Tirupati Balaji, Venkateshwara Swamy, Sri Venkateswara Temple – on hearing these names, a different feeling of peace and reverence arises in the mind.
It is said that just by seeing Lord Venkateswara all troubles go away and desired results are achieved.
Table of Contents
Introduction Venkateswara Temple
Balaji’s Abode, Seeking Venkateswara’s Blessings in Tirupati
Tirupati is one of the holy places of India, which is famous for the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. He is known by many names – Balaji, Venkateshwara Swami, Sri Venkateshwara. This temple situated in the beautiful hills of Andhra Pradesh is the center of faith of crores of devotees.
It is said that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Venkateswara Swami to protect his devotees in Kaliyuga. This temple is a confluence of grandeur and faith. The high spire of the temple, the golden Garuda Mandap and the grand hall mesmerize the visitors.
Whether you are Tamil, Telugu, Marathi or Hindi speaking, devotees come from far and wide to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. Even before dawn, echoes of bhajans and mantras are heard in the temple. Thousands of devotees stand in queues and wait for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Deities
The Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshiped here by the name of Balaji. It is believed that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Venkateswara Swami to protect religion in Kaliyuga.
Venkateshwara Swamy is decorated grandly. He is dressed in yellow clothes, has a Vaijayanti garland around his neck and a tilak on his forehead. He has a lotus flower in his right hand and a conch in his left hand. Kaustubh gem is placed on the waist and Srichakra is placed at the feet.
Balaji is often seen with Goddess Lakshmi, who is a form of Mother Bhagwati. Both of them are also known as Lakshminarayan. It is believed that where Lord Vishnu resides, Goddess Lakshmi resides there. The idol of Goddess Lakshmi along with Balaji is also installed in Tirupati temple. If one gets the good fortune to have darshan of these two, it is believed that the devotees attain wealth and prosperity.
This temple is also dedicated to Lord Kuber, the god of wealth. It is believed that after worshiping Lord Venkateshwara, worshiping Lord Kuber removes financial problems and brings happiness and prosperity in life.
History and Significance
Balaji’s Ancient Abode: Centuries-Old History and Unwavering Faith
Venkateshwara Temple of Tirupati is not just a religious place, but a confluence of centuries-old history and unwavering devotion. Let us take a look at the history and importance of this grand temple:
Blessings of Sages and Kings:
It is believed that the history of this temple is thousands of years old. The sages and sages first started worshiping Venkateswara Swami on this hill.
Many dynasties, such as the Chola, Pandya and rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, donated to this temple and played an important role in its development. The magnificent architecture and artefacts of the temple are proof of this.
South India’s Premier Pilgrimage Site:
Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in South India. Devotees from all over the country and also from abroad come here for darshan throughout the year.
Especially lakhs of devotees participate in the annual Brahmotsavam festival held in Tirupati. It is a grand festival lasting ten days, in which the idol of Lord Venkateshwara is taken out in a procession in a golden chariot.
Experience Spiritual Tranquility:
The atmosphere of Tirupati in itself is devotional and gives spiritual peace. Even before the dawn, the sound of hymns and bells starts echoing in the atmosphere of the temple.
The grandeur and sacred atmosphere of the temple mesmerizes everyone. By coming here the devotees feel mental peace and spiritual happiness.
Temple Architecture
Balaji’s Abode: A Fusion of Art and Devotion
The Venkateswara Temple of Tirupati is not only a center of faith but is also an excellent example of the magnificent Dravidian style architecture. Let us take a tour of the beauty and artistry of this temple today:
Soaring Gopurams Touch the Sky:
There are tall Gopurams at the main entrance of the temple. These gopurams have several floors, on which sculptures of gods and goddesses and mythological stories are made. These gopurams are decorated with colorful clothes and artistic designs. When seen from a distance, these Gopurams look no less than a work of art.
Golden Garuda Mandapam: A Symbol of Grandeur:
The golden Garuda Mandapam is located in the interior of the temple. As we know, Garuda is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The roof of this pavilion is covered with a layer of gold, which keeps shining in the sunlight.
Thousand-Pillared Hall: A Treasure Trove of Art:
There is also a theater complex with thousands of pillars in the temple complex. These pillars are exquisitely carved, depicting various symbols of mythology and Hinduism. Colorful paintings have also been done on the roofs of the Rangamandap, which mesmerise the spectators.
Mesmerizing Idol: The Divine Form of Balaji:
A grand idol of Lord Venkateswara sits in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This idol is decorated with gold ornaments. Seeing the calm and divine form of Balaji gives immense peace to the mind.
These are just a few glimpses of the temple architecture. When you come here, you will see the confluence of art and devotion in every corner. The grandeur and craftsmanship of the temple will mesmerize you. So next time you go to Tirupati, not only have a darshan but also observe the artistry of this beautiful temple.
Location and Accessibility
Seeking Balaji’s Blessings: Easy Routes to Reach Tirupati
Tirupati is located in Andhra Pradesh, and devotees from all over the country come here to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Perhaps you too might be thinking in your mind that how to reach Tirupati? So, today let us tell you about the easy ways to reach Tirupati:
- Train Journey:
Direct trains run to Tirupati from many major cities of the country. You can check the information about trains originating from your city on the online portal.
Tirupati has two railway stations – Tirupati Main and Tirumala. If you want to go directly to the temple, you will have to get down at Tirumala station.
Fun of travelling: Traveling by train has its own fun. You can enjoy beautiful views of the fields and mountains from the window and chat with your fellow passengers.
- Air Travel:
Tirupati has its own airport – Tirupati International Airport. There are direct flights here from many big cities of the country.
The advantage of traveling by plane is that you can reach Tirupati quickly. You can use taxi or bus to reach the temple from the airport.
Fun of travel: Reaching your destination within a few hours is the biggest advantage of traveling by plane. You can see beautiful views of the clouds from above and enjoy your journey comfortably.
- Road Trip:
If you want, you can reach Tirupati by road also. If you are planning to travel with your family or friends, then a road trip can be a good option.
Many national highways connect Tirupati with other cities of the country. You can reach Tirupati by your own car or by bus.
Fun of travel: Road trip is something else altogether. You can stop at beautiful places on the way and taste the local cuisine.
Pilgrimage Season
Best time to get blessings of Balaji
Venkateswara Temple of Tirupati remains filled with devotees throughout the year. However, the best time to visit here also depends on the person’s preference. Come, let us know below which time of the year it would be better for you to visit Tirupati:
- October to February: Pleasant Weather and Enjoyable Darshan
If you want to visit comfortably and also like to travel, then October to February will be the best time for you.
During this period the weather is pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold.
However, even at this time there is a lot of crowd here because it is the festival season. - September: The Enthralling Brahmotsavam
If you like to attend festivals, then you can plan to visit Tirupati in the month of September.
The annual Brahmotsavam festival of Lord Venkateswara is celebrated in this month.
It is a grand festival lasting ten days, in which the idol of Lord Venkateswara is taken out in a procession in a golden chariot. - March to May: Enjoy Fewer Crowds
If you do not like much crowd, then you can visit Tirupati in the months of March to May.
However, it is hot here at this time, so if you cannot tolerate the heat, then this time will not be suitable for you.
Things to Remember
Before going to Tirupati, book a slot online to visit the temple.
Go to the temple wearing appropriate clothes.
Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the temple premises.
Keep drinking water and some food items with you.
No matter what season you go, it is certain that you will definitely get the blessings of Balaji.
Activities
Darshan and Special Experiences at Balaji’s Abode
The journey to Tirupati is not limited to just visiting, but by coming here you can also get many special experiences. So let us know how you can make your Tirupati trip even more memorable:
- Grand Darshan:
Certainly the main purpose of visiting Tirupati is to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Going to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and seeing the peaceful and divine form of Balaji gives immense peace to the mind.
Don’t forget to book an online slot for darshan in the temple.
- The Tradition of Head Shaving:
Many devotees shave their heads to please Balaji in Tirupati. A separate place has been made for this in the temple premises itself.
In a way, this is a tradition of fulfillment of wishes or fulfillment of a vow.
- Havan and Puja:
You can be a part of the puja and havan conducted by the priests in the temple.
Pooja items are available in the temple premises itself. You can organize the puja as per your wish.
- Exploring the Foothills of Tirumala:
After visiting the temple, you can go to visit the beautiful foothills of Tirumala. The view of greenery and mountains here is worth seeing.
- Darshan of Ardhavartan (Ardhanareeshwar):
You can have darshan of Ardhavartana in Tirumala only. Ardhavartan is a form of Lord Shiva and Parvati, which represents half Shiva and half Parvati. - Sri Venkateswara Museum:
Tirupati also has the Sri Venkateshwara Museum, where you can see the history of the temple and things related to Lord Venkateshwara.
These are some of the special experiences that you can include in your Tirupati trip. Apart from this, do not forget to taste the Prasad here and buy some special things from the local markets.