Located in a small district called Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, the temple of Tirupati Balaji is situated in the city of Tirupati. This temple is one of the richest temple in India. After the Vatican, Tirupati pilgrimage is one of the most visited shrine in the world. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and thus is also known as Sri Venkateswara Temple.
 |
| Tirupati Balaji Temple |
Attractions In Tirupati
Sri Varahaswami Temple:- It is located on the banks of Swami Pushakarni towards the northern side of Tirupati Balaji. It is said that Tirumala was originally the abode of Lord Varahaswami and it was with his permission that allowed Lord Balaji to reside here. The Brahma Purana states that darshan at the Varahaswami temple should be done first before proceeding to the Balaji temple.
Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami Temple:- It is located opposite the Tirupati Balaji temple due to the importance of having Anjaneya according to Vaishnavite tradition. Anjaneya is a form of Hanuman. The inner sanctum has a statue of Anjaneya with hands folded where abhishekam is performed every Sunday and special offerings are made on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
 |
| Silathoranam |
Silathoranam:- A lesser known place of the city is Silathoranam, a natural rock formation in the form of an arch situated near the Chakra Tirtham. It is believed to be several million years old. It is the place where the deity Lord Venkateshwara came down to earth. Rock impressions of foot and wheel are seen behind the arch.
Festivals:- Srivari Brahmotsavam is a nine-day event which is celebrated in grandeur every year during the month of October. It is the major event of the temple attracting lakhs of devotees all over the country. The processional deity (Malayappa) along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi is taken in a procession in four mada streets around the temple on different vahanams.
 |
| Celebration of Brahmotsavam festival |
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.
The other annual festivals celebrated with great splendor are Rama Navami, Janmashtami, Ugadi and Teppotsavam(Float Festival).
Some of the rituals performed in the temple are stated below-
1) Pushpa Yagam:- It is the worship of the Lord with a variety of sweets and fragrant flowers. It is conducted on sravana nakshatram day after Brahmotsavam.
 |
| Pushpa Yagam |
2) Thulabharam:- In this 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, banana and gold. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children.
3) Pavitrotsavam:- It is a purificatory ceremony 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.
4) Sahasranama Archana:- The ritual is performed by worshipping the Lord by reciting the Sahasranamam (1008 names of the Lord). It lasts for about 30 minutes. After its completion, devotees are allowed to have a darshan of the Lord.
How to reach Tirupati Balaji Temple?
By Air : A domestic airport is located at Renigunta, just 15 km from Tirupati. Regular flights connect Tirupati with Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Vijaywada.
By Rail : Tirupati railway station is located in the heart of the city with convenient rail links to Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major Indian cities. Trains are also available via Renigunta from where a local bus or a taxi will help you reach Tirupati.
By Road : Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses from Tirupati to all the major cities in south India.
