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Millions trudge to Tirupati everyday - for the town of Tirupati is
one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India as it
is home to the greatest bestower of boons. Lord Tirumala has such a
large following of avid followers that it's almost impossible to get
a darshan – visit – within a day. Everyone from the President to the
PM and all kinds of superstars prostrate before him for his
benefactions. Not surprisingly, Tirupati has emerged as one of the
super pilgrim towns with society, economy and hospitality all built
around the pilgrims.
How to Reach there
BY AIR - There are direct flights from Hyderabad and Chennai.
BY RAIL - Direct railway services are available from
Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.
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Places to visit |
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Millions visit
Sri Venkateswara temple is the great bestower of
boons. He is also the Lord of the Seven Hills as the ancient
and sacred temple is located on the seventh peak. The
sanctum sanctorum houses His awesome idol and is located in
the main temple complex of Tirumala.
Directly opposite the Sri Varahaswami temple lies the
Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple on the northeastern banks of the
Swami Pushkarini. The principal idol's hands are joined in
supplication (in the Anjali posture of yoga) a symbol of His
prayers to the Lord of the Cosmos. A Darshan (visit) and
prayers to Sri Anjaneyaswami is believed to bestow boons and
protect from all evils.
Adjacent is Swami Pushkarini, the pleasure tank of
Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntham. Thousands take a dip here to
cleanse sins and bestow temporal prosperity. Usually,
visitors bathe here before entering the main temple.
Other teerthams
include Akasaganga Teertham, Papavinasanam Teertham, Pandava
Teertham, Kumaradhara Teertham, Tumbhuru Teertham,
Ramakrishna Teertham, Chakra Teertham, Vaikuntha Teertham,
Sesha Teertham, Sitamma Teertham, Pasupu Teertham, Japali
Teertham, and Sanaka Sanandana Teertham.
Consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in AD 1130, the Sri
Govindarajaswami Temple is an important temple in
Tirupati. Its highlight is the munificent gopuram visible
from miles. The sub-temples in its premises include Sri
Parthasarathiswami Temple, Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami
Temple, Sri Andal Temple, Sri Salai Nachiyar Ammavari
Temple, Sri Ramanuja Temple, Sri Vyasaraya Anjaneyaswami
Temple, Sri Tirumangai Alwar Temple, Sri Kurath Alwar
Temple, Sri Madhurakavi Alwar Temple, Sri Chakrathalwar
Temple, Sri Mudal Alwar Temple, Sri Manavala Mahamuni
Temple, Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple and many others.
Built by a Chola king during the tenth century AD, Sri
Kodandaramaswami Temple has Sita, Rama and Lakshmana as
its presiding deities.
The only temple
dedicated to Lord Siva, Kapileswaraswami Temple has
the sacred waterfall called Kapila Teertham or Alwar
Teertham. |
Do's and Dont's
- Don't stay with or be
coaxed into staying with people you meet at Railway platforms, Bus
stands or shopping areas.
- Don't think you are getting a bargain if a free ride is given by
any transporters to a hotel, check with tourist information office
first.
- Don't leave your valuables, luggage with the driver
- Make enquires (As to where & how far each monument, tourist site
is located) before setting out on sight seeing with only the driver
as a guide.
- Don't let the driver coax you into doing more shopping than sight
seeing
- Don't sign on blank letter heads or bills.
- Don't let shopkeepers pack your purchases behind a counter or in
another room it must be done in front of you and sign across the
joints or ensure some method whereby no changes can be made.
- Don't exchange from unauthorized money exchangers who do not
provide a receipt.
- Don't leave your valuables & goods/ luggage in taxi/auto rickshaw
etc.
- Don't go in for free lunch & dinner or drinks.
- Don't roam around into the late hours of the night. |
