Tirupati Balaji

152 km of Chennai, Tirupati, the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshvara or the Lord of Seven Hills, is the backbone of Andhra Pradesh plgrimage and tourism industry. The world-renowned temple is situated at Tirumala hill, 10 km from Tirupati, at an altitude of 750 m above sea level. The strict rituals followed here are evident from the fact that until late 19th century, non-Hindus were not permitted to ascend the hill itself. The ancient shrine have blossomed with the generous aids and contributions of the all the kings from great dynasties of the southern peninsula including the Pallavas of Kancheepuram, the Cholas of Thanjavur, the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings of Vijayanagar empire. However, the donations multiplied astronomically during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty and the legendary king Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the Tirupati temple.

Raghoji Bhonsle, the Maratha general, visited the temple and said to be the first person to set up a permanent donation for the conduct of worship in the temple along with offerings of valuable jewels and a large emerald to the Lord. The emerald is preserved carefully in a box named after the General to this day. The rulers of Mysore and Gadwal have also been amongst the biggest contributors to the temple. Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is popularly known as the temple of Tirupati Balaji. The other noteworthy temples at Tirupati are Padmavati Temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavati, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. A visit to this temple also known as 'Alamelumangapuram' is customary to complete the pilgrimage to the Tirumala temple. Govindaraja Swami Temple was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 and is one of the most important temples of the city. The 10th century Kodandaramaswami Temple dedicated to Sita, Rama and Lakshmana was built by a Chola ruler. Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple is only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tirupati. Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple at Srinivasa Mangapuram is believed to be the place where Lord Venkateswara stayed here after his marriage with Sri Padmavati Devi before returning to his abode at Tirumala.

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

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 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.