m to 03.30 a.m --- Suprabhatam (Only Rs 100.00 Special Entrance ticket holders will be admitted).
03.30 a.m to 03.45 a.m --- Suddhi etc.
03.45 a.m to 04.30 a.m --- Thomala Seva (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
04.30 a.m to 04.45 a.m --- Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam.
04.45 a.m to 05.30 a.m --- 1st Archana i.e. Sahasranama Archana (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
05.30 a.m to 06.00 a.m --- 1st Bell, Bali and Sattumora.
06.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
11.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m --- Suddhi, Second Archana (Ekantam) and 2nd Bell etc.
12.00 p.m to 07.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m --- Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Bramotsavam, Vahana Sevas, Unjal Sevas etc.
07.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m --- Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell.
08.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m --- Suddhi, preparations for Ekantha Seva.
10.30 p.m Ekanta Seva (Arjitham Rs 100.00 per head).
Note: Sarvadarshanam will be continued beyond 10 p.m subject to rush.




Tuesdays (Special Seva---Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana).

03.00 a.m to 03.30 a.m --- Suprabhatam (Only Rs 100.00 Special Entrance Ticket holders will be admitted).
03.30 a.m to 03.45 a.m --- Suddhi etc.
03.45 a.m to 04.30 a.m --- Thomala Seva (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
04.30 a.m to 04.45 a.m --- Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili.
04.45 a.m to 05.30 a.m --- 1st Archana i.e. Sahasranama Archana (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
05.30 a.m to 06.00 a.m --- 1st Bell, Bali and Sattumora.
06.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
11.00 a.m to 11.15 a.m --- Suddhi.
11.15 a.m to 11.45 a.m --- Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva (2nd Archana with Golden Lotus Flowers).
11.45 a.m to 12.00 p.m --- 2nd Bell.
12.00 p.m to 07.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m --- Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Bramotsavam, Vahana Sevas, Unjal Sevas etc.
07.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m --- Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell.
08.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m --- Suddhi, preparations for Ekantha Seva.
10.30 p.m Ekanta Seva (Arjitham Rs 100.00 per head).
Note : Sarvadarshanam will be continued beyond 10 p.m subject to rush.




Wednesdays (Special Seva---S.K.Abhishekam).

03.00 a.m to 03.30 a.m --- Suprabhatam (Only Rs 100.00 Special Entrance ticket holders will be admitted).
03.30 a.m to 03.45 a.m --- Suddhi etc.
03.45 a.m to 04.30 a.m --- Thomala Seva (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
04.30 a.m to 04.45 a.m --- Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili.
04.45 a.m to 05.30 a.m --- 1st Archana i.e. Sahasranama Archana (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
05.30 a.m to 06.00 a.m --- 1st Bell, Bali and Sattumora.Preparations for S.K.Abhishekam, etc.
06.00 a.m to 08.00 a.m --- Arjitha Sahasrakalas Abhishekam, 2nd Archana (Ekantham) & Bell.
08.00 a.m to 07.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m --- Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Bramotsavam, Vahana Sevas, Unjal Sevas etc.
07.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m --- Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell.
08.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m --- Suddhi, preparations for Ekantha Seva.
10.30 p.m Ekanta Seva (Arjitham Rs 100.00 per head).
Note : Sarvadarshanam will be continued beyond 10 p.m subject to rush.




Thursdays (Special Seva---Tiruppavada, Poolangi Seva).




03.00 a.m to 03.30 a.m --- Suprabhatam (Only Rs 100.00 Special Entrance ticket holders will be admitted).
03.30 a.m to 03.45 a.m --- Suddhi etc.
03.45 a.m to 04.30 a.m --- Thomala Seva (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
04.30 a.m to 04.45 a.m --- Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili.
04.45 a.m to 05.30 a.m --- 1st Archana i.e Sahasranama Archana (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
05.30 a.m to 06.00 a.m --- 1st Bell, Bali and Sattumora.
06.00 a.m to 08.00 a.m --- Sallimpu, 2nd Archana (Ekantham) Tirupapavada Alankaram, & Bell.
08.00 a.m to 06.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m --- Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Bramotsavam, Vahana Sevas, Unjal Sevas etc.
06.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m --- Pedda Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams, Poolangi Samarpana and Night Bell, etc.
08.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m --- Poolangi Sarvadarshanam.
10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m --- Suddhi, preparations for Ekantha Seva.
10.30 p.m Ekanta Seva (Rs 100.00 ticket holders are admitted).
Note : Sarvadarshanam will be continued beyond 10 p.m subject to rush.




Fridays (Special Seva---Abhishekam).

03.00 a.m to 03.30 a.m --- Suprabhatam (Only Rs 100.00 Special Entrance ticket will be holders admitted).
03.30 a.m to 04.30 a.m --- Sallimpu, Suddhi, Nityakatla Kainkaryams, Morning 1st bell and preparations for Abhishekam.
04.30 a.m to 06.00 a.m --- Abhishekam.
06.00 a.m to 07.00 a.m --- Samarpana.
07.00 a.m to 08.00 a.m --- Thomala Seva and Archana (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
08.00 a.m to 09.00 a.m --- 2nd Bell, Bali and Sattumora etc.
09.00 a.m to 08.30 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m --- Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Bramotsavam etc.
07.00 p.m to 08.30 p.m --- Sahasra, Deepalankara Seva at kolimi Mantapam.
08.30 p.m to 09.30 p.m --- Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams and Night Bell etc.
09.30 p.m to 10.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m --- Suddhi, preparations for Ekantha Seva.
10.30 p.m Ekanta Seva (Arjitham Rs 100.00 per head).
Note : Sarvadarshanam will be continued beyond 10 p.m subject to rush.




Saturday's & Sunday's

03.00 a.m to 03.30 a.m --- Suprabhatam (Only Rs 100.00 Special Entrance ticket holders will be admitted).
03.30 a.m to 03.45 a.m --- Suddhi etc.
03.45 a.m to 04.30 a.m --- Thomala Seva (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
04.30 a.m to 04.45 a.m --- Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam.
04.45 a.m to 05.30 a.m --- 1st Archana i.e Sahasranama Archana (Arjitham Rs 200.00 per head).
05.30 a.m to 06.00 a.m --- 1st Bell, Bali and Sattumora.
06.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
11.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m --- Suddhi, Second Archana (Ekantam) and 2nd Bell etc.
12.00 p.m to 07.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m --- Arjitha Kalyanotsavam, Bramotsavam, Vahana Sevas, Unjal Sevas etc.
07.00 p.m to 08.00 p.m --- Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell.
08.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m --- Sarvadarshanam.
10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m --- Suddhi, preparations for Ekantha Seva.
10.30 p.m --- Ekanta Seva (Arjitham Rs 100.00 per head).
Note: Sarvadarshanam will be continued beyond 10 p.m subject to rush.

Tirupati Balaji Brahmotsavam Festival

Be taken on an amazing tour to one of 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.

World's Richest Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.

It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.

Tirupati Balaji Virtual Tour

Everyday is a day of festivity at Tirumala. The most famous is the annual festival called 'Brahmotsavam', which is celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on those days.

108 Names of Lord venkateswara Balaji

Lord Venkateswara is the main deity of tirupati. lord Vekateswara is also known by other names. 108 names of lord venkateswara is given below

1) Om Shri Ventakeshaya Namaha
2) OM Sreenivasaya Namaha
3) OM Laxmipataye Namaha
4) OM Anaamayaaya Namaha
5) OM Amruthamsaya Namaha
6) OM Jagadvandyaya Namaha
7) OM Govindaya Namaha
8) OM Shashvataya Namaha
9) OM Prabhave Namaha
10) OM Sheshadrinilayaya Namaha
11) OM Devaya Namaha
12) OM Keshavaya Namaha
13) OM Madhusudhanaya Namaha
14) OM Amrutaya Namaha
15) OM Madhavaya Namaha
16) OM Krishnaya Namaha
17) OM Sriharaye Namaha
18) OM Jnanapanjaraya Namaha
19) OM SreeVatsavakshase Namaha
20) OM Sarveshaya Namaha
21) OM Gopalaya Namaha
22) OM Purushotamaya Namaha
23) OM Gopeeshwaraya Namaha
24) OM Parasmyjyotishe Namaha
25) OM Vaikuntapataye Namaha
26) OM Avyayaya Namaha
27) OM Sudhaatanave Namaha
28) OM Yadavendraya Namaha
29) OM Nithyayavvanaroopavate Namaha
30) OM Chaturvedatmakaya Namaha
31) OM Vishnave Namaha
32) OM Achutyaya Namaha
33) OM Padminipriyaya Namaha
34) OM Dharapataye Namaha
35) OM Surapatye Namaha
36) OM Nirmalaya Namaha
37) OM Devapoojitaya Namaha
38) OM Chaturboojaya Namaha
39) OM Chakradaraya Namaha
40) OM Tridamne Namaha
41) OM Trigunashrayaya Namaha
42) OM Nirvikalpaya Namaha
43) OM Nishkalankaya Namaha
44) OM Niranthakaya Namaha
45) OM Niranjanaya Namaha
46) OM Nirabasaya Namaha
47) OM Nityatruptaya Namaha
48) OM Nirgunaya Namaha
49) OM Nirupadravaya Namaha
50) OM Gadhaadharaya Namaha
51) OM Shaarangapanaye Namaha
52) OM Nandakine Namaha
53) OM Shankhadarakaya Namaha
54) OM Anakemurtaye Namaha
55) OM Avyaktaya Namaha
56) OM Katihastaya Namaha
57) OM Varapradaya Namaha
58) OM Anekatmane Namaha
59) OM Deenabandhave Namaha
60) OM Aartalokabhayapradhaya
61) OM Akasharajavaradhaya Namaha
62) OM Yogihrutpadmamandhiraya Namaha
63) OM Dhamodharaya Namaha
64) OM Karunakaraya Namaha
65) OM Jagatpalayapapagnaya Namaha
66) OM Bhakthavatsalaya Namaha
67) OM Trivikramaya Namaha
68) OM Shishumaraya Namaha
69) OM Jatamakutashobhitaya Namaha
70) OM Shankamadyolasanmanjookinkinyadyakarakandakaya Namaha
71) OM Neelameghashyamatanave Namaha
72) OM Bilvapatrarchanapriyaya Namaha
73) OM Jagatvyapine Namaha
74) OM Jagatkartre Namaha
75) OM Jagatsakshine Namaha
76) OM Jagatpataya Namaha
77) OM Chintitarthapradaya Namaha
78) OM Jishnave Namaha
79) OM Daasharhaaya Namaha
80) OM Dhasharoopavate Namaha
81) OM Devakinandanaya Namaha
82) OM Shauraye Namaha
83) OM Hayagreevaya Namaha
84) OM Janardhanaya Namaha
85) OM Kanyashravanatharejyaya Namaha
86) OM Peetambharadharaya Namaha
87) OM Anagaya Namaha
88) OM Vanamaline Namaha
89) OM Padmanabhaya Namaha
90) OM Mrughayasaktamanasaya Namaha
91) OM Ashvaroodaya Namaha
92) OM Kadghadharine Namaha
93) OM Dhanarjanasamootsukaya Namaha
94) OM Ganasaralasanmadhyakasturitilakojjwalaya Namaha
95) OM Sachitandharoopaya Namaha
96) OM Jaganmangaladayakaya Namaha
97) OM Yajnaroopaya Namaha
98) OM Yajnabokthre Namaha
99) OM Chinmayaya Namaha
100) OM Parameshwaraya Namaha
101) OM Paramarthapradhaya Namaha
102) OM Shanthaya Namaha
103) OM Sreemathe Namaha
104) OM Dordhandhavikramaya Namaha
105) OM Paratparaya Namaha
106) OM Parasmaibrahmane Namaha
107) OM Sreevibhave Namaha
108) OM Jagadeeshwaraya Namaha

Lord Balaji's

Millions of devotees throng the Tirumala Hills practically round the clock throughout the year. As the rush of pilgrims increases day by day, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams is hard put to finding ways and means of accommodating them and arranging darshan without long wait. As they move towards the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Venkateswara, how many will remember that there was a time, just a thousand years back, when the Hills were deserted with not much of human habitation in sight? Ask any sri vaishnavite to name the man of the millenium. Pat will come the reply, Saint Ramanuja.

Ramanuja (1017-1137 A.D.) had visited the Hills thrice. His maternal uncle, Peria Thirumalai Nambi gave him discourses on the Ramayana for several months at the Hills. The temple and the surroundings were in bad shape and worship was not organized regularly. Ramanuja was inspired by the Holy Hymns of the Alwars singing the glory of the Lord of the Seven Hills. He called an assembly of the Acharyas, 74 in number and posed them the question whether any one of them will take up the task of serving the Lord on the Hills on a day to day basis. Everyone was hesitating, fearing the hard life up the Hills what with tigers, malaria and the forests. There was Anantharya, a strong and silent devotee in the gathering. He rose to his feet and prayed, " Beloved Acharya ! Bestow the blessing of serving the Lord of the Seven Hills on this humble self. With your grace, I will be happy to undertake this service." Ramanuja was mightily pleased and embracing Anantharya, declared before the congregation, " Anantharya, You are truly the man (Aanpillai)." Anatharya chose to settle down on the Hills in fulfillment of the command of the Guru and went on to lay the garden of flowers, dug up the lake and named it after Ramanuja. Anantharya was so much obsessed with zealous personal service to the Lord that on one occasion, he hit with a crowbar a young man who was trying to help his wife in laying the garden. Anantharya was chasing him when the young man disappeared into the temple. The priests found blood oozing from the chin of the Lord as Anantharya entered the sanctum sanctorum. He applied camphor on the chin and prayed for forgiveness. The crowbar can even today be seen at the entrance to the temple as a memento to the dedicated devotion of Anantharya. The camphor is distributed as prasad (sri padarenu).

Anantharya was actually born in Siruputtur near Mysore and drawn towards Ramanuja by his magnetic personality. During the second visit up the Hills, Saint Ramanuja went round the garden laid down by Ananthasuri and was delighted to find the garden thick with vakula, patala, punnaga, shenbaga and other flower bearing fragrant trees, the bunches of flowers hanging from the branches, entertaining the ears of pilgrims with strains of music poured forth by bees and all kinds of plumaged birds. Saint Ramanuja remembered, how on the first occasion, he had given the call to Ananthasuri at the time of discourse on Nammalwar's hymns referring to the Lord as residing in flower bedecked Venkata Hills (sindhupoo maghizhum thiruvengadam). He called Anantharya and declared in the august presence of Peria Thirumalai Nambigal, "O Anantharya! Having nursed thee, I now reap the fruit."

Anantha Suri was some sort of a chronicler. His Venkatchala Ithihasamala represents to Tirupati what Koil Olugu is to Srirangam. The Holy triumvirate of Saint Ramanuja, Anantharya and Peria Thirumalai Nambigal at a conference at the third visit of Ramanuja set up the Pedda Jeeyangar Mutt to regulate the vaikanasa agama form of worship. The saint began his Sri Bashya with an invocation to the Lord as Brahmani Srinivasa. This was a free Sanskrit rendering of Nammalwar's famous hymn addressing the Lord as "Alarmelmangai Urai Marba."

Epigraphs TT 171, 173 and 175 on the Tirumalai Hills show Ananthalwan's dedication to Saint Ramanuja. His word was gospel to him. Whatever was dear to Ramanuja was dearer to Ananthalwan. He prays to Ramanuja to bless him with the noble spirit to imbibe the teachings of Nammalwar. His devotion to Andal was so great that on one occasion he was seen diving deep down the Srivilliputtur temple tank to search for the remnants of holy turmeric if any used by Andal. He composed the Ramanuja Chatusloki showing how Srirangam, the Tirumalai Hills, Kanchi and Melkote were dear to Ramanuja. His Gotha Chatusloki is a work of great art, rich in lines whose depth of thought, warmth of feeling, glow of imagery and grace of phrases will ring for centuries in every land where the glory of Andal is cherished.

Bhattar, the successor to Saint Ramanuja at Srirangam, once sent a disciple to Ananthalwan to ascertain who a true Vaishnava was. Ananthalwan told the Brahmin from Srirangam, "A true Sri Vaishnavite is like a crane, like a cock, like salt. He will be like You." Bhattar later on explained the four different ideas of Ananthalwan. The Srivaishnava ignores ordinary mortals and awaits the arrival of a true Gnani so that he may surrender to that Mahatma through devotion to service. Not for him the different parts of the Vedas which are not always of universal appeal. Like the cock picking up the good grains from the chaff, the Vaishnava will swear by the Dravida Veda of Nammalwar. Just as the salt dissolves itself in food and becomes useful thereby, the Srivaishnava effaces himself in Bhagavath, Bhaagavatha and Acharya Kainkarya. Like the Brahmin from Srirangam, he is free of ego or arrogance, always humble and devoted to the Srivaishnava clan.

Ananthalwan's final sacred gift to the pilgrims visiting the Hills was the shrine for Ramanuja. The image was presented to Ananthalwan by Saint Ramanuja Himself on request and was consecrated after the Saint shuffled off his mortal coil. Consecration may be later in time but the image itself is more ancient than those in Sriperumbudur, Srirangam and Thirunarayanapuram.

Ananthalwan rebukes Nanjeeyar for taking to Sannyasa. For him liberation is attained by service to the community. Indeed Ananthalwan advises his disciple Vaishnava Dasa to spend his wealth for the upliftment of the poor and the down trodden if he is to aspire for the grace of Lord Venkateswara.

Ananthalwan joined eternity with the Lord on the sacred Thiru Adi Pooram day. Even today, Lord Venkateswara visits the garden and bestows honours on the Magizha Tree.

The satari at the main sanctum sanctorum is known as Sadagopa in remembrance of Nammalwar. The one in the Ramanuja shrine is known as Ananthalwan.

The Vaishnava community always held religious beliefs as filling too vital a function in sustaining individual morality and morale and social order and control. Ananthalwan belonged to a different clime and a different age, but it was not blind faith but faith married to reason.

Source : http://www.indiadivine.org

Legend Behind the temple

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that he came to reside on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarni, a tank which passes by Tirumala.


The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of Sheshnag – the cosmic serpent. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri.


According one legend, as Saint Ramanuja born in 11th Century AD climbed the seven hills of Tirupati, Lord Srinivas- another name for Lord Venkateswara- appeared before him and gave him his blessings. And after that he is believed to have been blessed to live till the ripe age of 120 years to spread the gospel of Sri Venkateswara.


People are encouraged to visit Tirumala on the day of Ekadasi in the month of Vaikunta, at which time all pilgrims in the abode of God will be forgiven of all their sins. They also would definitely attain salvation after they die, it is believed.

50 Year Old Video Footage of Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji

Rare video footage recorded by the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam 50 years ago as a promotional video for the Tirupati Balaji temple. You can see the abhishekam of the moola vigraha without any ornamentation, followed by the deity in full gold and diamond dress. This is the only authentic video of Tirupati Balaji ever recorded.