One of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world, Lord Venkateshwara Temple, is the reason Tirupati, in the Andhra Pradesh district of Chittoor, is known. Known by several names, including Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is also among the richest temples in the world. One of the seven hills of Tirupati, where the major temple is situated, is called Tirumala. The deity Govinda resides in the temple, which is thought to be the place where Lord Venkateshwara assumed the form of an idol. Numerous ancient Vedas and Puras reference Tirupati, one of the oldest cities in India.
The main town is Tirupati, and the Tirupati Balaji Temple is located in Tirumala Hills. It is devoted to Lord Venkateswara, who is thought to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and who came to earth to rescue humanity from the kali yuga. The temple is also known as Sri Venkateshvara Swami Vaari Temple. With its Geographical indicator designation, the well-known Tirupati Laddoo—served as prasad at the temple—can only be prepared and sold there. Pilgrims adore it so much that they usually include it in the price of their paid darshan tickets, or they can purchase it from the laddoo counters inside the temple complex.
Destinations In Tirupati
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple
All year long, pilgrims and visitors pour into Tirupati’s most beloved and celebrated shrine, Sri Venkateshwara shrine. Millions of worshippers come to this temple, which is among the richest and holiest in the world, to offer their respects.
This enormous number of pilgrims visits the shrine daily—roughly 50,000. As a result, a comprehensive process has been designed and implemented, culminating at the shrine with darshan.
The Vaikuntam Queue Complex, a network of connected halls that leads to the main temple, is the entrance to the Darshan. With all the amenities offered, these halls are tidy and cozy.
2. Akasaganga Teertham
Akasaganga Teertham is a waterfall in Tirupati, located at a distance of 3 km from the main temple. The waterfall has water flowing throughout the year and holds immense religious significance.
Pilgrims can also pay homage to the Devi temple situated very close to the waterfall. During the monsoons, the waterfall is a beautiful sight to the eyes.
3. Silathoranam
The Silathoranam, one of the natural wonders of history, is today regarded as a significant archaeological and cultural site. There are just three natural rock formations like this one in the entire globe.
Many hypotheses are supported by geology and archaeology, but there are also beliefs about the rock formation’s association with Lord Venkateswara’s idol. The State Government maintains protection for the rock formation as a national monument.
4. Swami Pushkarini Lake
Swami Pushkarini Lake is situated very close to the Sri Venkateshwara Temple. The lake was said to have been in Vaikuntham and belonged to Lord Vishnu.
Garuda carried it to Earth for Sri Venkateshwara’s amusement. Extremely sacred, before entering the main temple, pilgrims typically dip in the waters of this lake.
The Ideal Time To Go To Tirupati
Although Tirupati is popular all year round, September through February are the best months to visit because of the reasonably warm weather and sporadic showers. Tirupati is not the best place to visit in the summer because of the oppressive heat and humidity.
The weather is nice during the winter, making it the perfect time of year to visit the temple and go sightseeing. By September, when Brahmotsavam, one of Tirupati’s important festivals, begins, the town is packed. Winter is still the ideal time to visit temples because of October holidays like Navratri and Dussehra. It is best to avoid traveling to Tirupati in April and May because of the extreme heat.
