Mukesh Prajapati Damdaar Blogs Sri Venkateswara Temple Tour Tirumala Tirupati Yatra
If you’ve been considering taking a spiritual getaway, then a Sri Venkateswara Temple Tour Tirumala Tirupati Yatra is the perfect way to do it. This holy pilgrimage has long been a tradition for Hindus and is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India. The journey takes devotees around the most important sites associated with Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati, India, and includes stops at temples like Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can make the most out of your Tirumala Tirupati Yatra experience in 2023.
History of the Sri Venkateswara Temple
The Sri Venkateswara Temple is situated atop the sacred hill of Tirumala in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India and receives millions of pilgrims every year from all over the country.
Lord Sri Venkateswara, also referred to as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Veṅkaṭachalapati, chose Tirumala as his abode five thousand years ago. His predecessor, Lord Varahaswami, too had chosen the same location before him. Over time, many devotees have added grand entrances to the temple ramparts, constructing them over generations. The temple complex covers an area of 16.2 acres.
The temple of Sri Varahaswami, which faces East, is situated in the North West corner of the Swami Pushkarini. Legend has it that when Lord Srinivasa sought land from Varahaswami, he granted it willingly and as a gesture of gratitude, Srinivasa gave him an agreement deed assuring that he would be given the first darshan by all devotees visiting the temple. This custom still continues at Tirumala and devotees offer their worship and respect to Lord Varahaswami prior to doing so for Lord Venkateswara. Even today, all offerings are made firstly to Varahaswami and then to Lord Sri Venkateswara.
The Maha Dwaram at the main entrance of Sri Venkateswara has been gradually built up in height since the 13th Century, and stands at a majestic 50 feet tall today. It is known under many names such as ‘Padivaakili’, ‘Simhadwaram’ and ‘Periya Thiruvasal’ in Tamil. On either side of this grand entrance are two statues made of alloy metal (Pancha loha), these are Sankanidhi and Padmanidhi who guard Navanidhi, the treasure of Lord Sri Venkateswara. The Maha Dwaram itself is composed of three entrances, with each increasingly charming; the first being made of brass, second with silver, and finally culminating in a golden one.
Adjacent to the Mahadwara, one can find the high-rise Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam / Pratima Mandapam. This porch is of Vijayanagara architectural style. Here, three copper statues of Sri Krishnadevarayalu and his consorts Tirumala Devi and Chinnadevi are installed in front of Lord Sri Venkateswara, signifying their devotion. It is said that these statues were placed on 2nd January 1517 A.D by the emperor himself, with their names inscribed on the shoulder badges. Consequently, this mandapam has come to be known as Krishnadevarayalu mandapam.
The Sri Venkateswara Temple is managed by a board of trustees known as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). It is one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world with an annual budget of over 3,096.40 crore.
What to expect on your tour of the Sri Venkateswara Temple
When you come to the Sri Venkateswara Temple, you can expect to see one of the most important Hindu temples in all of India. This temple is located in Tirumala Tirupati, which is a town in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is built on top of a hill, and it is said that there are seven hills that make up Tirumala Tirupati. The Sri Venkateswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is one of the most important deities in Hinduism.
Visitors can expect to see a number of different things when they tour the temple. First, they will see the main shrine, which is where Lord Vishnu is enshrined. There are also a number of other shrines and temples on the premises, including those dedicated to other Hindu deities such as Lakshmi, Shiva, and Brahma. In addition, visitors will be able to see many beautiful sculptures and paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
The tour of the Sri Venkateswara Temple will give visitors a chance to learn about one of the most important places of worship in Hinduism. They will also be able to see some of the most impressive examples of Indian art and architecture.
What are the best times to visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple?
Tirupati welcomes its visitors all year round. During the winter months of November to February, minimum temperatures usually stay around 15°C and light woolens at night are recommended. Summer months (March to June) are characterized by hot and humid weather, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C to 45°C in April and May. July marks the start of the monsoon season in Tirupati, bringing some relief from the heat and mild showers. The month of September is when one of the biggest festivities in Tirupati, Brahmotsavam, is celebrated and many people choose this time for their temple visits.
How to get to the Sri Venkateswara Temple
The Shri Venkateswara Temple is located in Tirumala, Tirupati. To get to the temple, take the steps leading from the main entrance on the left side. There are 1,008 steps in total. The temple is located at the top of the hill.
Tips for making the most of your visit to the Sri Venkateswara Temple
When visiting the Sri Venkateswara Temple, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience. First, be sure to dress conservatively and modestly. This means no shorts or tank tops for men, and no skirts or sleeveless shirts for women. Second, don’t bring any food or drink into the temple – you’ll need to leave it all outside. Third, be prepared for a long wait in line – it’s worth it, though! And finally, have some small bills handy to make offerings at the temple.
Conclusion
Visiting the Sri Venkateswara Temple is an unforgettable experience that can leave a lasting impression on any pilgrim. The beauty, grandeur and spiritual significance of this incredible temple make it one of the most sacred places in India. From the stunning architecture to the awe-inspiring deities, there’s something for everyone at our Tirumala Tirupati Yatra program. We look forward to hosting you in 2023 where we hope to share some special memories with you!
