The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, located in the town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered and visited Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), the temple is also known as Balaji Temple, Govindaraja Temple, and Srinivasa Temple. It attracts millions of devotees annually and is renowned for its spiritual significance, architectural grandeur, and the sacred laddu prasadam.
Overview of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
- Location: Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Deity: Lord Venkateswara (Balaji).
- Significance: One of the holiest Vaishnavite temples, part of the 108 Divya Desams.
- Built By: Contributions from various dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandya, and Vijayanagara rulers.
- Managed By: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), a trust that oversees the temple’s operations and services.
Key Features
Temple Architecture:
- The temple exhibits Dravidian architecture with a richly decorated gopuram (tower) and golden vimanam (dome).
- Built on the Venkatadri Hill, part of the Seshachalam Hills, the temple complex seamlessly blends natural beauty with architectural splendor.
Sanctum Sanctorum:
- The main deity, Lord Venkateswara, is a self-manifested (swayambhu) idol standing majestically adorned with ornaments and flowers.
- The idol is believed to grant boons to devotees who seek blessings with true devotion.
Hundi (Donation Box):
- The temple’s hundi is one of the richest in the world, with devotees offering cash, gold, and other valuables as part of their devotion.
Prasadam (Laddu):
- The temple’s Tirupati Laddu is world-famous and is considered sacred. It has been granted a GI (Geographical Indication).
Festivals
- Brahmotsavam:
- The most important festival, celebrated for nine days in September-October, attracts millions of devotees.
- It features processions of the deity on elaborately decorated vahanas (vehicles).
- Vaikunta Ekadasi:
- Celebrated in December-January, devotees pass through the Vaikunta Dwaram, symbolizing liberation.
- Rathotsavam:
- A grand chariot festival marking Lord Venkateswara’s journey across the temple streets.