Tirupati is a city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.it is famous for Sri Venkateswara Temple or popularly known as Tirupati Balaji Temple located atop the 7th peak of Tirumala Hills called Venkatachala. According to legend, it is the place Lord Vishnu chose as an alternative to Vaikuntha, his celestial home. Tirupati is known as the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshwara, Lord of Seven Hills. According to legend, Vishnu was disconsolate when Lakshmi left him and so he married Padmavati, one of her incarnations.
Since Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity) had left him, Vishnu was left with no money for his own wedding. So, he borrowed what he needed from Kubera. Devotees making offerings at Tirumala believe that they are helping the lord repay his debt and that He, in turn, will help them. The temple attracts scores of Hindu pilgrims throughout the year, while on special days like Brahmotsavam the footfall triples sometimes. The exact age of the temple is not known and there are differences about its origin and about the deity.
Ramanuja, the Vaishnava scholar, identified the deity as Lord Vishnu and put an end to the dispute about the deity in the 12th century. The Kings of Devrayas, Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagar, and Mysore upgraded the temple and also endowed it with priceless valuables. Besides being a pilgrim town, modern-day Tirupati is fast turning into a business hub of southern Andhra Pradesh. Major brands of automobile, electrical, textile, mobile, and electronic companies have their outlets in Tirupati. Several Sugar mills, pharmaceutical companies, and cement factories can be seen here.
The sacred hill of Tirumala is situated about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Tirupati in Sri Venkateshwara Sanctuary and National Park. The hill was considered so holy that before 1870 non-Hindus were not permitted. well connected by road, rail, and air, Tourism in Tirupati is not just about Balajitemple it has numerous other places worth visiting. These include Sri Venkateswara National Park is known for its flora and fauna, home to the temple, also contains the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park with lions and primates.
Nearby, next to a waterfall and cave believed to be sacred, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also worth visiting is Chandragiri Fort built in the 11th century. This site frosts a sound and light show twice a day in English and Telugu language. There is a Hanuman Temple at the entrance of the fort. Among other places worth visiting is Govindaraja Swamy Temple. Tourists can also visit Kapila Theertham Falls, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mandir, Regional Science Centre, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple (Srinivasa Mangapuram), Kalyani Dam., Tiruchanur. Tiruchanur, and Mukkoti.
Tourist can also visit Sri Venkateshwara Museum and Srivari Padalu View Point. The temple is famous for the massive Tirupati Laddu, as well as providing free food to devotees. People can also buy this laddo. Tirupati is also famous for collecting tons of #hair that devotees offer to Lord Venkateshwar. A,’ No Plastic’ zone Tirupati market sells products mostly related to Lord Venkateshwar like photos, statues handicrafts, incense sticks, and much more.
There is a dress code to wear for entering the temple for which tickets ate sold and all devotees are required to follow them. There are a few hotels in Tirupati and Tirumala besides free lodging facilities that are run by the temple management board, called Tirumala Tirupati Devosthanam or TTD. The pilgrimage town is always alive with people moving around the city 24 hrs a day as sometimes the waiting period to visit the temple can last for more than a day. A visit to the city is a must for all who believe in Lord Balaji.
