Today firstly we will talk about the journey and history of Tirupati Balaji Temple.  

The temple is in the Chitur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. 

 Tirupati  Venkateswara Temple is the first of the most visited temples of all pilgrimage sites in India. 

 Besides us Indians, foreign tourists also visit Tirupati Balaji Temple. 

 Tirumala (one of the seven hills of Tirupati) is also in the ancient Vedas and Puranas. 

 The area is also a beautiful city with lush green vegetation and small hills.  

Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh is also famous for its Hindu temples. 

Tourists can also see many other temples of Tirupati. 

Some of the most amazing temples such as Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Sri Kalahasti Temple, Parasurameshwara Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Kondandarama Temple. 

However, Tirupati has unique geological wonders.  

 Because there is a natural arch here. 

Here you can also see the relentless chant of Om Namo Venkateshaya, the frantic pilgrims, and the 8-foot idol of Lord Venkateswara.

But Sri Venkateswara Temple is considered a temple of seven hills, spread over an area of ​​26 km².

History of Tirupati Balaji Temple  

Although, no clear evidence is there regarding the origin. 

The temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara, is nestling among the seven sacred hills of Tirumala.

According to history, the construction of Tirupati Balaji  Temple began in AD 300. 

Sometimes many emperors and kings played a key role in the building of the temple.

 It was played by  Maratha General Raghoji Bhonsle in the 18th century. 

Because he formed a permanent steering committee to oversee the improvement of the temple. It was given the name Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam. 

Under him, a temple was built under the TTAT Act of 1933. 

Tirupati became the main center of Vaishnavism in the 5th century. 

The  Tirupati Srivaishnavula Rakshasa inscription is also installed in the 11th-century Srikuram temple.   

Balaji Tirupati Mandir is considered the Vaikuntha of the Earth and the abode of Lord Vishnu. 

The god Vishnu appeared in the temple during the Kaal Yuga period to lead believers to salvation.

According to myth, the gods came to this earth to bless their followers.

According to  Varaha Purana, Sir Rama rested here with Mata Sita and Lakshmana on their way back from Lankapuri to Treta Yuga.

The temple was occupied by the British in the 19th century and transferred to the Mahants of Hatiramji Math in 1843 along with other temples. 

Best Tourist Places  in Tirupati:

  • Sri Venkateswara Temple
  • Akasaganga Teertham
  • Silathoranam
  • Swami Pushkarini Lake
  • City Shopping
  • Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple
  • Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
  • TTD Gardens
  • Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram
  • Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
  • Chittoor
  • Sri Varahaswami Temple
  • Sri Venugopalaswami Temple
  • Nellore
  • ISKCON Tirupati
  • Tumburu Teertham
  • Deer Park, Tirupati
  • Kapila Teertham
  • Talakona Waterfall
  • Rock Garden, Tirupati
  • Japali Teertham
  • Papavinasam Theertham
  • Chandragiri Palace & Fort
  • Sri Bedi Ananjanayaswami Temple
  • Chakra Teertham Waterfalls
  • Sri Venkateswara National Park
  • Srivari Museum
  • Sri Veda Nayaranaswami Temple
  • Srivari Padalu
  • Regional Science Centre, Tirupati
  • Kanipakam
  • Vaikuntha Teertham
  • Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
  • Nagalapuram
  • Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswami Temple
  • Kapila Theertham
  • Highway Grand World
  • Teppotsavam
  • Brahmotsavam Festival in Tirupati
  • Kodandarama Swamy Temple

Architecture Of Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple

Basically, Looking at the architecture of Tirupati Balaji Temple, the temple was built in Dravidian architecture. 

Firstly, Its construction work continued from AD 300. 

The Most Holy of the Temple is called Anand Nilayam. 

In it stands Lord Venkateswara, facing the sanctuary to the east. 

If you look at this,  the architecture of all the temples in South India is beautiful. 

The idol of Lord Vishnu in the Tirupati Balaji temple was not made by anyone but appeared from the ground.

 According to Vaikhanasa tradition, Agama is worshiped in temples.

 And there are many mythical stories about this place.

 The idol of Venkateswara installed here is said to remain here until the end of Kali Yuga. 

 Three Entrances to the Temple 

The three entrances to the temple lead to the outer Most Holy. Mahadwara’s name is  Padikavali. A 50-foot-tall five-story gopuram (temple tower) was built above the Mahadwara.

 At the top are 7 Kalashes.

 Also known as Vendivakili or Nadimipadikavali. 

The second entrance is via Sampangiprakarma.

 A three-story gopuram was built here above Vendevili. 

There are 7 columns above

Bangaruvili is called Swarna Pravesh or Third Gate enters the sanctuary. 

On either side of the gate are two tall copper statues of the gatekeeper Jaya-Vijaya. 

Thick wooden doors are covered with gold-plated overlays.

Best time to visit Tirupati Balaji

 Tirupati temple is full of tourists all year round. 

However, September to February is the best to visit.

 At this time, it rains intermittently depending on the weather. 

Therefore, the climate is humid.

 Tirupati is not recommended to visit in hot weather. 

The winter season is ideal for sightseeing and temple visits.

 Because the weather here is pleasant at this time.

 At this time, one of Tirupati’s auspicious festivals in September marks the beginning of Bramochabam. 

October is the best season to visit the temples due to the festivals of Navratri and Dussehra. 

Darshan Timings Of Tirupati Balaji Temple

For VIP darshan in Tirupati Balaji temple, online registration has to be done by paying Rs.300. 

It takes you half an hour to 3 hours. 

Tirupati Balaji Temple is open 24 hours. (tirupati balaji darshan) The temple is open for free darshan in Tirupati from 2:30 am to 1:30 am the next day. 

How much time do you take for free darshan here?

It cannot be guessed. Because there is a rush to visit, it takes 3 to 4 hours. 

There is more crowd. 

So you have to stand in line for 18 hours. 

The right time for Tirupati Balaji Darshan is less crowded.

Darshan Timings Of Senior Citizen In Tirupati Balaji

Tirupati Balaji has arrangements for elderly citizens from South Mada Street or other gates.

 Special darshan

Pilgrims coming in as senior citizens have darshan at 3 pm in two different slots. 

To join, you have to present proof of age i.e. ID or any relevant medical certificate. 

Pilgrims have to report here two hours in advance to avail of benefits from Tirupati Balaji Temple Trust.

Friday Darshan at Venkateswara Temple 

 Believers have the opportunity to see the complete idol of Lord Venkateswara once a week, on Friday.

 On Friday there are three Darshans of the Lord.

 There is no charge for this visit. 

Devotees can have the darshan of the idol of Lord Venkateswara during Abhishek on Friday morning. 

 

 Why  People Donate Hair to Tirupati Balaji 

 The reasons for donating hair at Tirupati Balaji, the tradition of donating hair at the Tirupati Balaji temple, are very old. 

According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Venkateswara returns money borrowed from Kubera for charity. 

It is believed that Lord Venkateswara pays for the hair we donated. ten times more. 

The tradition of providing this hair at the Balaji Tirupati temple is called Mokku. 

Every year, 20,000 people donate their hair every day here. 

For him, the temple has 600 barbers. 

This hair is sold abroad at a good price. 

Because the quality of this hair is very good. 

 

 Tirupati Balaji’s Hair Donation Rules

There are several rules for donating hair to a devotee of Tirupati Balaji.  

Tourists donate their hair before visiting the Tirupati Balaji Temple. 

Hairdressers do not charge for hair donations. 

However, many believers donate money to hairdressers of their own free will. 

If you want to donate hair, you must bring a knife directly from the temple. 

 Devotees have to line up for a haircut. 

 After donating hair, they bathe, change clothes, and go to the temple for fertility. 

 Tirupati Balaji laaddu 

 In Tirupati, laddu offers as a prasad to Lord Venkateswara. 

 Tirupati Devasthanam Pothu prepares delicious laddu in the kitchen. 

 Potu Kitchen can make 8 million laddus daily. 

One weighs 175g and can only be produced and marketed by Thirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Distribution of laddu began on  August 2, 1715. 

Every day, 10 tons of sugar, 10 tons of flour, 300-500 liters of butter oil, 700 kg of cashews, 500 kg of raisins, 540 g of raisins, and candy are used to make Radu. 

 Food  Of Tirupati Balaji Temple 

 Speaking of Tirupati food, the taste of Tamil, Andheri, and Hyderabadi cuisine can be found on city plates.

 Since Tirupati is a religiously important place, vegetarian only.

 But, Here you get the taste of different textures of cinnamon, black pepper, chili, oil, tamarind, groundnut, and coconut.

 Sweet Rice, Rava Khichdi, Tomato Rice, Dosa, Lemon Rice, Halwa, Sheermal, Laddu, Payasam, and Kaza are too famous here.  

 

 

 Accommodation in Tirupati Balaji Temple 

 Arrangement Of Stay in Tirupati Balaji 

Tourists also get free rooms for a family comfortable stay in Tirumala.

Electricity and water are also available in it free of cost.

For free accommodation, travelers can contact Kala, the Central Reception Office located near Tirumala Bus Stand.

Travelers can relax in the lobby of the TTD hostel.

But if you get a room for money, you can use this too. 

 Organization of accommodation in Tirupati Balaji upon payment of money.

Tourists may reserve paid accommodations 30 days prior to departure from Tirumala in writing to the Chief Deputy Director (Reception-1) TTD, Tirumala – 517504.

This letter must be accompanied by an invoice in the amount of Rs 100 issued for the Managing Director of  TTD, payable in Tirupati and issued by a nationalized bank. 

Where is Tirupati Balaji temple (How to reach)

By Train 

All in all Tirupati Railway Station has connections to all railway stations in South India.

Tirupati has 3 train stations: Renigunta, Main Tirupati, and Anantarajupet.

From there, many express and bullet trains also run to the country’s major cities.

You can also hire a bus or taxi to get to your desired location in the city.

So it is very easy to move around. 

 

By car 

 However, You can have a very interesting experience while traveling on the road.

Because it has connections by road to Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Bangalore.

Tirupati also provides regular bus service to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

You can also rent a bus or taxi from the local means of transport in Tirupati.

But It is very easy to navigate it. 

 By plane 

 Basically, The closest airport to Tirupati is in Renigunt, 15 km from the main city.

So, Upgrade to an international standard airport by the central government.

From there, direct flights are available to major cities such as New Delhi, Visakhapatnam, and Hyderabad.

However, Outside the airport, it is easily accessible by bus or taxi. 

Key Facts about Tirupati Balaji Temple 

So, It is a major tourist destination among the most sacred religious sites in India.  

But, The biggest annual festival is the Brahmotsavam of the Tirupati Venkateshwara temple. 

It also belongs to the popular Thirumala Venkateswara Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple. 

Tirupati is also the spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh.  

Last but not least, Tirupati Balaji Temple is called Vaikuntha of  Earth.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tirupati Balaji Temple

The distance between Tirupati Balaji Temple and Tirupati Railway Station is 9 kilometers and 900 meters

Here is the map for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple 

 

 

Source

You might also enjoy: