Revision as of 12:15, 18 April 2014

Tirupati & Tirumala

Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam, or the abode of the Lord Tirupati, is probably Hindu India's most visited holy place. Situated amidst lush greenery atop a hill surrounded by outcroppings of red rock, the temple which attracts the devout in thousands everyday, is dedicated to Sri Venkateswara - one of the incarnations of Vishnu. The temple is the reason that this town gets visitors, usually pilgrims who've travelled hundreds of kilometres to ask a wish of the Lord.

The town of Tirupathi lies a little way away from the sacred hill and has most of the area's dining and accommodation facilities. The few kilometres between Tirupathi and Tirumala are easily traversed by bus, auto rickshaw or taxi. But the most astounding leg of the journey begins at the bottom of the hill. Hours in line will give you tremendous insight into the emotion of the guy that coined 'so near yet so far'! A regular 'darshan' takes longer to come by than a 'special' one. But everybody has to line up and wait as the queue winds its way up through a series of enclosures.

Tirumala is one of the few temples to allow non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum. Remember, you have to leave your footwear behind at the stall outside the temple compound. And, do not succumb to the high-pressure tactics of ticket toting touts; get yours from the temple's official counter. The temple houses a heavily garlanded idol of Sri Venkateswara before whom one is allowed only a few moments before the next enclosure load of visitors is to be ushered in. In that time you'll see the stupendously opulent vimana covered in gold and finely sculpted columns. The 'darshan' is followed by a round of 'prasad', food that has been blessed by the deity and must be received with both hands cupped, right palm above the left one.

Tirupathi, receives a record number of pilgrims everyday, more than any other holy city in the world. These record crowds topple bigger records during the festivals and on weekends. According to whether chaos is your cup of tea or not, you can choose high-season weekends or off-season weekdays. Getting There: There is a small airport at Tirupathi that gets planes from Hyderabad, Tuesdays and Saturdays. There are train connections from many places in the region and even twice weekly connections to Mumbai. There are a lot of bus connections from within Andhra Pradesh and from Tamil Nadu. Express buses are much faster than the ordinary variety. Cabs are a comfortable road travel option though somewhat expensive.

Accommodation: In Tirumala most people stay for free in the huge dormitories around the temple. There are rooms in guesthouses and cottages available on rent too at various rates offering various degrees of comfort and luxury. All bookings have to be made with the Central Reception Office of the TTD. Off-season you can reserve up to a month in advance by sending them a letter and a draft for Rs. 100. Tirupathi has a whole range of hotels air-conditioned or otherwise, pricey and otherwise. Some places even have a bar. For detailed state and visitor information, see Andhra Pradesh.

The picturesque Tirumala hills is situated 2820 ft above MSL and is about 100sq.m in area . It comprises seven peaks ,representing the seven hoods of Audisesha , thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Vedadri, Garudadri, Anjandri, Vrishabhadri, Narayandri and Venkatadri (Adri in sanskrit means Hill).The Venkatam hill is believed to be a part of the celestial mount meru, brought to the earth from Vaikuntam by Garuda.The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak,Venkatdri and there are several legends associated with the manifestation of the lord in Tirumala.

The shrine of the lord is very ancient and there are ample references to it in the early inscriptions belonging to the Chola and Pallava periods as well in the Sangam literature. The abode of the lord is about 10 Km north-west of Tirupati and there are footsteps leading to the hill as well as two separate serpentine roads to reach the shrine. According to legend ,God Vishnu revealed himself earlier in the previous incarnations as Varahaswamy on the banks of the present temple tank..This manifestation of the white boar (Sveta Varaham) is enshrined in the Adi Varahaswany temple situated on the northeastern banks of the tank.

The Sanctum sanctorum called the Garbha Griha is where the main idol of lord Venkateswara resides. The idol stands majestically to a height of eight feet, in the centre of the sanctum directly beneath a gold guilded dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divay Vimana.The exquisitely wrought idol called the Mulabera is believed to be Svayambhu(self manifested) ,according to the legends. Further ,no human being is known to have either sculpted or installed the idol in the shrine.

On normal days the imposing idol is adorned with a golden Kiritam which has a large emerald embedded on its front. On special occasions like the Brahmothsavam, he is adorned with his precious diamond crown worth Rs 30 Crores. On his forehead ,the lord has a thick double patch of upright Namam drawn with refined camphor which screens his eyes. In between the two white patches is the Kasturi tilakam .His ear's are bedecked with shinning golden Makara Kundalas. The fist of his right raised hand is implanted with a gem-set chakra and the correponding left fist is with the Sankha.

The slightly outstretched right hand has its finger pointing to his lotus feet, as the only recourse to his devotees to attain oneness with him and enjoy eternal bliss. . His right hand is akimbo to assure his devotees of protection and to show the proverbial SamsaraSagara, the ocean of mundane life ,is only hip deep if they seek refuge in him.

He has on the right side of his chest a clear impression of Goddess Lakshmi's, his consort. The deity has a unique magnetism, many devotees who go through the fleeting Sarvadarsanam have unusual psychic experience. They leave with a sense of spiritual satisfaction, coupled with a religious hunger to stand in front of Lord Venkateswara and experience the bliss again and again.

The venkatam hill is believed to be a part of the celestial mount meru brought to the earth from vaikuntam by garuda (Lord's vehicle),say the puranas.The Hills are said to be a manifestation of Adi Sesha (the cosmic serpent).The Seven hills of the Tirumala are the said to represent the Seven hoods of Adi Sesha. Many Alvars , Vaishnavacharyas and Saints have praised the Tirumala Hill with great devotion. Tirumala Mambi, a descendent of the great ascetic Narada, spent his whole life in serving the Lord.

References to the tirumala also found in several of Puranas. Tirumala is one of the 108 sacred shrines of the Sri Vaishanava tradition.According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu stayed on the earth for some time in the Avatar of Swetha Varaham and rose out of pushkarini as Swayambhuva. His spouse Lakshmi Devi appeared in Thirucharnur. This Swwtha Varaha Avatharam was installed in the temple situated to the west of Swamy Pushkarni. The great religious leader Ramanujacharya visited this shrine on a pilgrimage and systematised the process of worship in accordance with the SriVaishnava that continues to date.

History

The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century AD) ,Cholas of Tanjore (10 century) , Pandyas of mathura and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th & 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. The statues of Sri Krishna Devaraya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from various states like the king of Mysore and Gadwal, worshiped the lord as pilgrims and gifted various ornaments and valuables to the temple. Raghoji Bhonsle, the Maharastrian commander visited the temple and made a permanent arrangement regarding the regular pujas to be done to the Lord. In 1843 the temple gave up administrative authority of Venkateswara Temple along with the temples in the village to the head of Hatthimji monastery in Tirumala. Till 1933 the administration of the temple had been wielded by the head of that monastery, Hathiram Mahantha.

In 1933 the Madras government appointed a Commission to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam through a special statutory authority to run the administration of the temple. In 1951 another Hindu Religious and endowment Act was made which felicitated the appointment of an executive officer and Board of trustees and they run the administration. The executive officers of this institution in the South have been maintaining administration.

Lord's Wedding

Tirupati, the Home of Lord Venkateswara has long been the destination of many a newly wed couple. The temple is believed to have a particular signification for newly weds as it is believed to be place where Lord Venkateswara married Padmavathy.

An interesting tale forms the backdrop to the temple. Quarrels are not unknown between happily wed couples and the divine ones are no different. Following a spat with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi left her heavenly abode and came down to the earth. Here she stayed in a hermitage on the banks of the Godavari. Missing his beloved, Lord Vishnu went to search of her and this search brought him to earth. Ultimately his quest brought him to the Seshadri hills where he stopped to rest in an anthill. Upset by the separation between Vishnu and Lakshmi, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva decided to intervene. Taking the guise of a cow and a calf they went to live at the place of a Chola king.

The cowherd took them everyday to graze in the Seshadri hills where the cow would secretly visit the anthill where Vishnu was living without sustenance. Emptying her milk, the cow would then return to the palace. The cowherd was angry as the cow never yielded any milk to him. He watched movements carefully and his explorations brought him to the anthill. In trying to ascertain what lay beneath the anthill, he struck it with an axe thus injuring Vishnu on the forehead.

In search of herbs to heal the wound, Lord Vishnu wandered far and wide. His wanderings brought him to the Shrine of Sri Varahaswamy - the third incarnation of Vishnu as a boar. Here, he sought permission to stay, but Varahaswamy wanted a rental to be paid; Vishnu pleaded that he was poor now and needed rent free accommodation. To reciprocate this gesture of goodwill, he said he would tell his devotees to worship Varahaswamy before they worshipped him.

The contract sealed, Vishnu built a hermitage and lived there waited on by a devotee, Vakuladevi who looked after him like a mother. In a nearby kingdom ruled King Akasha Rajan. Childless for many years, he had one day found a beautiful baby girl sleeping on a golden lotus in a golden box while ploughing the fields. He had named her Padmavathy. A beautiful and accomplished girl, Padmavathy had been granted a boon in her earlier birth that she would be married to Lord Vishnu.

One day, Vishnu, who had been renamed Srinivasan by his devotee and foster mother Vakuladevi, went hunting in the forest. His wandering led him to a garden with a pond. Srinivasan was thirsty and tired. After drinking from the pond, he rested in the shade of a tree. Soon the soft singing of Padmavathy who was dancing in the garden with her companions roused him. He was stunned by her beauty and drawn to her. She too seemed to be drawn to him, but the angry attendants thinking him a mere hunter drove him away. Depressed and unhappy he poured his troubles out to Vakuladevi. Now for the first time, he revealed to her who he really was and also told her the story of Padmavathy.

In the meanwhile, Padmavathy was dreaming of Srinivasa. She had no idea who he really was and knew that her parents would never let her be married to a hunter. Srinivasa urged Vakuladevi to approach Padmavathy's father, Akasha Raja, with the marriage proposal. In the meanwhile he disguised himself as a soothsayer and went to the court of Akasha Raja. There, he assured Padmavathy that the hunter she had fallen in love with was no ordinary man but the Lord and told her that the worries would soon be over. Padmavathy too poured out her heart to her parents. At about the same time, Vakuladevi arrived with the marriage proposal.

After consulting with the sages Akasha Raja accepted the proposal and invited Srinivasa to attend the wedding on Friday, the 10th day of Vaikasi.

Srinivasa now had arrangements to make. He sought a loan of one crore and 14 lakh coins of gold from Kubera and had Viswakarma, the divine architect create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. The day of the wedding arrived, Lord Srinivasa was bathed in holy waters and dressed in jeweled ornaments befitting a royal bride groom.

Then he set off in a procession for the court of Akasha Raja. There Padmavathy waited radiant in her beauty. Srinivasa was hailed with an arthi and led to the marriage hall. There the queen and King washed his feet while sage Vasishta chanted the Vedic mantras. Soon the wedding was over and it was time for Padmavathy to take leave of her parents.

Together, they lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.

Tirupati, today, stands as a special place, commemorating the marriage between the two. Everyday, a kalyana utsavam celebrates the divine union in a celebration that stretches to eternity. Even today, during the Brahmotsavam at the temple, turmeric, kumkum and a sari are sent from the temple to Tiruchanur, the abode of Padmavathy. In fact Tirupati is rarely visited without paying a visit to Tiruchanur.

In the light of this background, it has become the favored destination of many newly wed couples who pray for a happy wedding - a wedding like that of Srinivasa and Padmavathy.

Brahmotsava

Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara is the most glittering festival in the temple of Lord Venkateswara, the Lord of seven hills. The epithet Brahma itself signifies its grandeur and, rightly so, it draws multitudes of pilgrims from all over the country, transforming in the process the picturesque hill into a Kaliyuga Vaikuntha -a heaven on the earth.

According to legends, when Goddess Lakshmi left Srivaikuntham in a huff unable to bear the insult of sage bhrigu kicking Lord Vishnu, her spouse, on his chest, which she considered her abode. The Lord unable bear the solitude, began searching for her. He wandered across hills and woods until he came across the beautiful Seshachala hills, now called the Tirumala hills. Finding the place salubrious and serene, he settled down in an anthill and has been worshiped there, ever since as Lord Venkateswara.

Lord Brahma , the supreme creator, commemorated the Lord Venkateswara's manifestation on earth with a grand celebration lasting 9 days and hence the name BRAHMOTSAVAM. According to Varaha puranam ,the Brahmotsavam is performed in the month of Asweeja(Salivahana Calendar),when sun is in kanya rasi. It is September-October as per English calendar.

Preparatory to the festival, the interiors of the sanctum sanctorum and the small shrines around are cleaned and smeared with a rich paste made of sandalwood refined camphor, saffron and other spices. This ritual is known as Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam. It is followed by another ritual viz. Mritsangrahanam - the process of collecting earth- and this is done a day before the first day of the festival.The ritual signifies a prayer by the temple officials to the deities like Garuda, Sudarshana, Anantham and Vishavaksena to seek their help for the successful conduct of the Brahmotsavam. They also pray to the Bhooma Devi(mother earth) and collect a small quantity of the earth with which the Ankurarpanam ritual conducted by sowing nine kinds of cereals in it. Then Dhwajarohanam is performed signaling the start of the grand fete. The high priest of the temple hoists the flag carrying the picture of Garuda atop the Dhwajasthambham erected opposite the sanctum sanctorum.

Every day during the Festival both in the mornings and the evening the processional deity of Lord Venkateswara called Malayyapan Swamy, is taken in a colorful procession through the decorated four streets around the temple. The lords is flanked by his two consorts ,Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Ugra Srinivasa and Koluvu Srinivasa (Durbar Srinivasa) are the two other images in the santum.All through the nine days the hill wears a colorful look with a sea of humanity thronging the place. The hill especially looks colorful during the night when giant profiles of the lord, made out of tiny electric bulbs light up. The Lord is taken in a procession on various vahanas and each vahana has its own significance and conveys his message in its own way.

The garuda seva performed on the night of the 5th day is the most popular amongst his devotees for on that day the lord is adorned with his most choicest and precious of his ornaments .Another equally important festival during the 9-day celebration is the Theru when the deities would be seated in a exquisitely carved huge wooden chariot and pulled round the temple by ardent devotees. Snapnam tirumanajanm , the process of bathing thee Lord with herbal water after the procession ,is performed to relieve him of the strains suffered during the processions .

The penultimate festival is the Chakrasnanam, which is akin to the bathing ritual after the performance of a yagna. On that morning the lord and his consorts and Sri Sudarshana Chakram are given a holy bath in the temple tank after an hour long ritual on the banks of the Pushkarini, the Temple tank. Scores of pilgrims waiting on the banks of the tank would also take a dip simultaneously along with the deities, creating a huge splash. This holy dip is supposed to free a mortal from the cycle of rebirth. On the 9th day of the Brahmotsavam,chooranabhishekamis performed giving the deities a holy bath after anointing them with sandalwood powder .The Lord is then taken around in a procession when the priests distribute the sandalwood powder used for the ritual to the devotees en route. On this last day of Brahmotsavam, Devatodwasanam, the ritual of giving a warm send off to all Gods and rishis on their way back to heaven, is performed. In this ritual Lord Brahma is propitiated for having come to earth all the way from Brahmaloka and having performed the Brahmotsavam. The celestial celebration is one of the important festivals of the temple. Pilgrims from all over the world, throng the place during this to have a glimpse of the lord during the procession. The sight of the Lord himself coming out of the Temple to be amongst his devotees is awe-inspiring.

Sevas To The Lord At Tirumala Tirupati

The different Sevas performed to the Lord are described in brief here. The names of the various services are in Sanskrit.The devotees desirous of participating in these services can avail of reservation by contacting the Arjhitam officer of T.T.D.These Seva's are normally performed when there are no general function are scheduled for the day.Since there is heavy rush of devotees wanting to perform the Seva on auspicious days and fridays,it is always better to reserve the Seva 3 to 4 months ahead.The details can be had from:-

The Arjhitham Officer,

T.T.Devasthanams

Tirupati(A.P)-517 501 Or

The Executive Officer,

T.T.Devasthanams

Tirupati(A.P)-517 501

NOTE: THE RATES FOR ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION BY T.T.D WITHOUT GIVING ANY NOTICE.HENCE THE DEVOTEES ARE REQUESTED TO GET THE EXACT RATES FROM ABOVE ADDRESSES BEFORE SENDING ANY DEMAND DRAFT

SUPRABHATAM

THOMALA SEVA

SAHASRANAMARCHANA

EKANTHA SEVA

KALYANOTSAVAM

ARJITHA BRAHMOTSAVAM

UNJAL SEVA

VARA SEVA

SAHASRA DIPALANKARA SEVA

KOIL ALWAR THIRUMAJANAM

VASANTHOTSAVAM

PAVITHROTSAVAM

PUSHPA YAGAM

ABHIDHYAYAKA ABHISHEKAM

PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM

THEPPOTSAVAM

PUSHPA PALAKI

ASHTADALAPADA PADMARADHANA

SAHASRA KALABHISHEKAM

THIRUPAVADA SEVA

PURNA ABHISHEKAM

Suprabhatam

This is the first Seva of the day.The Lord is awakened to the chanting of Vedic slokas.Around 200 to 250 devotees are permitted to view this Seva every day.The cost of the ticket is Rs 120/- and can be purchased a day early from Vijaya Bank counter or procured from the Arijhitham officer by sending a Demand Draft before hand.

This Seva is performed between 3:45 A.M and 4:30 A.M every day except Friday when it is performed between 7:00 A.M & 8:00 A.M. Ablutions are performed and the Lord is adorned with floral decorations,Tulasi Garland.and can be purchased a day early from Vijaya Bank counter or procured from the Arijhitham officer by sending a Demand Draft before hand.

This Seva is performed between 4:30 A.M and 5:30 A.M every day except Friday when it is performed between 7:00 A.M & 8:00 A.M. All the 1008 eight names of the Lord will be recited in this Pooja.Archana and Harathi is accorded to the Lord along with Goddess Lakshmi & Padmavathi and can be purchased a day early from Vijaya Bank counter or procured from the Arijhitham officer by sending a Demand Draft before hand.On Fridays ,as both Thomala Seva and Sahasranamarchana are performed together.

Every day after Sarvadarsanam, the Lord is led to sleep in this Seva. The cost of the ticket is Rs 120/- and can be purchased a day early from Vijaya Bank counter.There is no reservation for this Seva.

This is a very special Seva of the lord.The marraige of the Lord Venkateswara with Goddess Lakshmi and Padamvathi,known as Kalayanotsavam, is a function few of the his devotees would like miss.There are two categories in this Seva.

Big Kalyanotsavam

1.No. of persons allowed :5( Husband and wife ,along with three others)

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

• Spl.Kalyanotsavam

2.No. of persons allowed :2( Husband and wife)

3. The tickets can be purchased a day early at Vijaya bank,Tirumala or reserved as in Big Kalyanotsavam

After the kalyanotsavam,Brahmotsavam Seva is performed.In this service ,The Lord is worshipped along with his two spouses in Sesha Vahanam,Garuda Vahanam and Hanumantha Vahanam.

1.No. of persons allowed :5

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is performed every day at 3:30 P.M.The Utchava Murthy of the Lord along with his consorts are placed on an Unjal(Swing) and worshipped.The Back drop is illuminated with lamps and the sight is awe inspiring.

1.No. of persons allowed :6

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This is a Visesh Seva performed only on mondays.

1.No. of persons allowed :5

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is performed every day at Koluvu Mandapam.In this service the Lord's Utchava Murthy is beautifully decorated along with his consorts.

1.No. of persons allowed :5

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is performed only four tuesdays a year i.e before Ugadi ,Anivara Asthanam, Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha ekadasi.

1.No. of persons allowed :10 2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is done in the month of April on all days except thursdays and fridays. 1.No. of persons allowed :10 2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is done in the month of August.

1.No. of persons allowed :5

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

In this Seva different types of flowers are offered to the Lord as part of the Yagam. This is performed in the month of November. 1.No. of persons allowed :5

2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is performed in the month of June.

1. No. of persons allowed :5

2. The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is performed in the month of May. 1. No. of persons allowed :5 2. The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva for five days is performed in the month of March.

1. No. of persons allowed :5

2 The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D. Top

This Seva is performed in the month of July.

1. No. of persons allowed :5 2. The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This archana is performed only on tuesdays in which the Lord is Worshipped with 108 golden lotuses. 1.No. of persons allowed :5 2.The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This is a special Arjitha Seva performed only on wednesdays.

1. No. of persons allowed :6

2. The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D.

This Seva is performed only on Thursdays.In this service,Pulihora(Tamarind rice) is offered to the Lord. 1. No. of persons allowed :6

2. The money has be sent in advance atleast 90 days ahead by D.D. This Seva is performed only on fridays.Ablutions are given to the Lord in various vessels.

1. No. of persons allowed :1

2. The money has be sent in advance atleast 365 days ahead by D.D.

(Sample) Temple Calender

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam website no longer carries an annual calendar of events. Therefore, the 2002 calendar of temple events is given below by way of reference.

January

---

February

? 1st - New year day

? 11th - Todaradippodi Alvar Tirunakshatiram>

? 13th - Bhogi

? 14th - Makara Sankrati

? 25th - Chandanabishekam at Kapileswara swamy temple

? 28th - Sri Ramakrishna Tirtha Mukkoti

? 30th - Tirumalisai Alvar Tirunakshatiram

? 2nd - Sri Kurthalwar Tirunakshatiram

? 19th - Rathaspatami

? 21st - Madhava Navami

? 23rd - Sri GT Float festival begins

? 24th - Sri Kulasekhara alwar Tirunakshatiram

March

April

? 2nd - Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple Brahmotsavam start(Srinivasa Mangapuram)

? 11th - Brahmotsavam begins at Kapileswara swamy temple

? 12th - Maha Sivarathri

? 13th - Sri Kodanda RamaSwamy temple Brahmotsavam begins

? 24th - Float festival begins at Sri Tirumala Tirupati

? 26th - Float festival at Nagalapuram Sri Vedaranya Swamy Temple

? 9th - Anamacharya Vardhanti

? 13th - Ugadi

? 15th - Sri Matsya jayanthi

? 17th - Madhurakavi Alvar Utsavam Begins

? 18th - Vayalpadu Sri pattabhi Ramaswamy Brahamotsavam begins

? 19th - Sri Rama Jayanthi

? 21st - Sri Rama Navami Asthanam

? 24th - Vasanthotsavam at Sri Tirumala Tirupati

? 26th - Nagalapuram Sri V.N Temple Brahmotsavam begins

May

June

? 14th - Gangamma jathara

? 15th - Parasurama Jayanthi

? 16th - Nammalawar Utsavam begins

? 17th - Sankara Jayanthi

? 18th - G.T brahmotsavam begins

? 20th - Padamavathi Parinayothsavam begins at Tirumala

? 23rd - Narayanavanam Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple Brahmotsavam Begins

? 25th - Nrisimha Jayanthi,Annamacharya Jayanthi

? 26th - Kurma Jayanthi

? 2nd - Karvetinagar Sri Venugopala Swamy Brahmotsavam Begins

? 5th - Hanumana Jayanthi

? 12th - Buddha Jayanthi,Periyalwar Utsavam Begins

? 20th - Float festival begins at Appalayagunta Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swami temple

? 22nd - Jyesthabhishekam begins at Tirumala

? 30th - Avatarotsavam of Sri Sundararaja Swamy begins at Tiruchanur

July

August

? 5th - Pushkaram at the river Yamuna begins

? 15th - Sakshatkara vaibhavam at Srinivasa Mangapuram

? 17th - Anivara Asthanam

? 19th - Jyesthabhishekam begins at Tirupati

? 20th - Chaturmasa Vratam begins

? 24th - Vyasa purnima

? 2nd - Sri Andal Tiruvadippuram Utsavam begins

? 12th - Naga Chaturthi

? 13th - Garudapanchami,Kalki jayanthi

? 15th - Independence day

? 16th - Varalakshmi Vratham begins

? 17th - 3 day Pavithrothsavam begins at Tirumala

? 20th - Float festival begins at Karvetinagaram

? 22nd - Sri Vaikhanasa Maharshi Jayanthi

? 23rd - Gayathri Japam

? 31st - Gokulastami

September

October

? 9th - Sri Varaha Jayanthi

? 10th - Vinayaka chaturthi

? 18th - Vamana Jayanthi

? 20th - Ananta Padmanabha Vratham

? 2nd - Gandhi Jayanthi

? 6th - Mahalaya Amavasaya

? 7th - Srivari Brahmotsavam Begins at Tirumala

? 11th - Garudotsavam at Tirumala

? 12th - Saraswathi Puja,Svarna Rathothsavam at Tirumala

? 13th - Durgashtami

? 14nd - Rathothsavam at Tirumala

? 15th - Vijayadashami,Chakrasnanam at Tirumala

? 30th - Manavala Mahamuni Utsavam begins

November

December

? 1st - A.P.Formation day

? 2nd - Sri Vedantha Desika Utsavam begins

? 3rd - Naraka Chaturthi

? 4th - Deepawali

? 8th - Nagula Chaviti

? 11th - Tirumangai Alwar Utsavam begins

? 12th - Poodattavalar Varsha Tirunakshatiram

? 13th - Periyalwar Varsha Tirunakshatiram

? 15th - Float festival begins at Narayanavanam

? 19th - Kartika Deeepothsavam

? 21st - Tiruppanalvar Varsha Tirunakshatram

? 30th - Brahmotsavam begins at Tiruchanur

? 2nd - Kartika Somavarabishekam at Kapilesawara Swamy Temple

? 4th - Gajavahanam at Tiruchanur

? 5th - Garudotsavam at Tiruchanur

? 7th - Rathothsavam at Tiruchanur

? 8th - Panchami Tirtham at Tiruchanur

? 10th - Subramanya Shasti

? 15th - Gita Jayanthi

? 16th - Chakratirtha Mukkoti,Dhanurmasam Begins

? 17th - Float festival at Kapilateertham

? 19th - Sri Datta Jayanthi

? 20th - Ardra Darshana Mahotsavam at Kapilateertham

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Can I make advance reservation for accomodation at tirumala in my city?

2.Can I make online payments for donation or for sevas or accomodation request?

3.When is the rush of pilgrims least in Tirumala?

Answers

1.Can I make advance reservation for accomodation at tirumala in my city?

The reservation can be done in advance for the RAM BAGICHA GUEST HOUSE COMPLEX in TTD ofices of the district headquarters.This accomodation is for 24 hours only.For accomodation in a higher category you have send money in advance (atleast 30 days ahead) for the reservations. [Back to the top]

2.Can I make online payments for donation or for sevas or accomodation request?

Yes. TTD has recently launched its online payment channel at www.ttdsevaonline.com.You must have either a credit card(master/visa) or citibank/diners debit card for making this payment. [Back to the top]

3.When is the rush of pilgrims least in Tirumala?

Please have a look at the temple calender here.Dates marked in red likely to have heavy pilgrim rush. [Back to the top]

Every day is a festive day not only in Tirumala shrine but it is a common feature even in the TTD-run sub shrines.

A sample of events from 2014

March 2014

In the month of March 2014, apart from Srivari temple in Tirumala, various spiritual activities took place in other temples also. A glance at those festivities.

March 9 to 18- Annual brahmotsavams in the temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in Tarigonda

March 12 to 16-Annual Teppotsavams in Tirumala

March 16-Tumburu Teertha Mukkoti in Tirumala

March 24-28-Suryapuja and Teppotsavam in Sri Veda Narayana Swamy temple

March 26-Pushpayagam in Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srinivasa Mangapuram

March 28-Annual Brahmotsavams of Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy temple commences

March 31-Sri Jaya Nama Samvatsara Ugadi

April 2014

The temple administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs) organized a three-day Adbutha Shanti Vedaprayanam appeasing the Lord to bestow prosperity and peace on the universe which commenced in Tirumala Srivari temple on April 18 and concluded on April 20.

This vedic recitation was between 8.30am to 10.30am during those three days in the Kalyanotsava Mandapam at Sampangi Prakaram and was performed under the supervision of Chief Priest Dr AV Ramana Dikshitulu, Agama Advisors Sriman NAK Sunderavaradan and Sri NK Mohana Rangacharyulu.

This vedaparayanam was conducted departmentally and devotees were be allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to participate in the programme. The arjitha sevas including Kalyanotsavam, unjal seva, vasanthotsavam etc. took place as usual during those days.

Pournami Gaurda Seva during every Pournami of every month

On 15 April 2014 the Pournami Garuda Seva was performed at Tirumala on Tuesday evening following the advent of Pournami.

TTD has started performing Pournami Garuda Seva during every Pournami of every month since 2006 for the sake of the visiting pilgrims. Usually this event is the main one during nine-day brahmotsavams as lakhs of pilgrims throng to witness the grandeur of Lord on this day. However, in the larger interests of the pilgrims, TTD began Pournami Garuda Seva during every Pournami with an aim to provide an opportunity to the pilgrims those who fail to make it on Brahmotsavams. This event has gathered huge reception among the devotees and pilgrims, as tens of thousands of pilgrims converge to witness the procession of Lord Malayappa Swamy in the four-mada streets during every Pournami.

Brahmotsavam Schedule

Sudarsanam

Sudarsanam, the newly introduced system in the famous Tirumala temple seeks to make the waiting time of pilgrims standing in queues as pleasant as possible. It is needless to mention that long winding queues and Tirumala are synonymous.

It is to get out of this dubious distinction that the TTD management, after considerable deliberations with experts and time management consultants, has hammered out this unique scheme and put it on stream as it is aware that the problem has already assumed alarming dimensions putting in its wake a tremendous load on other TTD infrastructures.

Under the project "Sudarsanam", the TTD has opened special counters on the hills at three different places viz.; the vaikuntam Q-complex, Rambagicha complex and the Amenities complex, where the staff would tie around the wrist of all pilgrims a computerized and "bar-coded" band. The band would indicate the possible time when a pilgrim is likely to have 'darshan' of the lord and when he should report again at the queue- complex en route the main shrine.

Once the pilgrim is banded, he or she is free to move anywhere in Tirumala and Tirupati instead of rotting inside the queue sheds for hours together as in the past.

This is the very essence and the theme of the scheme being implemented by the TTD at an enormous expenditure of about Rs.75000 - per day. The wrist-band being supplied to the TTD by a Bangalore based private company from time to time costs the TTD Rs.2 - a piece, besides the exigency of having to run three counters on the hill at Tirupati to operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. After the introduction of the scheme, pilgrims, unlike in the past, are not staying in queues but are taking off to other places of interest - sightseeing conducted tours to about half-a-dozen other temples scattered in and around Tirupati.

This is not only going a long way in breaking the monotony and boredom of tedious waiting by pilgrims in queues but also providing them with a chance to visit the TTD Museum at Tirupati and Tirumala. Some of them are even utilizing the time either to visit their friends and relatives or to go on a shopping spree sporting the wristband, "Sudarsanam".

Another objective behind the introduction of the scheme and opening of the counters at Tirupati down the hill is to control and regulate the inflow of pilgrims on to the hills. Prior to the launching of "Su-Darsanam", the entire pilgrim rush used to throng the hills ignoring the fact that they have to wait for long at accommodation centers, tonsuring centers, bus stations and at Annadanam centers.

This more often than not resulted in the pilgrims getting clogged-up in different queue lines and overloading the TTD infrastructure, particularly the accommodation and drinking water facilities.

Now, with the opening of three counters at Tirupati itself (at the 1st and the 2nd choultry and also at the Transit Bus Station at the foot of the hill), most of the visiting pilgrims are checking into one of the counters, getting their wrists "banded" and are taking off to scores of places of visit around.

The possible time when a pilgrim can have 'darshan' of the main deity after he or she gets banded is decided by the staff manning the counters depending upon the number of pilgrims already banded and also on the surmise that about 3,000 pilgrims can have darshan of the Lord in an hour on an average after providing for the intermittent "breaks" for temple cleaning and for "VIP darshan".

It is here that the well meaning program needs some fine tuning to make it more realistic and down-to-earth. This programme, as any new scheme, has teething troubles which, if removed, would make it really a boon for pilgrims. One general complaint often being made against this programme is that there is no relation between the time prescribed by the counter staff for a pilgrim's darshan and the actual time which the pilgrim would take to have a darshan without the band.

In other words, the pilgrims say that the counters putting on the wrist bands are not following any rational or scientific methodology while assessing the possible time as to when he or she could have his or her turn. This, they say, makes them find that either they are too early or too late when they report at the queue-complex again.

Another practical problem being encountered by pilgrims is that it being so sophisticated involving a bar-coded-cum-computerised wrist band, the visiting pilgrims, bulk of whom are poor and illiterate, are not able to figure out what it is all about and are often found asking the passers-by as to what should they do with the band.

Though this is a temporary problem bound to exit till the scheme becomes popular, the TTD, in the meantime, could step up its publicity programme to vigorously enlighten pilgrims thronging the hill by opening more information centers, providing sign-boards, distributing hand-bills, making frequent announcements through PA system and so on.

Another new facility introduced at Tirumala by the TTD management is the opening of what is called an 'amenities complex' close by the shrine. The huge complex, built at a cost of Rs.2 crores, has four spacious halls which in all could accommodate 5,000 pilgrims at a time.

The complex also has built-in common bathrooms, toilets, cloakroom, locker facility and on the top of it all make-shift tonsuring centers.

An ordinary pilgrim could get his Sudarsanam band tied, and quietly walk into the complex and get all his routine chores, including tonsuring, completed under one roof. Once through with this, one can go on sightseeing around or shopping or rest in the complex itself before going to the queue complex at the appointed time. This obviates the need to take separate cottages and, thus, reduces to that extent the load on the scarce accommodation system.

Precautions

• Check whether the date and time printed on your wrist band is correct.
• Don't take off the wrist band until you have finished the darshans.
• Though the band is water proof, protect it from moisture or excessive heat
• The bar code on the band is time sensitive.Be at the gate at least one hour before the printed time.
• The bar code gets validated by a laser scanner,so expired bar code holders are turned away from the gate

Sarva Darsanam(Open to all)

Monday

6:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m

8:00p.m-10:00p.m

Tuesday

6:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m 8:00p.m-10:00p.m

Wednesday

6:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m

8:00p.m-10:00p.m

Thursday

8:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m

8:00p.m-10:00p.m

Friday

9:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m

9:30p.m-10:00p.m

Saturday

6:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m

8:00p.m-10:00p.m

Sunday

6:00a.m-11:00a.m

12:00p.m-7:00p.m

8:00p.m-10:00p.m

Note: The procedure of Sarvadarsanam has been simplified with the Su-Darsanam.Click here for details Special Darsanam:There is a special entry tickets priced at Rs 50 and Rs 40.This ticket enables the pilgrims , a less circuitous route to the Lords darshan. On normal days ,one can finish the darshans in about two hours. some ticket holders are given two laddus free as prasadams and basic ticket holders are given one laddu free.This laddu prasadam can be collected from special counters right in front of the temple.The pilgrims have to present the counter foil of the ticket in order get the laddus.

All the pilgrims regardless of whether they opt for special darshans or free darshans have to get themselves the su-darsanam token tied round their wrists.Only infants and those who have booked special sevas to the lord like kalyanotsavam are not required to get the token.

Apart from these all pilgrims coming out of the temple after darshans are given a free meal coupon which enable them a lunch/dinner under the Nitya Annadanam scheme.Also All the pilgrims are given prasadam like tamarind rice , curd rice or laddu which had been offered to the lord on that day. This is the first Seva of the day and takes place between 3:00 to 3:30 A.M daily.

THOMALA SEVA

This Seva takes place between at 3:45 to 4:30 A.M daily.

SAHASRA NAMARCHANA

This Seva takes place between at 4:45 to 5:30 A.M Saturday to Thursday.On Friday it takes place between 7:00 to 8:00 am.

EKANTHA SEVA

This Seva takes place between at 10:30 P.M. daily.

Note: For all these sevas , the ticket can be obtained by writing to the executive officer,TTD well in advance with the relevent amount in form of DD or Money order.Subject to availabily , the tickets can also be purchased from Canara bank counters ,a day before at tirumala.

Foot Way To Tirumala

Many pilgrims prefer to go on foot from the Tirupati to Tirumala to have the Darshan of the Lord. It is also part of Sankalpam(Commitment). T.T.D has provided many facilities for the benefit of such pilgrims.

• Free transport of the Pilgrims luggage from the bottom of the hill to the Top.
• Well cemented steps with hand rails for support.
• Supply of potable water along the way.
• Toilets for both ladies and Gents.
• Well lit path way and security guards to ensure safety of the pilgrims.
• Small restaurants along the way for refreshments and snacks.

The pilgrims have to get to Alipiri toll gate ,where the steps to the Tirumala begins.This is 4 K.Ms away from the railway station.They can then deposit their luggage at the T.T.D transport office and obtain a receipt.On reaching the top, they can redeem their luggage after producing this receipt.

The foot way is 11 Kilometers in distance.It takes roughly between 3 to 4 hours to reach Tirumala by this way. The natural beauty along the way is breath taking.Though the steps at the start are a bit steep, the rest of the way is quite even and one wouldn't need to strain much.All along the way one can see pilgrims of every age climbing the steps with equal gusto. There are small mandapams along the way where pilgrims can take rest.Though the journey is physically tiring, it is a spiritually satifying one. About Sri Venkateswara Temple

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.

The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala. The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.

The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.

Temple History

There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.

It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple. After the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, nobles and chieftains from all parts of the country continued to pay their homage and offer gifts to the temple.

The Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald which is still preserved in a box named after the General. Among the later rulers who have endowed large amounts are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.

After the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and then the Britishers took over, and many of the temples came under their supervisory and protective control.

In 1843 AD, the East India Company divested itself of the direct management of non-Christian places of worship and native religious institutions. The administration of the shrine of Sri Venkateswara and a number of estates were then entrusted to Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumala, and the temple remained under the administration of the Mahants for nearly a century, till 1933 AD.

In 1933, the Madras Legislature passed a special act, which empowered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) Committee to control and administer a fixed group of temples in the Tirumala-Tirupati area, through a Commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras.

In 1951, the Act of 1933 was replaced by an enactment whereby the administration of TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees, and an Executive Officer was appointed by the Government . The provisions of the Act of 1951 were retained by Charitable and Religious Endowments Act, 1966.

Temple Legends

Sri Venkatachala Mahatmya is referred to in several Puranas, of which the most important are the Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana.

The printed work contains extracts from the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Aditya Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana. Most of these extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the hills around Tirumala and the numerous teerthams situated on them.

The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest.

According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested Himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini.

One day, Rangadasa, a staunch devotee of Vishnu, in the course of his pilgrimage, joined Vaikhanasa Gopinatha, who was going up the Tirumala Hill for the daily worship of Lord Venkateswara. After bathing in the Swami Pushkarini, he beheld the lotus-eyed and blue-bodied Vishnu beneath a tamarind tree. Vishnu was exposed to the sun, wind and rain and was only protected by the extended wings of Garuda. Rangadasa was astounded by the wonderful sight. He raised a rough wall of stones around the deity, and started supplying flowers faithfully to Gopinatha everyday for Vishnu's worship.

One day, Rangadasa was distracted by a Gandharva king and his ladies. Consequently, he forgot to supply flowers to Gopinatha for Vishnu's worship. The Lord then revealed Himself and told Rangadasa that He had been testing the latter's continence, but Rangadasa had not been steadfast and had succumbed to temptation.

However, the Lord accepted and appreciated Rangadasa's devoted service to Him till then, and blessed Rangadasa that he would be reborn as an affluent ruler of a province and would enjoy the earthly pleasures. He would continue to serve the Lord, construct a beautiful temple with a vimana and high surrounding walls, and thereby earn eternal glory.

Rangadasa was reborn as Tondaman, the son of the royal couple, Suvira and Nandini. Tondaman enjoyed a pleasurable life as a young man. One day, he set out on a hunting expedition on the Tirumala Hill, and with the help of a forester, saw Vishnu under the tamarind tree. Tondaman returned home, deeply affected by the vision of Vishnu.

Tondaman later inherited his father's kingdom, Tondamandalam. In accordance with the directions given by Adi Varaha to a forester, Tondaman constructed a prakaram and dvara gopura, and arranged for regular worship of the Lord (according to Vaikhanasa Agama).

In the Kali Yuga, Akasaraja came to rule over Tondamandalam. His daughter Padmavathi was married to Venkateswara. The marriage, officiated by Brahma, was celebrated with great pomp and splendour.