Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Temple,
Built by King Thondaiman, Sri Venkateswara Temple is one of the significant pilgrimages for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. The temple has been designed with Dravidian architecture and is situated on the Tirumala Hils. Sri Venkateswara is widely known as Tirupati Balaji Temple and is one of the wealthiest temples of the world as more than 3500 pilgrims visit the temple every year.
History and Legend
There is a legend behind the temple being situated at the hills. Once the sages were performing a yajna, but could not decide whom to offer the yajna fruit. So they decided to send Rishi Bhrigu to test all three gods. Rishi Bhrigu, who has an extra eye on his foot, visited Shiva and Brahma unnoticed, but Lord Vishnu noticed his presence but acted otherwise. It infuriated the sage, and he kicked Vishnu, but the god, on the other hand, massaged his feet to apologize and crushed the eye in this process.
Goddess Laxmi, who took it as insult, left Vaikuntha and started meditating in Kolhapur. Vishnu also took human form named Srinivasan and also began meditation at the Tirupati Hills. His conditions concerned goddess Laxmi, and she requested Shiva and Brahma to help her. Both of them took the form of Cow and Calf and were gifted to Chola Kings by the goddess herself. The cow and calf started giving milk to Srinivasan. The cowherd started beating the cow when they saw this scene, but Srinivasan cursed the king to suffer for this. The king asked for forgiveness, and Srinivasan asked him to get his future daughter Padmavati married to Srinivasan. The king did the same and Srinivasan married Padmavati. Angered with this news, Laxmi visited their place, and Srinivasan turned into stone as Laxmi and Padmavati were about to question him. Lord Shiva and Brahma arrived at the place and told that Lord Vishnu had to take this form to save mankind. Both his queens also decided to stay with him and also took the form of stone.
Nearby Attractions
- Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
- Silathoranam
- Kapilateertham
- Govindaraja Sway Temple
- Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple
- Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple
How to Reach Sri Venkateswara?
By Air – While Chennai is the nearest International Airport to reach Tirupati, Renigupta is the nearest Domestic Airport. Taxi service is easily available, and you can hire it right from the airports.
By Train – Tirupati is well connected with metro-cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, and Vishakhapatnam. The temple is at 15 Km away from the Renigupta railway station.
By Road – State buses as well as taxis and renting cars can be hired to reach the destination.
Deities
- Tirumala Dhruva Bera
- Bhoga Srinivasa
- Ugra Srinivasa
- Utsava Beram
- Koluvu Srinivasa
Major Festivals
- Brahmotsavam
- Vaikunta Ekadashi
- Rathasapthami
- Rama Navami
- Janmashtami
- Vasanthotsavam
- Pushpa yagam
- Teppotsavam
Nearby Hotels
- Nihas Inn
- Mamatha Sai Residency
- SBS Residency
- Hotel Vikram
- KVP Inn