The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple located in the hill town of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism and is one of the most visited religious sites in the world. It is also one of the wealthiest temples in India, with a net worth of over INR 50,000 crore (about $6.8 billion).
The temple is situated on top of the Venkatadri hill, which is part of the Eastern Ghats range. It is located about 70 kilometers northwest of the city of Tirupati. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, which is a common style in South India. It is surrounded by seven hills, which are believed to represent the seven hoods of the celestial serpent, Adisesha.
According to legend, Lord Venkateswara appeared on the Venkatadri hill to save humanity from a severe drought. He is believed to have taken up residence on the hill, and the temple was built to honor him. The temple is also known as the “Temple of Seven Hills” because of its location on the Venkatadri hill.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), a trust that was established in 1932. The TTD is responsible for the maintenance and management of the temple and its assets. It is funded by the income generated from various sources, including donations from devotees, ticket sales, and the sale of prasadam (sacred food).
The temple is a major tourist attraction and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is a popular destination for devotees of Lord Vishnu, and many people visit the temple to seek blessings and perform puja (worship). The temple is also a popular site for weddings, and many couples come to the temple to get married.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is known for its opulence and grandeur. The temple complex is spread over an area of about 22 acres, and it is surrounded by a number of smaller temples and shrines. The main temple is a three-storied structure with a gold-plated roof, and it is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, who is also known as “Srinivasa,” “Balaji,” and “Govinda.” The idol of Lord Venkateswara is made of black stone and is adorned with gold and precious stones. The idol is placed in the sanctum sanctorum, which is located in the center of the temple.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple has a number of other deities that are worshipped by devotees. These include Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Narasimha. The temple also has a number of sacred objects, including the Srivari Salagrama, which is a sacred stone that is believed to represent Lord Vishnu.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is known for its elaborate puja rituals and ceremonies. The main puja ceremony is the Suprabhata Seva, which is performed every morning before dawn. During the Suprabhata Seva, the deity is awakened and offered a variety of items, including flowers, incense, and food. The temple also has a number of other puja ceremonies, including the Kalyana Utsavam, the Vasanthotsavam, and the Ekanta Seva.
