1. ABOUT THE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE :-

This Venkateswara Temple is situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirumati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.  This is dedicated to Shri Venkateswara , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that he appeared on this very spot to save mankind from trials of Kali Yuga.  This is also known as Tirumala Temple, It is most popular temple in terms of received wealth and donations. The temple is visited by 50000 to 1 lakh people everyday. There are several legends associated with the temple that there is a murti which will remain for entire period of Kaliyuga. It is around 435 km from Vijayawada. The temple premises has two modern queue modern buildings to organize the pilgrim rush. There are 3 entrances which will lead to GARBAGRIHA( the place where Lord Venkateswara will be residing with his small idols.) The thick wooden door is covered with golden gilt plates depicting the Dasvathaaram of Vishnu.

All the Aradhana is done by Heriditary Vaikhanasa Priests who have performed services from generations. Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple is a paradise of festivals where over 430 festivals are being observed 365 days in a year. One of the most important offering in this temple is the Thulabharam where a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing balance and other ones with materials greater than weight of devotee. This is usually done with newborn babies or children. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, Tulsi leaves,  banana and gold. There are many near ancient temples nearby Tirumala. Temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka at 75 km from Tirupati.

2. HOW TO REACH:-

It is easily accessible by all forms of transport. If you want to reach here by road, Wiwigo can provide you the best possible hassle free oneway or roundtrip travel from any corner of India. Moreover, Tirumala has direct bus services from Tirupati. If you travel by rail, Tirupati Railway station is the nearest station and is well equipped with five platforms. If you travel by Air, The nearest airport to Tirumala is near Reniguta about 15 km from Tirupati. Some of the best and affordable hotels near Tirupati are Hotel Dhuvtara, Fortune Kenses Hotel, Marasa Sarovar Premiere. Buses and other transport are banned on ghat road from Tirupati to Tirumala between 12 am and 3 am.

3. GUIDLINES FOR ONLINE BOOKINGS :-

(1) Registeration with TTD website is mandatory for booking sevas/ accommodations. One person will be alloted one seva and one allotment for accomodation within a 60 days quota.

(2) Special entry darshan is introduced to quick darshan of the pilgrims. The cost of ticket is worth Rs 300 per pilgrim.

(3) Divya Darshan is that category for the people who reach the temple by trekking to Alipiri. Free bus facility is available from railway station as per choice.

(4) Deposit your offerings only in the Hundi

(5) Don’t rush in for Darshan instead of waiting for your turn in queue.

4. ACCOMMODATION FOR THE PILGRIMS:-

In Venkateswara Temple, there are large coultries with free homes for families to stay in a reasonable comfort. For free accommodation, pilgrims may contact the Central reception office near Tirumala bus stand. Pilgrims can also stay at the dormitory halls provided by TTD. They has enforced penalty on accommodation for those who do not vacate the rooms within 24 hours as the norms of TTD.

5. SEVAS FOR THE PILGRIMS :-

(a) ARIJITHA SEVAS

Arijtham means Darshan of lord on payment of a fee fixed by temple management. In Tirumala at present 3 Pujas are performed, one in the morning open to public, second in afternoon and the third, at night in which only the Archakas, Parichakras and the Archarya purushas of the temple alone take part. The tickets for all the Arijtha sevas are sold in one month advance for the benefit of the devotees to participate in activities of Srivara Temple.

(b) TEPPOTSAVAM

Every year during Phalguni Pournami, This festival is celebrated on a large scale for five days in the month of march. On the first day, Lord Ram and Sita are taken for a celestial ride and then finally decked float in Swami Pushkarini. On second day, Lord Krishna and Rukmini are offered pleasure ride on float. The pilgrims strive to grandeur on this particular day, since charm of the full moon is added attraction to divine beauty of the deities. This is one of the prime festivals for Lord Venkateswara Temple.

6. DRESS CODE :-

To enhance the beauty of the temple, the TTD has introduced traditional dress code in 2013. For men, the dress code is Dhoti or pyjamas with upper cloth. For women, the preferred dress code is saree with churidar  with pyjama and upper cloth. Initially it was implemented for the pilgrims who are taking part in Arijitha sevas and now it has been extended to VIP pilgrims seeking darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy.

7. PLACES TO VISIT AROUND TIRUMALA :-

Besides the Iconic temple of Lord Venkateswara, there are various other places to visit and admire around Tirumala. Some of the must visit places are Dharmagiri, Papavinasam and Akasa Ganga waterfalls. There are several teerthams in Tirumala such as Chakra Teertham, Ramakrishna Teertham, Vaikuntha Teertham and Sesha Teertham.

(a)  Chakra Theertham

Chakra Teertham Tirumala is also a famous pond which is located next to Silathoranam and holds special importance. This is just at distance of 2 Km from the Venkateswara temple. It is believed that whomsoever will bath in this sacred pond will be straight leaded to lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. The best time to visit this place is in the rainy season. private taxis are available for this place. Every pilgrim visiting Tirumala must and should visit this place.

(b) Dharmagiri

Two kilometers from Silathoranam is the Ved Viganada Parsiad on the Dharmagiri Hills established by TTD. An impressive idol of Brahma displaying the four vedas welcomes the visitors at the entrance. The chanting of the Vedic hyms by the students make the visitors feel the pulse of the vibrant culture of the ancient hindus.

(c) Akasa Ganga Waterfalls

Here at Akash Ganga Theertham, holy water comes out as natural streams between hill rocks. Devotees have to climb down steps to reach Akash ganga Theertham.  The waterfall is about 5 km from Tirumala main temple. The donation of gold is recommended at this Theertham. If you want to reach here, private taxis are allowed at a minimal charge. Bathing in this water is really refreshing and is said to wash away the evils and confer good fortune.

So I think you must visit this great venkateswara temple in Tirumala once in your lifetime with your family for the darshan of the Lord.

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