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Tirupati is one of
the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. Located
in the extreme southeast of southern Indian state of
Andhra Pradesh in Chittor district, devotees from
all over India and abroad throng the place by
thousands to have darshan at the temples. The name 'Tirupati'
means 'Lord of Lakshmi.' According to rough
estimates, the number of devotees who come to the
place even exceed the numbers to popular holy places
like the Vatican and Mecca.
Accommodation and connectivity
Direct flights operate from Hyderabad and Chennai to
Tirupati. Direct railway services are also available
from important destinations like Hyderabad, Chennai,
Bangalore, Kolkata and Mumbai. Both private and
government buses operate between Tirupati and other
important places of the state.
There are plenty of
dhramshalas and guest houses in Tirupati offering
comfortable stay at reasonable rates, hence
accommodation is not a problem here.
Tourist Attractions
Sri Venkateswara Temple
The most famous of Tirupati's temples, Tirupati
Tirumala Balaji or Lord Venkateswara temple is
located on the seventh peak Venkatachala of the
Tirupati Hills. According to ancient texts, one can
attain moksha in Kaliyug only by worshipping Lord
Venkateshwara. Regarded as the richest temple in the
world, the architecture of the temple is
magnificent. The Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas have
all contributed immensely in building the temple.
Sri Varahaswami Temple
Sri Varahaswami Temple is located to the north of
Sri Venkateswara temple. The temple is located on
the banks of Swami Pushkarini. The idol of Sri
Varahaswami in Tirumala is that of Adi Varaha.
Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple
Located opposite the Sri Varahaswami temple on the
north eastern banks of Swami Pushkarini, the hands
of the idol of Sri Anjaneyaswami are joined in
supplication and look very attractive.
Swami Pushkarini
The tank of Swami Pushkarini is believed to be a
pleasure tank of Lord Vishnu. It is , therefore said
that a bath in the Swami Pushkarini cleanses all
sins and bestows prosperity. Pilgrims take a dip
here before entering the nearby temples.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is another Tirupati
temple known for its architecture. The imposing
gopuram of the temple could be seen from a distance.
It is interesting to note that there are many sub
temples within the main temple premises.
Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple
Situated in the heart of Tirupati town, the
presiding deities in the temple are Sita, Rama and
Lakshmana. According to legend, the temple
commemorates the visit of Sri Rama to Tirupati.
Excursion Delights
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple
This is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in
Tirupati. It is situated 3 kms to the north of
Tirupati at the foot of Tirumala Hills.
Sri Kariya Manikyaswami Temple
Sri Perumala Swami Temple is located 51 kms from
Tirupati in Nagiri. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu
killed Makara- the crocodile and saved Gajendra, an
elephant and his ardent worshipper from this place.
Sri Veda Narayanaswami temple
This temple is located 70 kms southeast of Tirupati.
According to ancient texts, Lord Vishnu in the form
of Matsya had killed the demon Somakudu at the place
and took possession of the Vedas from the latter.
The sanctum sanctorum also has an image of the
Matsya form of Vishnu. The idol could be seen
holding the Sudarsana Chakra ready for release. The
temple is a fine example of Vijaynagar style of
architecture.
Tirupati is a pantheon of Vaishnavite temples. All
the temples have their own festivals. The Navratra
and Dussehra festivals are celebrated with pomp and
gaiety in this sacred temple town.
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