Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

The Tirupati Temple is considered one of the most sacred places of worship in Hinduism, with a history dating back to the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Its age has been cited in various literary and religious texts, including the Puranas, as evidence of its significance. The Tirupati Balaji Temple is believed to be one of the oldest and most venerated Hindu temples in existence.

Tirumala Tirupati venkateswara temple. Temples Vibhaga. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://temples.vibhaga.com/temple/tirumala-tirupati-venkateswara-temple/

Lakshmi Devi is on his right chest, and Padmavathi Devi is on his left. His feet are framed in gold and adorned with gold anklets. A curving gold belt encircles his legs. During the reign of the Vijayanagara monarch Yadava Raya in the 13th century, the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was coated with gilded copper plates and crowned with a golden vase.

Sampangi Pradakshinam surrounds the outside and inner compound walls. Magnolia champaca flowers were once produced in this location, hence the name Sampangi Pradakshinam. The Garuda imprint is carried on this flagstaff during Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams, welcoming all gods and goddesses to the celebration.

Vimana Pradakshinam surrounds Ananda Nilayam's Vimana Gopuram, also known as the Sanctum sanctorum or Main Shrine. This road is also known as Angapradakshina Margam, where Angapradakshina Seva is performed.

In the main shrine, the lord is crowned in gold with a huge emerald set in the front, and on certain occasions, he wears a diamond crown. The Lord wears a large double tilaka on his brow. His ears are embellished with gold earrings, and his lotus feet are indicated by his right hand. His left hand is raised in the air. His outfit is yellow and laced with gold string, and he wears a gold belt with gold bells. From his left shoulder flows a yajnopavita (holy thread) crosswise.

Tirupati Temple, a renowned religious center, attracts a large number of visitors worldwide and stands as one of the wealthiest temples globally. According to legend, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Sri Venkateswara to safeguard humanity from the natural disasters of the Kali Yuga. The temple's rich history is intertwined with numerous captivating tales. As one of Lord Vishnu's eight "Swayambhu Kshetras" (self-manifested shrines), the colossal statue of the primary deity is believed to have spontaneously emerged.

Maha Dwaram is the name of the temple's principal entrance. It links the temple's exterior to Sampangi Pradakshinam, which is separated from the temple by an outside compound wall (Maha Prakaram). A 50-foot-tall, five-story gopuram (temple tower) with seven Kalasams was created on this entryway. Two panchaloha (metal) sculptures dedicated to Sankanidhi and Padmanidhi, the protectors of Navanidhi (the treasures of Lord Venkateswara), stand on either side of this gateway. This gopuram serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds.

Swami Pushkarni, the temple pond, is located on the main temple's northern side. The 1.5-acre pond is said to have been brought to the Tirumala Hills by Garuda from Vaikuntham and is, therefore, considered very sacred.

Akhilandam, also known as Akhandam, is the area in front of the main temple that has enormous lighting erected. After darshana, devotees present karpuram (camphor) and coconuts to Venkateswara at this location. From this vantage point, one can see the entire temple. Akhandam has enormous lights, two iron rails for breaking coconuts, and two massive coconut hundis for devotees to donate their coconuts. Every day, the atmosphere at Akhilandam is filled with religious chants and people who come to show their devotion to Venkateswara.

The Tirupati Balaji Temple's antiquity has been referenced in various literary works, as well as religious books or puranas, such as the Varaha Purana and the Bavishyottara Purana. Its long history and renowned status make it an integral part of India's cultural heritage.

The temple's second entrance is Vendi Vakili, which is given through the inner compound wall and goes to Vimana Pradakhinam, also known as the "Nadimipadikavali" entryway. Sampangi Pradakshinam and Vimana Pradakshinam are separated by the inner compound wall. The doors of this entrance are silver-plated, hence the name. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, a three-story gopuram with seven kailasams was erected above this entrance.

Lord Sri Venkateswara resides in the Ananda Nilayam, a colossal structure topped with a golden roof. The deity is located directly below the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana, a gilded dome. The Mulaberam, a beautifully crafted idol, is believed to be self-manifested, and no human being is known to have placed it at the shrine.

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