TIRUPATI BALAJI

About Tirupati Balaji
Tirupati is 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor locality, the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is one of the most visited Pilgrimage Centre in India. Sri Venkateshwara temple is one of the most important place of interest here. Sri Venkateshwara is also known as the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country. The shrine is situated on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with a height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. Tirupati Temple is considered as the richest temple in the world, with a vibrant cultural and philanthropic foundation and a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who wait for hours together to get a glimpse of the presiding deity.
 
 The Lord of Tirumala is considered as the all-pervading Lord of the Universe. Almost daily 30,000 devotees on an normal, visit the sacred place of pilgrimage of Lord Venkateswara to pay their homage to him.
 
The Architecture
The ancient Tirupathi Balaji is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot to the development of this temple. They endowed the shrine, offering worship to the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple also has beautiful 'gopuram' or tower. The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam".

The Shrine consists of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana' or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' (as is called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu trinity.

Other Attractions near Tirupati Balaji
Swami Pushkarani
This tank is adjacent to the temple and is highly sacred. Pilgrims take a bath here before entering the temple.
Akasa Ganga
This is a waterfall about 3 kms to the north of the temple.
Papavinasanam
This is about 5 kms to the north of the temple.
Vaikuntha Tirtham
It is at a distance of about 3 kms north-east of the temple.
Tumburu Tirtham
It is about 16 kms north of the temple.
Geological Arch
This rare geological formation is situated at 1 km north of the temple.
Lepakshi Emporium
A perfect place to purchase attractive handicrafts at reasonable prices. This is situated near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central Reception Office.
T.T.D Gardens
The Devasthanams has beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species of plants and trees.
Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall)
This is the venue for the devotional programs like discourses, music concerts, harikathas and bhajans conducted under the protection of Dharma Prachara Parishat.

Getting There
Air : Indian Airlines connects Hyderabad and Tirupati.
Rail : Train facilities are available to various destinations like Secunderabad / Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Howrah, Varanasi, Kochi, Mumbai, Bellary, Madurai, etc.
Road : Tirupati is well connected to all the major cities of south India.

Accommodation
Accommodation of all categories are available in Tirupati. You just need to pick one of them according to your budget and requirement.